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The Mark McQueen Foundation: Creating a Lasting Legacy in Mental Health Support
To acknowledge Mental Health Awareness Week, we are shining a light on one of our donors dedicated to improving our regions mental wellbeing.
The Mark McQueen Foundation was established in memory of Mark McQueen, whose life was tragically lost to suicide. In response to their loss, Mark’s family chose to create a positive and lasting legacy in his name—funding practical, community-based mental health support through the Community Foundation for Merseyside.
Since its inception, the Foundation has supported a wide range of local projects across Liverpool City Region. Awarding over £308,000, each of 77 grants is focused on improving mental wellbeing, reducing stigma around suicide and male mental health, and offering direct support to individuals and communities in need. By enabling local organisations to develop tailored responses, the fund is helping to address some of the most urgent challenges in mental health.
Several of the funded projects illustrate the reach and impact of the Foundation:
Sean’s Place (Sefton)
Received £3,000 to deliver targeted sessions aimed at reducing anxiety, depression, and stress in men—creating a safe and proactive environment for mental wellbeing.
The Reach Men’s Centre CIC (Sefton)
Granted £2,964 to offer both group and individual hypnotherapy sessions for vulnerable men, integrating alternative approaches into wider mental health support frameworks.
Joe’s Giants (Sefton)
Funded with £3,000 to run anti-bullying workshops and early intervention programmes for young men—helping to build resilience and promote emotional wellbeing.
Thinking Film Ltd. (Sefton)
Received £3,000 to engage young people in exploring mental health themes through short film production, encouraging open discussion and creative expression.
Evolving Mindset CIC (Knowsley)
Awarded £13,145 in 2024 to launch a free telephone support line available every evening from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The service has provided accessible, out-of-hours support to men experiencing mental health difficulties.
“We’re so fortunate that the McQueen family have funded the support that we offer locally in helping people in crisis. Our free telephone support line, running every evening from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, has been a massive success. It’s there for anyone who needs it—and our doors are always open. People come to us saying, ‘help’ or ‘I’m worried about a loved one.’ That connection is everything.”
Phil Noon, CEO of Evolving Mindset
Building a Community of Support
The Mark McQueen Foundation continues to play a vital role in supporting practical, accessible, and locally driven mental health solutions. It ensures that small organisations with deep community ties are empowered to make a measurable difference, reaching individuals who may otherwise fall through the cracks of mainstream services.
The Mark McQueen Foundation stands as a thoughtful and enduring tribute to Mark’s memory, and a meaningful commitment by the McQueen family to helping others. Their dedication has provided critical funding at a time when local services are under increasing pressure, and their efforts are creating real, lasting change across the region.
On behalf of all beneficiaries, partners, and community members, we express our sincere appreciation to the McQueen family for their generosity. Their decision to honour Mark in this way continues to make a difference in the lives of many.