Doncaster, August 11, 2024—Thanks to the Jackson Hope Foundation, a new wave of mental health support is set to roll out across Doncaster. The foundation has established several round-the-clock support groups aimed at assisting both men and women struggling with mental health challenges in the area.
Founded by Mark Jackson in response to the personal tragedy of losing his partner and mother within days of each other, the Jackson Hope Foundation has been a beacon of hope for many. Jackson, who is also actively involved with Andys Man Club Doncaster—a group dedicated to supporting men’s mental health—expressed his desire to provide continuous support through these new initiatives.
Jackson stated, “I wanted to bring more hope to everyone when there doesn’t seem much about anymore. We have two men’s groups at the moment and have scheduled them not to overlap with Andys Man Club.”
In addition to the existing men’s groups, a women’s support group will officially launch on August 13, and a social group will meet every Friday. This social group will offer free bacon butties, “talking benches,” and access to an allotment.
The initiative began when Jackson recognized a gap in daily mental health support. “It all started with some sad news that got me thinking—why not have support groups available every day, not just on certain days?” he explained.
Jackson’s vision gained momentum after discussing it with local councillors and community leaders, including Askern Mayor Jake Keeble and local businessman and firefighter Oliver Ketley. Their collaborative efforts led to forming a Community Interest Company (CIC) to manage the support groups and provide resources for other small local organizations.
Keeble and Ketley’s support, including establishing a website, helped propel the project forward. The team’s ambition is to expand its reach beyond Doncaster, fostering a network of support that operates continuously throughout the week.
“Our mission is to create a community where mental health support is accessible every day of the week through our collaborative efforts,” Jackson said. “While we may not directly host peer-to-peer groups seven days a week, we are committed to supporting and empowering other organizations to fill that gap.”
The Jackson Hope Foundation now offers the following support groups:
Men’s Hope Hub (Askern and surrounding villages): Wednesdays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Westfield Community Centre, Askern.
Men’s Hope Hub (Woodlands and surrounding areas): Thursdays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Woodlands Community Library.
Norbreck Social Group: Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon at Norbreck Road Communal Hall, Askern.
Women’s Hope Hub (Askern and surrounding areas): Starting August 13, Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon at Westfield Communal Hall, Askern.
The Jackson Hope Foundation is dedicated to fostering a supportive community where individuals can find hope and resilience in their journey toward mental well-being.
