The work of a charity that provides peer support groups for men suffering with their mental health has received a £1,500 donation.

In Sam’s Name was set up in memory of Sam Fisher, who died after a battle with his mental health, and the charity aims to give young men a stigma-free environment to talk openly and freely.

Among the local regular sessions are ones at Ambleside Community Centre, Ollerton, every other Wednesday, at 7pm; at Ashwood Centre, Kirkby, every other Monday, at 7pm; and at Forest Town Arena every other Monday, at 7pm.

The donation from Barratt and David Wilson Homes will go towards marquees that will allow the charity to reach wider audiences and communities at open days and outdoor events.

Richard McHugh, chairman at In Sam’s Name, said: “We thank Barratt and David Wilson Homes for recognising the need for the services we provide and supporting the breakdown of the stigma around mental health.

“Organisations such as In Sam’s Name — and In Sam’s Name – For Her, a sister peer support group for women — need these donations because they are vital for the local communities they serve, as a judgement-free support network.

“We are based in a deprived area of the county and we are now seeing new challenges and issues as a result of the pandemic. The pandemic increased the isolation issues for the older generation as a result of lockdowns.”

The developer’s donation was made as part of its Community Fund scheme, via The Barratt Foundation, which is run by its parent company, Barratt Developments.

It is designed to support national and local charities, large and small, across the UK to leave a legacy in the communities in which the housebuilder operates.

Mark Cotes, managing director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Midlands, added: “We hope to make a positive difference in the lives of deserving beneficiaries through charities such as In Sam’s Name and contribute to the welfare of our local community.”

For more information on the charity, go to https://insamsname.co.uk