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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 Lancashire.
Since its inception, the Foundation has supported a wide range of local projects across Lancashire. Awarding over £63,000, each of the 25 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:
The Birchall Trust (Lancaster)
Awarded £3,000 to run support groups for men who have survived sexual assault. These safe spaces provide specialist emotional support for individuals often excluded from mainstream mental health services.
Stable Lives (West Lancashire)
Across two awards totalling £5,350, Stable Lives is delivering assisted personal development courses tailored to vulnerable young men. These programmes offer structured support to those suffering from poor mental health, with a focus on resilience and recovery.
Unlock Your You (Rossendale)
Received £3,000 to provide accessible counselling services in the community for individuals struggling with their mental health—ensuring help is available close to home.
Blackburn Youth Zone (Blackburn with Darwen)
Awarded £2,996 to deliver sporting activities for members of “Lad’s Zone,” offering a constructive outlet for young men and encouraging peer support and engagement.
Colne Open Door Centre (Pendle)
With £2,147 in funding, the Centre is providing a dedicated counsellor for men at risk of suicide, alongside a weekly peer support group—directly addressing crisis points and promoting long-term wellbeing.
The Social Business Company CIC (South Ribble)
Supported with £3,000 to strengthen mental and physical resilience among young men and develop strong support networks to reduce isolation.
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.