MASH announces commencement of free Meet & Eat sessions

source: Catalyst/Clive Coley

published: 11 May 2026

We are pleased to announce the return of the extremely popular Mentoring & Advocacy Support Hub (MASH) Meet & Eat sessions starting in July 2026. See the flyer here

The very first eat-out had taken place in November 2017.

Following a successful period of delivery between 2017 and 2019, these sessions are returning thanks to a grant of £19,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund (Awards for All) through its 'Supporting Communities Programme'. This funding will be instrumental in supporting our critical and ongoing work with African and Caribbean men and women in Birmingham and Solihull who have lived experience of mental health challenges.

Wider MASH services will also includes the provision of leadership development, social activities, and easy access to a range of community-based services.

So, what is Meet & Eat?

The MASH 'Meet & Eat' sessions provide informal drop-in opportunities designed to reduce isolation. Participants will have the opportunity for a free evening meal in a relaxed atmosphere with friends and support staff, and be offered signposting to relevant support networks.

The grant will also cover sessional staffing costs, and various community events over the next two years, including meal costs, and assistance with travel expenses for those facing financial hardship.

About the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF)

The NLCF distributes over £600m annually across the United Kingdom. The Community Fund award money is raised by Lottery players to fund and support initiatives that help communities thrive, with a focus on community projects that connect people, foster growth, growth and build a better future.

The NLCF specifically supports individuals facing, poverty, disadvantage, or discrimination. By 2030 the NLCF aims to share over £4billion to create stronger, fairer communities across the UK.

You can learn more by visiting the NLCF website here: www.nlcommunityfund.org.uk

The MASH Plan

MASH has an ambitious development plan, and several new initiatives will be rolled out over the next 2+ years. We are actively seeking funding to re-start the MASH drop-in services as outlined in our community development programme. This includes leadership development, easy access to culturally appropriate community services, a social value model and various social activities.

The MASH social activities connect people through our structured activities in the form, of guests’ and motivational speakers. These informal drop-in sessions will be held in a safe and supportive environment to enable participants to connect, share their interests, and enjoy a meal in a relaxed atmosphere with their carers, friends, and support staff.

We plan to run the Meet & Eat sessions monthly at various locations across Birmingham, with each session supported by a dedicated project worker.

What can you do?

Further details regarding the MASH Meet & Eat sessions and how you can get involved and support this initiative will be shared shortly. In the meantime, please visit www.mashhub.org.uk/eatingout for further information.

Alternatively, contact Clive Coley (Projects & Development Manager)

E: clive.coley@catalyst4change.org.uk, M: 07599 295 265