Men United named charity beneficiary at Scottish Skipper Expo 2026. At the recent Scottish Skipper Expo 2026, Men United, a North-East Scotland-based mental health charity, was selected as the beneficiary of this year’s Show Reception fundraising efforts.
Held on the opening evening of the Expo, the reception was kindly supported by Certas Energy, Yanmar and Sunderland Marine (NorthStandard).
The annual reception provides an opportunity for the fishing industry to come together in a relaxed and informal setting, while also helping to raise awareness and support for a chosen charity. Funds raised during the evening will go directly to Men United.
Founded by Sandy Garvock in 2019, Men United has become a leading men’s mental health charity in the North East, providing vital peer-to-peer support for men of all ages. The organisation offers a safe and supportive environment where individuals can speak openly, share experiences and better manage the daily challenges that can affect mental wellbeing.
Speaking to Fish Focus, Sandy Garvock said:
“We were delighted to be selected as the chosen charity for the 2026 Scottish Skipper Expo and received a fantastic reception throughout the show, with many visitors coming onto the stand to learn more about our work.
“Men United provides support for men of all ages, helping them deal with the daily challenges that can affect mental health. Raising awareness within the fishing community across northeast Scotland, and further afield, was extremely important to us.
“The charity operates as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) and promotes the message ‘Don’t man up, speak up’, encouraging men to talk openly about mental health challenges rather than suppressing them.
“Our mission is centred on improving mental health and wellbeing through practical support, peer connection and community engagement.
“We would like to thank the organisers, supporters and visitors for the interest and generosity shown towards Men United.”
Men United provides a range of support services, including weekly peer-support groups, one-to-one mentoring and befriending, educational workshops, motivational speaking, social activities aimed at reducing isolation, and signposting to professional health and care services.
The charity has also developed its own “HEX Model”, based on the recognised “Five Ways to Wellbeing” framework, designed to support emotional resilience and personal development.
A key feature of Men United’s approach is its emphasis on lived experience and peer-led support. Rather than operating as a clinical counselling service, the organisation focuses on creating safe, non-judgemental spaces where men can speak openly with others facing similar struggles.
Since launching in 2019, the organisation has expanded beyond Peterhead into other parts of northeast Scotland, including Newmachar and Turriff, and reports having supported hundreds of men. Men United has also received local recognition, including an Inspiring Aberdeenshire Community Spirit Award for its contribution to community wellbeing.
With men continuing to account for the majority of suicides in Scotland, organisations such as Men United play an increasingly important role in providing early intervention, community support and informal pathways into help-seeking behaviour.
Image: Men United