Charity News

And the winner is… Best Mates #wegotya

And the winner is… Best Mates #wegotya

Last night, Jeff was joined by fellow colleagues from Best Mates, Sherelyn Cowles, one of our Walk N Talk leaders from Melksham, and Janet Shreeve of Shreeve Care Services at the South West Business Awards.

What a night it was. Being nominated and shortlisted for Charity of the Year against such strong competition already felt like an incredible achievement. We were genuinely just happy to have made it that far.

Then came the moment…

“And the winner is… Best Mates – We Got Ya.”
Proud is an understatement, and emotions definitely took over.

This award is about awareness. It helps us take our message further, reaching more towns, more communities, and more people who may need a Best Mate by their side.

Jeff said, speaking on behalf of himself and Carl:
“We did it. This award belongs to every single person who has been involved, helped, worked with us, advised us, created, delivered and sacrificed their time to build Best Mates and support others over the past 28 months. Thank you to everyone. We are your Best Mates… and We Got Ya.”

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Best Mates Announces New Charity Partnership with MCH London

Best Mates Announces New Charity Partnership with MCH London

Best Mates, a charity committed to supporting people through challenging moments and being a helping hand in any crisis, is proud to announce a new partnership with MCH London, a leading full circle marketing agency.

The partnership will combine Best Mates’ passion for creating meaningful connections with MCH London’s expertise and resources, enabling the charity to raise awareness, expand its initiatives, and support even more people across the UK.

Through this collaboration, MCH London will provide strategic support, fundraising efforts, and creative campaigns designed to amplify the impact of Best Mates’ work. Together, the two organisations aim to bring communities closer and foster lasting positive change.

Carl McCulloch, CEO of Best Mates, said: “This is an exciting partnership because MCH are fully supportive of our mission, and their whole team are behind what we are trying to achieve.”

Mark Howarth, Founder of MCH London, added: “Best Mates is a young and dynamic charity trying to change people’s lives through lived experience. As a company, we believe in what they are doing and look forward to supporting them on their journey.”

The partnership officially launches 1st October with several joint initiatives planned throughout the coming year.

For more information, please visit:
www.bestmates.org | www.mch.london

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Charity Trustee Wanted – Corporate Engagement

Charity Trustee Wanted – Corporate Engagement

Job Title: Trustee – Corporate Engagement
Charity: Best Mates – WeGotYa
Location: Remote Working
Time Commitment: Approx. 6 board meetings per year, plus networking and advocacy work
Term: 2 years

About Best Mates – WeGotYa

Best Mates – WeGotYa is a community-driven charity dedicated to supporting people facing tough life challenges, including mental health struggles, family breakdown, and isolation. Our mission is to be a helping hand in any crisis.

We’re growing fast and looking for an engaged, connected, and committed Trustee to help us take our impact to the next level.

Role Purpose

We’re seeking a Trustee with strong corporate relationships who will be directly accountable for making high-value introductions to businesses and potential partners. You’ll help us unlock funding, build partnerships, and raise awareness within the business world — supporting our mission with your influence and networks.

Key Responsibilities

  • Corporate Introductions: Actively use your professional network to introduce Best Mates – WeGotYa to corporate decision-makers (CSR leads, HR teams, business owners, etc.).
  • Fundraising Support: Collaborate with the team to help turn introductions into sponsorships, donations, or pro bono support.
  • Strategic Input: Advise the board on trends in corporate social responsibility and partnership opportunities.
  • Advocacy: Be a visible and vocal ambassador for Best Mates – WeGotYa in your sector and beyond.
  • Governance: Fulfil all statutory duties of a charity trustee and contribute to effective governance.

What Success Looks Like

You will be accountable for:

  • Delivering a target number of qualified corporate introductions per year (agreed with the Founders).
  • Supporting relationship-building post-introduction where appropriate.
  • Reporting quarterly to the board on corporate outreach and progress.

Who You Are

  • A well-connected professional with a strong network in business or corporate sectors.
  • Experienced in fundraising, sponsorships, or business development (desirable).
  • Passionate about making a difference for young people.
  • Proactive, reliable, and results-driven.
  • Comfortable being held accountable and delivering on commitments.
  • Prior trustee experience is welcome, but not essential.

Why Join Us?

  • Be part of something powerful and purpose-driven.
  • Use your network to create real social impact.
  • Join a passionate, informal, and supportive board culture.
  • Help shape the future of a growing youth charity with heart.

Interested?

If you think you’ve got the network, commitment, and heart to support Best Mates – WeGotYa, we’d love to hear from you. Apply by emailing jeff.tucker@bestmates.org

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Infinity Connect Names Best Mates – wegotya as Charity of the Year

Infinity Connect Names Best Mates – wegotya as Charity of the Year

Partnership to people and communities facing life challenges through to the end of 2025

Infinity Connect is proud to announce a new charitable partnership with Best Mates – wegotya, naming the nonprofit its official Charity of the Year through to the end of 2025. This exciting collaboration reflects Infinity Connect’s ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.

Best Mates – wegotya is a young and dynamic charity dedicated to supporting people with life challenges, building resilience, and promoting well-being through peer-to-peer support, outreach, and education.

As part of the partnership, Infinity Connect will be working closely with Best Mates on a range of fundraising, awareness, and volunteering initiatives designed to amplify the charity’s reach and strengthen the support offered to young people across the region.

Julie Tooby, Director of Infinity Connect, expressed her enthusiasm about the new partnership: We’re absolutely thrilled to be supporting Best Mates – wegotya as our Charity of the Year. They are a brilliant new charity doing truly incredible work for people facing a number of life challenges. We’ve already seen the difference they make on the ground, and we’re proud to play a part in helping them grow their impact even further.”

Carl McCulloch, CEO and Co-Founder, said “we are delighted to have aligned ourselves with Infinity Connect as an organisation that believes in our work and takes their CSR responsibilities very seriously”.

The agreement, which runs until December 2025, will see both organisations joining forces to champion health and well-being—areas of critical importance to both partners.

For enquiries, please contact:
Carl McCulloch
carl.mcculloch@bestmates.org
0300 3036283

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Infinity Connect Announced as Headline Sponsor for Best Mates Golf Day at Cumberwell Park

Infinity Connect Announced as Headline Sponsor for Best Mates Golf Day at Cumberwell Park

Infinity Connect is proud to announce its role as Headline Sponsor for the upcoming Best Mates Golf Day, taking place at the award-winning Cumberwell Park Golf Club on 1st August 2025.

As an exclusive business club built around access, connection and experience, we’re thrilled to be backing an event that brings those very values to life. Now a standout fixture in the summer calendar, Best Mates Golf Day unites friends, colleagues and golf enthusiasts for a brilliant day of sport, laughter and shared purpose — all in support of a great cause.

“We’re incredibly proud to support an event that’s all about connection, camaraderie, and giving back,” said Julie Tooby, Business Development and Corporate Partner Director at Infinity Connect. “Infinity Connect is here to open doors — to influential networks, premium experiences, and moments that matter. Best Mates Golf Day is a perfect example of that, and we’re delighted to be part of this year’s celebration.”

The 2025 edition promises to be the most exciting yet. Guests can look forward to:

  • A full day of golf across Cumberwell Park’s prestigious courses
  • On-course competitions and prizes
  • Interactive challenges and team activities
  • Exclusive giveaways and branded golf gear
  • A celebratory dinner and awards ceremony to close the day

Thanks to Infinity Connect and a brilliant group of event partners, this year’s experience is set to raise the bar –  offering a memorable day for all involved.

Event Details:

  • 🏌 Best Mates Golf Day
  • 📍 Cumberwell Park Golf Club, Bradford on Avon
  • 📅 1st August 2025
  • ⏰ From 09:00

Registration is now open, and places are limited. To reserve your team’s spot or learn more, email corinne.paul@bestmates.org

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Best Mates Working With Creative Crochet By Shani

Best Mates Working With Creative Crochet By Shani

‘Creative Crochet By Shani,’ is a new crochet shop and workshop, which has opened in Swindon. It is a unique mix of blending crafting with mental health support under the guidance of Shani Moore.

Launched in June 2024, the shop has rapidly become a relaxing space for craft enthusiasts and those seeking peace. Shani’s mission is to create a place where people of all levels can connect, learn, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of crochet.

Mental well-being is central to Creative Crochet by Shani’s ethos. Certified as a Mental Health First Aider, Shani works with local charity Best Mates, led by Jeff Tucker, providing a supportive environment for clients.

To find out more please explore these articles:

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Best Mates and Bespoke Guardians Swindon Wildcats Celebrate Collaboration for Men’s Mental Health Month

Best Mates and Bespoke Guardians Swindon Wildcats Celebrate Collaboration for Men’s Mental Health Month

Best Mates, a pioneering organisation dedicated to promoting mental health awareness among men, is thrilled to announce a collaborative initiative with Bespoke Guardians Swindon Wildcats during Men’s Mental Health Month this November. This partnership aims to foster open conversations about mental health, raise awareness, and provide essential support to men in the community.

Throughout the month, Best Mates and Bespoke Guardians Swindon Wildcats will work together to engage the community and encourage men to prioritise their mental well-being. The Swindon Wildcats will join the efforts by hosting awareness opportunities at their home games during November & December, providing a platform to discuss the importance of mental health and support available.

“We are excited to partner with Bespoke Guardians Swindon Wildcats for this vital cause,” said Jeff Tucker, Co-Founder at Best Mates. “Men’s mental health is prevalent in our society, and our goal is to create a safe space where individuals can share their experiences and seek support. Together, we can break the stigma and promote understanding.”

The collaboration will raise awareness throughout the local community by engaging with the players who are role models within the local community for so many people. With ice hockey being a strength dominated sport, it’s the perfect platform to be able to demonstrate the need to address the subject of men’s mental health.

Head Coach Aaron Nell said, “We’re pleased to partner with Best Mates to raise awareness for their services and to help create a space where everyone feels encouraged to seek help and support. Men’s Mental Health Day is crucial, and as athletes, we understand its importance and want to encourage fans to seek help when they need it”

To kick off the month, Wildcats will be  supporting Mens Mental Health Day at the game on the 16th November 2024 against Peterborough. Attendees will have the chance to engage with Best Mates to understand the importance of talking about mental health.

Join us in this important initiative as we strive to create a supportive environment for men in our community. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of many.

For more information about Best Mates please visit www.bestmates.org or follow us on social media.

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100KM Challenge on Vibe

100KM Challenge on Vibe

The Best Mates team speak to Vibe FM about the 100KM challenge

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Great Coverage in SME Today and Swindon Advertiser

Great Coverage in SME Today and Swindon Advertiser

We are are delighted to share links to articles which have appeared in SME Today and the Swindon Advertiser covering our cycle ride from London to Paris.

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Best Mates Feature on Somerset County Gazette

Steven Hooper a member of the Cycling team who completed the incredible Tower to Tower Challenge and who works for Cygnet Mental Health Hospital was featured in the Somerset County Gazette.

Click here to view the full article >>

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