An in-depth Impact Study has discovered that Round Table Great Britain & Ireland (RTBI) raised £6,471,000 for local communities in 2021. The report also revealed membership of the organisation has directly led to young men choosing to continue with life after contemplating suicide.
RTBI is part of the Round Table Family. It was originally created for individuals who identify as male between the ages of 18 and 45, whilst sister organisation Ladies Circle is open to individuals who identify as female of the same age.
During late 2021 and early 2022 RTBI commissioned charity consultant and not-for-profit strategist, Ruth Jackson to conduct and author an Impact Study on their behalf. Describing RTBI in the report, Ruth said “At times of great hardship, difficulty and trauma, an organisation with loyal, committed and connected members, able to access a range of other diverse resources represents an amazing national asset.”
This research demonstrates:
That RTBI members raised in excess of £3,955,000 in 2021 despite the challenges of COVID.
That during the same year RTBI members donated more than 157,780 hours of their time – which equates to 6,575 days – or 940 weeks – or 18 years.
Using the average national hourly wage of £15.95* this represents a further £2,516,591 of value.
All combined, RTBI members therefore contribute in excess of £6,471,000 to local communities.
The research was both quantitative and qualitative. In addition to the figures detailed above the report also included 14 stories from individual members (also known as Tablers) describing the impact Round Table has had on them and their lives. Outtakes from those individual stories include the following:
“Through connection, friendship, helping others, working in the community and being part of something bigger, everything is a whole lot better. There is a lesson there for lots of other organisations and institutions. It is in friendship, connection, laughter and understanding and working to help others we build better lives and communities.” (Raz from Lytham)
“We all get to share ideas as well as learn about each other’s different cultures – it is good to remember that we are people first and being social together gives us the impetus to spread that goodwill across the world.” (Matty from Cardiff)
“We all know about the issues around men’s mental health and I know for a fact the difference it has made for several of our members that there is always someone there if you need them.” (Andy from Thornbury)
“Friendship is so important and a chance to build friendships at the same time as help other people is just great, it binds people in the best way. Can’t recommend it enough.” (Andy from Redditch)
The research also highlighted specific example of where a close, positive support network of men provided a safe place for individuals suffering mental health issues. Anecdotally this included examples of members actively helping others considering suicide to continue living. In response, current National President Matt Fallon recently announced that Round Table is to work with CALM to battle male loneliness and suicide.
“For 95 years, Tablers have been supporting local communities through charity activities, events, volunteer hours and more. We have known anecdotally that the work and effort put in by our members has had a huge impact, but we wanted to know and understand more about what we do, who we help, how much we help and why we help, comments Round Table Great Britain & Ireland national community officer, Alan Collins.
“The results are an incredible achievement by a group of young, willing and committed volunteers all across the UK. It represents in just a handful of numbers the incredible impact Round Table has on communities and is a testament to the hard work and commitment demonstrated by Tablers. RTBI is a unique organisation and these numbers combined with the heart-warming, heartfelt and incredibly honest stories show that as an organisation we really #DOMORE.”
The Impact Report’s author, Ruth Jackson concludes: “It's not what you think. Contrary to common perceptions, Round Table cannot be characterised as a Boys Drinking Club. Without exception the individual members with whom I spoke were extremely clear about the fundamental and significant impact that being part of the Table had had on their lives. That they are part of a 24/7 community in the real world and digitally via WhatsApp groups, Facebook, etc.”
“For some, the existence of Table and the network of men ready and willing to offer immediate support, to get alongside them and help them get through was what ultimately made the difference in choosing to continue with their life rather than to end it. At a time of extreme polarisation, when conversations are too often about what divides us and the challenges ahead may be the worst for several generations, it is wonderful to see and hear about an organisation so committed to being human.”
The full impact report is available here
*Source: ONS average weekly earnings figure for April 2022 of £598. £15.95 is based on 37.5 hours at that rate
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Round Table (RTBI) is a young man / men's club for those aged between 18 and 45. RTBI supports charities, the local community and its individual members through friendship and brotherhood. As part of the Round Table Family, RTBI is an inclusive organisation open to all individuals no matter their age or gender identification. To find out more visit our FAQs page or Contact Us.
