The Rowntrees: York's great philanthropists and what we can all still learn from them

Tackling Men’s Mental Health Through Community Action

James sits down with Matty Lewis, a social entrepreneur and founder of Menfulness, to explore how mindfulness, community, and purpose-driven leadership can create meaningful impact. Focused on tackling the stark realities of men’s mental health, Matty shares his personal journey into social entrepreneurship and how a grassroots idea has grown into a powerful movement across Yorkshire. From creating safe spaces for conversation for men to championing positive masculinity, this is a story of action, empathy, and community at its core. The conversation also highlights how businesses can play a role in driving change, from innovative approaches to CSR through the Fortus Foundation, to initiatives like Go Give One, which make supporting local causes more accessible and impactful. This episode is about breaking stigma, building connection, and proving that small, consistent actions can lead to life-changing outcomes. In this episode, we explore: • The reality of men’s mental health and why it matters now more than ever • Matty’s journey and the growth of Menfulness across Yorkshire • The importance of safe spaces and community-led support • How the Fortus Foundation is rethinking charitable giving • Real stories of change from mental health support to speech therapy initiatives This is a powerful and hopeful conversation about purpose, people, and the role we all play in creating positive change. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Matty Lewis and the focus on men's mental health 02:00 - Personal motivation behind improvement efforts in Yorkshire 03:24 - The evolution of Menfulness and its community impact 06:05 - Why North Yorkshire is critical for mental health initiatives 08:06 - The role of endorsements in expanding reach 10:42 - The importance of feedback and recharging in mental health work 12:40 - Diversified programs for different demographics and age groups 15:45 - Impact storytelling and influence of policy discussions 18:58 - Evidence of success: declining suicide rates in York 20:24 - Recognizing warning signs and how to approach loved ones 22:07 - Breaking the stigma around mental health through community support 25:46 - The influence of mindfulness on athletes and positive masculinity 28:00 - Leadership examples promoting open conversations about struggles 30:27 - The origin story of the Fortus Foundation and how it supports local charities 32:52 - Simplifying grant application processes and storytelling impact 36:03 - Engaging businesses through the Go Give One initiative 38:11 - Heartwarming stories: Music therapy and impact on children with speech issues 41:02 - Broader impact stories and sustainable support solutions 44:11 - The overwhelming demand for mental health services and future goals 45:00 - How businesses can contribute and connect through CSR 46:22 - Defining success: Impact over income and community gratitude 47:35 - Light-hearted reflection: What would Matty’s life movie be? 48:00 - Closing remarks: Connect with Matty and explore impactful opportunities Resources & Links: * https://www.fortusfoundation.co.uk/ [https://www.fortusfoundation.co.uk/] * https://menfulness.org/ [https://menfulness.org/] * https://www.serendipityyork.co.uk/ [https://www.serendipityyork.co.uk/] * https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/the-purpose-brief/ [https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/the-purpose-brief/]

The Rowntrees: York's great philanthropists and what we can all still learn from them

How did a small family of Quaker confectioners in York change the way we think about business forever? James explores the fascinating history of the Rowntree family with Nick Smith from the Rowntree Society. From Joseph Rowntree’s pioneering "Living Wage" experiments to the complex colonial history of the cocoa trade, we explore how a legacy of faith-led social responsibility evolved into a global blueprint for modern social justice and corporate purpose. What You’ll Learn: * The Quaker Root: How the Rowntree family’s faith drove their radical views on worker welfare and poverty. * More Than Chocolate: Joseph Rowntree’s role in creating the foundations for modern philanthropy. * The Ethical Conflict: Navigating the "bitter" side of the confectionery industry’s colonial past. * York’s DNA: How the Rowntree influence still shapes community development and social policy in the UK today. LINKS https://www.rowntreesociety.org.uk/ [https://www.rowntreesociety.org.uk/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therowntreesociety [https://www.facebook.com/therowntreesociety] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowntreesociety/ [https://www.instagram.com/rowntreesociety/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rowntreesociety [https://www.tiktok.com/@rowntreesociety] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therowntreesociety [https://www.youtube.com/@therowntreesociety] Find out more about The Purpose Brief: https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/ [https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/] Keywords & Tags: #Rowntree #YorkHistory #QuakerValues #SocialJustice #EthicalBusiness #Philanthropy #CorporatePurpose #HistoryShorts #JosephRowntree #SocialResponsibility

Philanthropy, Identity, and the Role of Fundraisers with Professor Beth Breeze OBE

In this episode of The Purpose Brief, James Johnston chats to Professor Beth Breeze OBE, and they explore how philanthropy really works and how it’s changing. Drawing on decades of research, Beth reflects on generosity among the wealthy, and why giving is rarely just about money. Instead, philanthropy often sits at the intersection of identity, influence, responsibility, and a desire to make a difference, sometimes in ways that can spark controversy and debate. The conversation explores what happens when wealth and goodwill meet in the real world, and how ideas of responsible business and responsible wealth are shaping modern philanthropy. They also touch upon the identity of donors, the critical role fundraisers play in building relationships and trust, and why public perception and collaboration matter for sustaining a healthy culture of giving. It’s a grounded, thoughtful conversation about philanthropy as a force for good and the responsibilities that come with it. LINKS Order 'Rich Expectations' Now from the Directory for Social Change [https://www.dsc.org.uk/publication/rich-expectations-why-rich-people-give/] More about Harris Manchester College: https://www.hmc.ox.ac.uk/ [https://www.hmc.ox.ac.uk/] More about James: https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/ [https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/]

AI Driven Good with Nathan Chappell

In the first episode of The Purpose Brief, James Johnston talks to world leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert Nathan Chappell about purpose, generosity, and the growing role of AI in helping not-for- profits scale fundraising. They discuss how AI can strengthen small teams, why ethics and transparency matter in the use of technology, and how we all need to adapt to rapid technological change. This chat also highlights the continued importance of human connection and curiosity in building trust, community, and impact and some tips for how to minimise your screen time. A thoughtful starting point for exploring how social good can evolve, and scale, in a changing world. LINKS: More about Nathan: https://nathanchappell.com/ [https://nathanchappell.com/] More about James: https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/ [https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/] Any thoughts on the show, please email us at hello@resolutepurpose.co.uk [hello@resolutepurpose.co.uk]

The Purpose Brief

The Purpose Brief is a monthly podcast hosted by James Johnston, exploring social good and how we can make the systems and people surrounding it work better. This isn’t surface-level debate, the podcast creates space for deeper, thoughtful conversations with practitioners, funders, trustees, and public leaders who are tackling complex social challenges in the real world. Each episode focuses on practicalities, proven approaches, and the connections that help scale impact. If you’re a civic-minded person who wants to understand how social good really happens and how you can make a difference, then The Purpose Brief is for you.