Derbyshire founder of bikers’ mental health charity invited to Downing Street
The Derbyshire founder of the UK’s first charity dedicated to helping bikers with their mental health was invited to Downing Street for the launch of the Government’s new Men’s Health Strategy
Bolsover MP Natalie Fleet invited Paul Oxborough from Holmewod and Founder of the charity Mental Health Motorbike (MHMB), to 10 Downing Street for the launch.
The historic event, hosted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting, showcased organisations working to improve men’s health. MHMB, the UK’s first mental health charity dedicated to motorcyclists, was recognised for its vital support to the country’s 1.5 million riders.
Natalie Fleet MP said: “I was really proud to invite Paul to Downing Street so the amazing work of Mental Health Motorbike could be seen and heard at the Men’s Health Strategy launch.
"What Paul and his volunteers do is truly life-changing — giving support to people who might otherwise be struggling in silence. I was especially moved hearing how this work grew out of the tragic loss of Paul’s friend Dale, and he’s turned that into something positive for so many riders. It was important that ministers could hear about their work directly.
"This is the first strategy of its kind, and it shows just how serious the government is about men and boys’ health, and about gender equality more broadly.”
At No.10, Paul Oxborough spoke with the Prime Minister and Health Secretary about the charity’s origins, founded after the loss of his friend Dale, and the critical role MHMB plays in supporting riders’ mental health across the UK. He also provided written information to ensure the charity’s work was acknowledged at the highest level.
Paul Oxborough said: “What a privilege it was to meet Sir Keir and the Secretary of State for Health and to be part of such a historic unveiling of a new Health strategy. To meet the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Health directly means a huge amount, as it validates the essential work our 100+ volunteers are doing every day across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Wes Streeting expressed a personal connection to the sector, noting that motorbikes were close to his heart due to family involvement, reinforcing the relevance of MHM’s mission.”
MHMB provides free mental health support and peer-led assistance both online and at more than 400 face-to-face events each year. The charity supports a growing, diverse community including women, young riders, LGBTQ+ members, and people from a range of cultural backgrounds.
This visit highlights how local organisations and volunteers are contributing to national efforts to improve men’s health and ensures Derbyshire’s community-focused charities are part of the conversation at the highest level.