Today is International Men’s Day, which celebrates the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. The day raises awareness of men’s wellbeing, and the theme for 2024 is ‘positive male role models’.
Support available
Suicide is the leading cause of death in the UK for men aged under 50. If you are struggling with your feelings, and coping in general, please talk to someone.
Andy’s Man Club Bracknell
Andy’s Man Club is a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to attend peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online. There is a group based in Bracknell who meet every Monday at 7pm.
Andy’s Man Club want to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation. They create a judgement-free, confidential space where men can be open about the storms in their lives.
Ascot Shed
There is also a local community group called ‘Ascot Shed’. This offers men a chance to chat and socialise with others, while taking part in activities like carpentry, model making or even computing. It is a space to learn and practise skills, share experiences and expertise, and socialise with like-minded people.
Originally aimed at men who had retired and lost social connections, Shed aims to tackle isolation and improve men’s health and wellbeing along the way. If this sounds like it may be your thing, or for a man you know, pop along for a chat and a cuppa.
Earlier this month was Support for Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day. It is important to remember that Berkshire Women’s Aid (BWA), our local domestic abuse support service, offers support to all genders. If you need help, you can call their helpline on 0808 801 0882 or email: helpdesk@bwaid.org.uk.
About International Men’s Day
The first time International Men’s Day was celebrated in the UK, was by the University of Kent students in 2008. Though similar events have not avoided controversy, with many highlighting the comparative advantages men have in the workplace over women.
However, others have highlighted some of the challenges men still face, including men accounting for 75 per cent of all suicides in the UK in 2019. The event has evolved and is now seen as a chance to highlight men’s experience, rather than compete with International Women’s Day.
The main aims are:
- to improve gender relations
- highlight male role models
- promote positive expressions of masculinity
