Men’s Health and Mental Health Awareness Month
01 Nov 2024
Sign up for Men's Health Awareness events this November
For the month of November, our focused campaign is Men’s health and Mental health Awareness. This campaign ties in with both International Men’s Day UK Tuesday, 19 November and Movember.
These campaigns aim to bring awareness to a wide range of men's health and mental health issues. International Men’s Day UK provides a platform to focus on the wellbeing of men and boys, support charities and hold a positive conversation around men’s health and mental health. ‘Movember’ takes place every November, to raise awareness and funds for men's mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Why is it important?
With the very worrying continuing increase in male suicide (4,188 male suicides in England 2023), statistics showing 1 in 8 men in the UK will be diagnosed prostate cancer in their lifetime and diagnosis of testicular cancer increasing, it is crucial that we continue to raise the platform of men’s health and mental health topics to provide essential knowledge and safe spaces to talk more about these issues.
The better understanding individuals have of the risks, signs and symptoms, and where to go for support, this encourages people to get the help they need sooner. Talking about health problems, life challenges and worries is not easy and research highlights that although it is improving, men are more reluctant to talk about concerns and access support. Talking about men’s health in the workplace is important as it presents more opportunity to raise awareness and to help provide support.
If you are currently struggling and in need of help, please view support pages provided by International Men’s Day UK.
Inclusive campaign for all
Our campaigns have the important message to recognise individuals from the LGBTQI+ community are directly impacted by health issues including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. Our events welcome all colleagues who may be directly impacted by these issues.
We also recognise there is a large community of individuals who will be indirectly impacted by these topics. You may have a colleague, friend or family member who is at risk or experiencing one of these issues. You can play a crucial in supporting these individuals getting the help they need, such as encouraging them to book that doctors appointment or checking in on their mental health. Our events are open to all colleagues to attend.
Events
Tuesday, 19 November
FBMH International Men's Day Event 2024, Empowering Men's Health: Awareness, Action, and Advocacy webinar, with guest speaker We Are Wellbeing founder and director Andy Romero-Birkbeck (online) 12:00 to 12:45
Andy will be discussing this year's theme of 'positive male role models', alongside workplace wellbeing.
This will then be followed by a Q&A where Andy will answer audience questions surrounding men’s mental health and wellbeing.
UK Men's Shed's Association Information Webinar: Tell me more about a ‘Men's Shed’, 13:00 – 14:00 (Online)
'Connection, conversation and creation - that's what joining a Men's Shed is all about'
Men's Sheds encourages people to come together to make, repair and repurpose, supporting projects in their local communities. Improving wellbeing, reducing loneliness and combatting social isolation along the way. Recent research gathered by the UKMSA Health and Wellbeing Survey, 2023, suggests 89% of regular attendees at a Men’s Shed experience a decrease in their depression.
Delivered by UK Men’s Shed Northwest Community Manager and local Manchester Men’s Sheds Ambassadors, this talk will take you through what a Men's Shed is, the benefits, how to access your local Men's Shed and finally some discussion around what is involved if you want to start up your own Men's Shed' in your local community.
Tuesday, 26 November
13:30 – 14:30, Testicular Cancer Awareness Talk with the Oddballs Foundation, in-person.
Hosted by the Oddballs Foundation Manchester Ambassador Laura Crowley, join this session to discuss testicular cancer including:
- Key facts about testicular cancer
- Signs and Symptoms
- Getting a diagnosis
- Current research for testicular cancer
Check Yourself Guides will be available to take away with you.
Tea, coffee and cake refreshments will be provided at this event. Please advise any dietary requirements to wellbeing@manchester.ac.uk.