Celebrating International Men’s Day in the UK

Nov 19 2024 3:37PM

International Men’s day is celebrated on the 19th November. This day is dedicated to recognising and celebrating the positive contributions that men and boys make to their families, communities, and society. It also aims to highlight the issues that affect men and boys, such as mental health, toxic masculinity, and the high rates of male suicide.

The Importance of International Men’s Day

International Men’s day in the UK focuses on three core themes:

  1. Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys.
  2. Raising awareness and/or funds for charities supporting men and boy’s wellbeing.
  3. Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood, and masculinity.

Key Facts and Statistics

Here are some important statistics and facts about men and boys in the UK:

  1. Mental Health and Suicide Rates:
  • Suicide Rates: Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. In 2022, 4,129 men took their own lives in the UK, compared to 1,388 women. This stark difference highlights the urgent need for targeted mental health support for men.
  • Mental Health: Despite the high rates of mental health issues among men, many do not seek help. Societal expectations and stigma often prevent men from discussing their mental health struggles openly

2. Education and Unemployment:

  • School Exclusions: Boys are more likely to be excluded from school than girls. In 2022/2023 academic year, 6,481 boys where excluded from school, accounting for 69% of total exclusions. This trend can have long term negative impacts of their educational and career prospects.
  • NEET (not in employment, education, or training): There are 493,000 young men (aged 16-24) not in education, employments, or training in the UK. Of these, 213,000 are unemployed.

3. Homelessness:

  • Rough Sleepers: Men make up at least 82% of rough sleepers in England. In Autumn 2023, 3,214 men were found to be sleeping rough. Homelessness is often linked to other issues such as mental health problems, substance abuse, and lack of social support.

4. Health and Life Expectancy:

  • Life Expectancy: Men have a shorter life expectancy than women. On average, men in the UK live 3.7 years less than women. This gap is influenced by various health factors.
  • Health Issues: Men are more likely to suffer from lifestyle-related health issues such as heart disease, liver disease, and respiratory diseases. Encouraging men to engage in regular health check-ups and adopt healthier lifestyles is essential.

5.Violence and Crime:

  • Victims of Violent Crime: Men are more likely to be victims of violent crime. In 2023, 73% of homicide victims were male. Additionally, men face significant challenges as victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and other forms of exploitation, yet these issues are often under reported.

 

What to do if you struggle with Mental Health

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, it's important to seek help and support. Here are some steps you can take:

Talk to Someone: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or colleague. Sharing your feelings can be a crucial first step in getting support.

Seek Professional Help: Consider speaking to a mental health professional such as a therapist, counsellor, or psychiatrist. They can provide you with the tools and strategies to manage your mental health.

Use Helplines and Online Resources: There are numerous helplines and online resources available in the UK, such as:

  • Samaritans: Call 116 123 for free, confidential support 24/7.
  • Mind: Visit mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393 for information and support.
  • CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Call 0800 58 58 58 or visit thecalmzone.net for support aimed at men.

Join Support Groups: Support groups can provide a sense of community and understanding. Look for local or online groups where you can share experiences and advice.

Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote your wellbeing, such as exercise, hobbies, and mindfulness practices. Taking care of your physical health can also positively impact your mental health

This site uses cookies. By continuing your visit, you accept their use as set out in our Cookie Policy. OK