In 2018, up and down the UK, men, women and organisations have made International Men’s Day (Monday 19^th November) in this country another great event with the best ever support from employers and public bodies. There are 150 organisations marking the Day this year when there was only 12 in 2012 (note – it was 150 at the time of publication – it ended up being over 200).

There is a Parliamentary debate again (fourth year running) alongside policy launches, community events, health days, business events, debates, student events, political events, gigs, conferences, competitions, comedy nights and fundraisers.  All are focussing on how a difference can be made to the lives of men and boys and raise awareness of issues affecting their wellbeing.

It also is an opportunity to celebrate the positive contribution men and boys make to society and many events are also raising vital funds for charities supporting men and boys.

Making a difference to the lives of men and boys, includes addressing some of the issues that affect the wellbeing of Men and Boys in the UK, such as:

• The high male suicide rate
• The challenges faced by boys and men at all stages of education including attainment
• Men’s health, shorter life expectancy and workplace deaths
• The challenges faced by the most marginalised men and boys in society (for instance, homeless men, boys in care and the high rate of male deaths in custody)
• Male victims of violence, including sexual violence
• The challenges faced by men as parents, particularly new fathers and separated fathers
• Male victims and survivors of sexual abuse, rape, sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour-based crime, stalking and slavery
• The negative portrayal of men, boys and fathers

Statistics can be found at: http://www.menandboyscoalition.org.uk/statistics

A range of key employers are supporting the event including companies and public sector organisations – many of whom are doing so for the first time:

https://ukmensday.org.uk/event/2806/

In 2016, the event was endorsed by the former Prime Minister, who said: “I recognise the important issues that this event seeks to highlight, including men’s health, male suicide rates and the underperformance of boys in schools, these are serious issues that must be addressed in a considered way.”

 The International Men’s Day UK Ambassadors, said:

 “The fact that so many men, women and organisations across the UK have taken up International Men’s Day shows how much men and boys matter. It is a time where everyone can come together and focus on supporting their wellbeing and the issues they face. It also provides an opportunity to celebrate the positive contribution they make and raise vital funds and awareness of charities that support them.

“The fact that so many companies and public bodies are getting on board shows how they important they view the wellbeing of male employees, and men and boys in their community. This has been a significant change this year.”