Events List: https://ukmensday.org.uk/events/list/

Organisation List: https://ukmensday.org.uk/organisations-supporting-international-mens-day/

UK marks International Men’s Day with over 200 ways to get involved and support men and boys’ wellbeing

In 2020, up and down the UK, men, women and organisations have made International Men’s Day in this country another great event, with the likelihood of a larger  number and wider range of events than anywhere in the world. There is huge support from employers, public bodies, universities, charities, football clubs, community groups and more. Once again Parliament is holding a debate in the House of Commons’ Chamber.

There are well over 200 for people to show their support and get involved – which marks an astonishing growth in the success and profile of the day, in 2012 there were only 12. There are now community events, mental health discussions, award announcements, student events, charity promotion campaigns, political events, lectures, conferences, staff support days, book launches, film showings, comedy nights, get-togethers and fundraisers.

The three core themes for International Men’s Day in the UK are:

• Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys
• Raising awareness and/or funds for charities supporting men and boys’ wellbeing
• Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity

These core themes help to address some of the issues that affect men and boys such as:

• The high male suicide rate
• The challenges faced by boys and men at all stages of education including attainment and re-skilling
• Men’s health (including male cancers and Covid-19), 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

Mark Brooks OBE, National Ambassador of International Men’s Day UK, said:

“The fact that so many men, women and organisations across the UK have embraced 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 – the hallmark of an inclusive society.

“International Men’s Day also provides an important opportunity to showcase the brilliant work of charities that support men and boys which are growing in number and in scale. They have an increasingly vital role to play and even more so in dealing with the short and long term effects of Covid-19.”

International Men’s Day is an inclusive platform and fully supports International Women’s Day. Many, of events and social media activity are Ied by women. This shows men and boys, and, women and girls recognise they share their lives society together.

The Men and Boys Coalition charity is responsible for International Men’s Day in the UK and oversees the platform, brand, themes and website as designated and appointed by the worldwide International Men’s Day organisers. It is not responsible for the events that are held to support International Men’s Day in the UK.