This International Men’s Day, Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council are urging men to take time for their wellbeing and explore the support, activities and opportunities available close to home.
The free Together for Men event, taking place on Thursday 19 November from 5pm to 8pm at Leicestershire County Cricket Club, is open to anyone interested in improving and supporting men's mental health and wellbeing across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Dozens of local organisations will showcase opportunities to connect with others, try something new and find out about local groups, activities and support services. Visitors will be able to meet local groups, sports organisations, peer support networks, community services, veteran support organisations and wellbeing providers in a relaxed and informal setting at the cricket club. The event is free to attend, with no booking required.
Men’s mental health and suicide prevention must remain a priority for us all, recognising that pressures such as loneliness, financial worries, illness and isolation can affect men from all walks of life.
Together for Men is an opportunity to bring organisations and communities together, challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and make it easier for men to find help. Clubs, sports and social activities can play an important preventative role.
Above all, this cannot be a conversation we have only once a year. Through our public health partnerships, Mental Health Friendly Places and wider suicide prevention work, we want to build communities where men feel able to speak openly, where warning signs are recognised, and where support is available before problems become a crisis.
If this event encourages even one man who is struggling to reach out, it will have made a difference. But our ambition must be to reach many more, throughout the year, across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Person: Councillor Paul Harrison, cabinet member for health at Leicestershire County Council
Men’s mental health matters to all of us. The Together for Men Conference is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of local support, encourage conversations and help men know they are not alone.
I’m delighted that this year’s event will be open to the public, making it easier than ever for people to connect with services and support.
PersonCouncillor Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for health, culture, libraries and community centres at Leicester City Council
Leicestershire County Cricket Club are pleased to be welcoming back the Together for Men Marketplace.
As a sports club, we have an important role to play in using our platform to encourage conversations around men’s mental health and help connect people with the support available in our community.
We’re proud to be able to provide a space where people can come together, have open and honest conversations and find out more about what’s available locally.
I’d encourage everyone to come along, get involved and see what’s out there. Our ground is about much more than what happens on the pitch, and we’re proud to open our doors for an event that could make a real difference.
PersonLucy Devonport, Events and Venue Experience Executive at Leicestershire County Cricket Club
The event forms part of local activity marking International Men's Day and aims to encourage men to build connections, improve wellbeing and access support when they need it.
Research shows that men are often less likely to seek support for their health and wellbeing. Events such as Together for Men provide an opportunity to connect with others, discover local activities and find out what support is available in a welcoming and informal environment.
Event Details:
Together for Men
- Thursday 19 November, 5pm to 8pm
- Leicestershire County Cricket Club
- Free parking, Disabled access, Public transport links
- No booking required
- For more information visit Start a Conversation website.