Sunderland venue hosts first International Men's Day event in bid to break the stigma around mental health discussions

On Monday, November 18, Hope Street Xchange hosted an event for International Men’s Day – marked on November 19 – which was supported by Sunderland AFC and in aid of charity If U Care Share.

The event saw speakers and charity supporters gather to discuss what could be done to help and get more people talking about men’s mental health and wellbeing.

Suicide remains the most common cause of death of men between the ages of 20 and 49 in the UK, and International Men’s Day offers the chance to make a difference to the lives of men and boys around the world.

Katy Sawyer, Event Coordinator for Hope Street Xchange, said: “We run an International Women’s Day event every year, but this is the first time we’ve run an International Men’s Day event.

“There is still a stigma around it and we want to reach out to more men and get them talking about mental health.”

Speakers at the event included, Nevil Tynemouth, Director of New Results Training, Ian Farrar, David Wilkinson and Simon Raybould who shared personal stories, professional tips to reduce stress and introduced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques as a way of coping with mental health.

North East charity, If U Care Share was set up after 19-year-old, Daniel O’Hare from Great Lumley in County Durham, committed suicide in 2005, without warning.

The charity, aims to encourage people to share their problems, and focuses on prevention, intervention and support of those bereaved by suicide.

Dominic McDonough, Fundraising and Events Manager at If U Care Share, said: “It’s great that this event will give men the chance to speak about the really important issue of mental health and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”

Sunderland AFC donated a signed football and tickets to be auctioned off at the event and all funds raised will go If U Care Share.