NOVEMBER 19 is International Men’s Day when the positive value men bring to the world is celebrated. The theme for 2024 is 'Positive Male Role Models'.

The day aims to to shine a light on the issues that men face day in and day out.

In the UK, men are three times more likely than women to take their own lives, according to emotional support charity Samaritans. International Men’s Day coincides with Movember, which involves men growing their facial hair in an effort to promote conversations about men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

The IMD website states: “International Men’s Day encourages men to teach the boys in their lives the values, character and responsibilities of being a man. Mahatma Gandhi said, “We must become the change we seek.” It is only when we all, both men and women, lead by example that we will create a fair and safe society that allows everyone the opportunity to prosper.”

A further aim of the day is to raise awareness and funds for the charities supporting men and boys’ wellbeing.

Fortunately, there are many charities and funded organisations in Wirral available to support men.

The charity JourneyMEN in Birkenhead encourages men to talk about and their mental health. They run events weekly including gardening clubs, walk and talk and breakfast clubs. Their website states: “Regardless of what month, day, week or your sexuality we are here to support you with your mental health. Don’t suffer in silence.”

Elemental Project Men's Social Group provide activities for men developed by men and delivered in collaboration to provide places to have a laugh, learn, achieve and give to the community. Alongside signposting and peer support when men need it. They organise events at various locations throughout Wirral.

Men Too offer a range of mental health support to men living with mental health issues. maintenance for the mind sessions run for 4 hours every Tuesday. These sessions include a check in and check out, an activity and a lunch break, food, snacks and hot and cold beverages are always provided. The sessions provide a safe, ethical and welcoming environment.

Weekend Wind Down for Men-Wirral Mind This is run on Fridays from 10am to 12 noon and includes time to chat, chill and play pool.

Andy's Man Club don’t publish group addresses as these can change at short notice and they wouldn’t want any man turning up only to find they had closed. To find the closest group men should look on their website for up-to-date information. Sessions run on Monday evenings.

Wirral Pathfinders, whilst not targeting men specifically, is a Wirral-based mental health self-help support group. Their motto “We are the friends you have not yet met,” encapsulates their aim to decrease isolation and provide a listening ear.

Mersey Counselling & Therapy Centre are a charity providing counselling and therapy support based in Birkenhead.

If you are interested in exploring the theme of understanding why men often struggle to express themselves, Scottish Bafta winner Duncan Cowle’s film, Silent Men, tackles male mental health and men’s reluctance to be open about their feelings. It is being released at selected locations from November 19 to coincide with International Men’s Day. Representatives from Andy’s Man Club will host sessions after the film in some areas.

To show your support for IMD the charity suggest you think about a good male role model you’ve had in your life and maybe reach out to thank them.