Join Fleetwood Town Community Trust in tackling the stigma of men’s mental health
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On International Men’s Day next month, Fleetwood Town Community Trust will gather the local community and celebrate local men at an event which will be held at the Sea Cadet Base from 11am until 3pm.
International Men’s Day is celebrated on 19th November each year by over 70 countries, and focuses on raising awareness of discrimination and men’s health.
The event, which is sponsored by Fleetwood-based charity Men’s Shed, will showcase services on offer to men and women in the town with representatives from a number of charities and community groups including Healthier Fleetwood, Trinity Hospice, Lancashire Mind, Prince’s Trust, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, and more.
The event will be opened at 11am by Fleetwood Town Chairman and local business owner Andy Pilley, and there will be guest speakers including local boxer Brian Rose (12pm), Men’s Shed founder Tony O’Neill (1pm), and Dave McPartlin, Headteacher at Flakefleet Primary School (2pm).
John Hartley, Community Sports Development Officer at the Community Trust, has played a pivotal role in organising the event, after Stuart Macrae, who is from the local area, approached him with the idea.
“I joined forces with Stuart to organise this International Men’s Day event to bring the community together and give residents the opportunity to find out about local organisations and networks they can look to for support.
“As well as celebrating men who have a positive impact on the town, it’s the perfect chance to meet new people. By opening up and sharing experiences, we can help tackle social isolation and improve mental health across the town.”
In the lead up to the event, we would like to encourage everyone to nominate the male they think has created the greatest impact on the local community over the last year. The person with the most votes will be presented with a certificate during the event. Click here to cast your vote.
Tony O’Neill, Founder of Men’s Shed, said:
“This event is about bringing Fleetwood together as a community, and respecting the fact that men have feelings too. So many men bottle things up as there’s still a stigma surrounding men opening up and talking about how they feel, and this shouldn’t be the case.
“This is the perfect event to show men that there are others in the same boat as them. We want to nullify the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, and let them know it’s ok to ask for help.”
Men’s Shed is a charity offering peer support, help, advice and friendship to members. It provides people with a place to share their experiences and helps them open up emotionally, making a real difference to the lives of local residents.
Refreshments will be served throughout the event, and everyone who attends will receive a goody bag. Free car parking will also be available opposite the venue, on Rossall Point car park.
We hope to see you all there on Tuesday 19th November at the Sea Cadet Base, 140 Beach Road, Fleetwood, FY7 8PQ.
