Let’s begin this read with a word from former Prime Minister - Theresa May MP.

Theresa May MP -  “I recognise the important  issues this event seeks to highlight including men’s health, male suicide rates and the underperformance of boys in schools, these are serious issues that must be addressed in a considered way.”

International Men’s Day is marked on the 19th of November, each year, globally. Many organisations and individuals hold events and activities to spread awareness about men’s health during the week.

International Men's Day is being observed in the UK by an increasing number of people each year, including both men and women as well as organisations. Throughout the month there are various Parliamentary debates, new policy launches, employer days, community events, health days, business events, staff support days, debates, student events, political events, lectures, research launches, gigs, charity promotion days, book launches, mental health discussions, film showings, conferences, competitions, comedy nights, get-togethers, award announcements and charity fundraisers throughout the country and it is the most that happen anywhere else in the world. 

There were approximately 200 events in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively. Whereas, in 2021, a record-breaking number of around 400 organisations got involved across the UK and 170,000+ tweets were made about the various events and the day.

The three core themes for International Men’s Day in the UK that help maximise participation are:

  • Making a positive difference in the well-being and lives of men
  • Raising awareness and funds for charities supporting men’s wellness 
  • Bringing across a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity

Below are a few statistics about men’s health in the UK that you must know:

  • 1 out of 5 men die before they cross 65 years of age 
  • 50% of men over 50 years of age develop an enlarged prostate 
  • 1 out of 7 men die from coronary heart disease (CHD)
  • 1 out of 10 men are diagnosed with diabetes
  • 1 out of 8 men is reported to have mental health problems 

International Men’s Day (IMD) is celebrated globally and is a day of observance. Men, women, girls and boys come together, to support and celebrate men and boys in all their diversity. IMD in the UK takes a gender-inclusive approach and ensures that issues affecting women and girls are also resolved. It recognises the intersection between gender and other factors such as race and sexuality as well, which compounds the inequalities affecting men.

We trust that you will find this information valuable, and it will spur you in celebrating and being aware of the health problems affecting the men of our society, highlighting the barriers they face. If you need support with your health, we at TGVC, have a wide range of food supplements on our website that will help you live a healthier and happier life.