Men's Network at IPO

The Men’s Network was set up as a way of making sure that access to help such as our counsellor service was being accessed equally by men as it is by anyone else. With staggering figures around suicide, stress and an increase in reported domestic violence, the network seeks to give support to men and explore opportunities to increase equal opportunities by working in partnership with the women’s network.

Things we’re most proud of this year:

• The launch of a Men’s Network. The network was developed by a small group who were keen to ensure their male peers had an outlet and a support network. They wanted a formal way of supporting and collaborating with other gender networks to ensure inclusion was being driven by all.
• Sponsorship of a 2 day event celebrating International Men’s day. The focus of the event was to encourage men to feel like they were able to participate in discussions around depression, suicide and domestic violence.

Things we’ll concentrate on next year:

• Campaign highlighting individuals personal experience in dealing with stressful moments of their lives - illustrating that we all go through hard times and that there are places to seek advice
• Offer assistance directly to people that might want to talk about personal issues
• Setting up 'safe space' events in places like the wellbeing suites so issues can be aired, discussed and explored without fear
• Developing talks and content that might help to manage mental health and avoid stress, suggestions include: living with and working with women going through the Menopause; or living with partners that had suffered previously in abusive relationships.
• Review of the Men’s Network’s name, agree objectives and a vision.