Foundation supports International Mens Day

Club Doncaster Foundation are supporting International Mens Day in 2019, as they look to raise awareness for their current 'Make a Difference' campaign.

Launched in 1999, and now celebrated in more than 80 countries worldwide, International Men’s Day is going from strength to strength. The theme for IMD 2019 is 'Making a Difference for Men and Boys'.

On 19 November every year, International Men’s Day is commemorated worldwide to shine a spotlight on men who are making a positive difference and to raise awareness of issues that men face on a global scale.

With male suicide being the biggest killer of men under the age of 45, according to charity Calm, encouraging people to have open conversations about topics such as men’s mental health and male suicide is essential.

This International Men’s Day, men who are struggling with their emotions are being urged to share their feelings to protect their mental health.

Dr David Crichton, local GP and clinical chair at NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Men who are having difficulties coping with their emotions should know they are not alone, and to visit their GP, talk about their feelings and ask about the services that can help them.

“It’s really important that men in this situation know they are not alone, won’t be judged and will get the help they need if they come forward.

“Rather than bottling up their emotions, I encourage that men, like anyone going through difficulties, should share their emotions by talking about them and there are lots of services out there who can help.”

The aim of International Men’s Day is to celebrate positive male role models and to raise awareness of men’s issues.

These include topics such as mental health, toxic masculinity and the prevalence of male suicide.

In the UK, men are three times more likely than women to take their own lives, according to emotional support charity Samaritans.

Dr Crichton says although challenges remain, more men are coming forward to seek help and that local organisations such as Club Doncaster Foundation’s Fit Rovers, are an inspiring way for people to connect to their community and improve their mental health wellbeing.

Fit Rovers is a free adult fitness course based at the Keepmoat Stadium which delivers tailored sessions and advice to encourage members to live a healthier lifestyle.

Chief operating officer at the Foundation, John Davis, said: “Over the last few years we’ve been delighted with the amount of participants that have talked about their positive mental health journeys and the life changing effect it has had on their health.

“I am especially proud of the environment the team at the Foundation create to enable people to come together, share their problems and be more physically active.”

For more information, please visit https://internationalmensday.com/