Movember: Marking International Men’s Day

Each year on 19 November, we mark International Men’s Day, a global day that celebrates the positive value men bring to their families, communities, and workplaces. It’s also a time to raise awareness of men’s health and wellbeing, promote gender equality, and highlight positive role models.

This year’s theme, ‘Inspiring Men and Boys’, encourages open conversations about mental health, kindness, and resilience. At CLCH, we recognise and value the vital contributions of our male colleagues across all roles, from clinical teams and community services to corporate and support functions.

We also acknowledge the unique challenges that men may face, including mental health stigma, work-life balance pressures, and health inequalities. That’s why CLCH is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels supported to speak up, seek help, and thrive.

Charlie Sheldon, Chief Nursing and People Officer said: “This International Men’s Day, we are reminded of the importance of supporting men’s health be it physical, mental or emotional.

“As a community trust, we see every day how early conversations, compassionate support, and accessible services can change lives. We need to encourage all men to prioritise their wellbeing and access services to support them. By working together to break stigma and promote healthy habits, we can help men feel supported to improve their health and well-being.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank all of you who have taken part in Movember this year, and to our Men’s Network for the work they have done this year.”

Across CLCH, colleagues are using simple, everyday moments to spark meaningful conversations about men’s health and wellbeing.

Zak Comber, Digital Communications Manager, added: “Movember and my lack of a ‘mo’ is always a great conversation starter with friends and colleagues. Men often skirt around the subject of their health and wellbeing, but Movember gives us a chance to check in and open up those important conversations. It doesn’t need to be a big intervention, simply checking in and actively listening can make a huge difference. It doesn’t have to be a formal sit-down, sometimes reconnecting over a shared interest or even a quick trip to the café is all it takes to understand what someone might be going through."

Steve McCafferty, Speech and Language Therapist, Schools' Team Lead, said: “I think focusing on men’s mental health is important in tackling traditional stereotypes. We all know the tropes: from a young age, boys and men are expected to be ‘strong’ or just ‘grin and bear it.’ That works when things are going well, but they won’t always, and we need better ways to cope when they don’t.

"I believe it’s far more beneficial to build ‘mental fitness’ skills rather than waiting for a crisis to hit. Modern life teaches our brains to constantly run at a million miles an hour, and then we wonder why we can’t switch off! I like the quote ‘do the thing you’re doing’, it reminds me to be present: put the phone in a drawer, step away from endless scrolling, give full attention in conversations and time especially with my kids, and avoid checking emails during meetings. All of these are skills we can practice to gain mental flexibility and resilience.”

Dion Hockham-Marshall, Operational Resilience and Support Services Co-ordinator, added: “Checking in doesn’t have to be deep, a chat about football or weekend plans can lead to bigger conversations. By connecting through the things we enjoy, it can also be a way of looking out for each other.”

Get involved this Movember

At CLCH, our Men’s Network Co-chairs, Dominic Mundy and Zubair Patel are leading activities that help men feel seen, supported and connected. This year’s Trust-wide initiatives include:

• Grow a moustache– using the moustache as a conversation starter
• Move for Movember– getting active with physical challenges linked to suicide awareness (such as 60 km for the 60 men lost to suicide each hour globally)
• Check-in chats – to make “How are you really doing?” a normal workplace question
• Share stories of about men's health and male role models who inspire you at CLCH.

Happy International Men’s Day and thank you to all our colleagues who embody compassion, care, and community every day.