Central Co-op celebrate International Men's Day 2024 with their Annual 'Men's Voices' Event

On International Men's Day 2024 Central Co-op held their 5th annual Men's Voices Event. This year it took place at Central Co-op's Support Centre in Lichfield. 55 men braved the snowy weather to attend the event designed to help promote talking and discussion on issues that affect men.

Our theme of 'Positivity' fitted well with this year's International Men's Day theme of 'Positive Male Role Models'

The day kicked off with Central Co-op's CEO Debbie Robinson and Society President Elaine Dean. Both have championed this event since it started in 2o19 and talked passionately about how having a space for men to discuss, talk, learn, and listen about issues that directly affect men.

Our morning speakers were Malcolm Clarke and Neil Baldwin (co-authors of the book Marvellous) and inspiration to the television film of the same name (staring Toby Jones). Malcolm and Neil spoke of how they first met at Keale University and their friendship has lasted over half a century! A lot of that down to Neils 'Positivity'! Malcolm spoke of how the film was made, then subsequently how they wrote the book, which was then commissioned into a stage show. A truly uplifting story of friendship and positivity.

Following on from our morning speakers, delegates moved into a series of workshops. The topics for these workshops are on issues that specifically affect men, or that men feel they need support or advice on. The workshops were Men's Mental Health and Wellbeing, Male Suicide, Bereavement in Men, Food and Eating, Work-Life Balance, Inclusion, and a workshop discussing the idea of a Men's Voices community that will meet and support male colleagues throughout the year at Central Co-op.

These workshops are all colleague led, and special thanks to those colleagues who took the time to lead, research, and open up to help the conversation for the men attending the workshops. This event would not be what it is without the time and dedication from the volunteers who support it, too many to mention, but you know who you are!

After a lovely lunch which was prepared by colleagues from our Insomnia Cafe in Lichfield the afternoon sessions kicked off. Brad welcomed everyone back and introduced Richard from the Samaritans who gave a talk about what they do, and how they take a call every 6 seconds! The Samaritans are now Central Co-ops Member elected charity partner.

After Richard gave his talk, we moved into the afternoon activity! The afternoon activity was a choice of mindfulness Yoga, Walk and Talk, Tea and Talk, and Football (yes even in the snow 10 of us decided to brave the cold and snow, and played a game of 5 a side).

Having activity, be it fitness, mindfulness, or even a cuppa is all about finding your release in a safe way. Everyone has pressure, some small, some big, but finding a safe release to clear the mind has been proven to help as much as medication can to support your mental health, and this is a very important part of the Men's Voices day!

The day ended with Andy Seddon, Society Secretary giving an overview of the day along with a thank you to the amazing army of volunteers that made the day happen.

It is worth remembering that through positivity, you can all 'Enjoy Yourself' - Watch Marvellous the film, and this will make sense even more!