Published: 22 November 2023
On 20 November, staff and students from across the London campus came together to discuss men’s mental health and share experiences - with a series of talks, workshops, and networking activities.
We all face multiples pressures in our everyday lives, many of which can impact our mental health. For men especially, though, there can often be a reluctance to speak out and seek help when it’s needed, often due to societal expectations about what it means to ‘be a man’. This and other barriers to better men’s mental health were among the topics covered during International Men’s Day at UoSiL.
The event, organised by the London Students’ Union (SU) and supported by university colleagues, celebrated “the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities” – and formed part of International Men’s Day events held worldwide.
Being your authentic self
The event started with Geoff Paul, Assistant Director (Academic), sharing his key motivations during his career. Including how his parents worked so diligently to build their careers and how they provided Geoff with opportunities which he felt compelled to make the most of – and push himself as far as he could go.
Geoff explained that while there are many influences on men as they grow up, only you can decide what sort of man you truly want to be – “developing yourself for yourself”.
Idriss Kamtcheu, mental health professional and Event Director, BiPP Network, later led a mental health self-care workshop. Idriss explained how mental health is just as important as physical health, urged participants to be “their authentic selves”, and be ‘personally sustainable’ – including how it’s unrealistic to always be performing at 100%.
Reflecting on the successful event, Oluwatosin Ayomikun Solarin, London Students’ Union President, who led the organisation, said -
I have a strong interest in the subject of men’s mental health and mental health as a whole. So putting together the London campus’ first International Men’s Day event was especially important.
The event brought staff and students together – encouraged conversation, raised awareness, and provided an opportunity to share experiences.
Thank you, to everyone who helped make it happen.
Sharing experiences and struggles
Following a series of networking opportunities, which included staff and students discussing what mental health meant to them, the event welcomed further contributions.
This included Dan Fow, London SU Head of Operations, telling his story of academic struggle and career success, and how much going to university had “changed his life” for the better. Yahaya Alhassan, Head of Academic Operations, then shared his career advice, explaining the importance of working to “understand and build the skills for the next step in your career.”
The event concluded with a video presentation from Sunderland University Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell, which discussed the “growing recognition of the importance of discussing men's health and wellbeing” and emphasised the university’s commitment to support staff and students.