For the 1st time, in history, The Fylde Coast will be hosting an International Men’s Day event for businesses and organisations in Blackpool, on Tuesday 19th November at Blackpool Football Club.
The Event is brought to Blackpool, through a community of like-minded organisations, who are committed to supporting Men’s mental health and reducing the risk of male suicide. The committee includes The Washington Group, Empowerment Charity, Fulfilling Lives, Better Start Dads4life, Blackpool Football Community Trust, Blackpool Public Health, Jobs Friends and Houses, NHS, Change Talks, Blackpool Transport and members of the Armed Forces Covenant.
The free event will provide interactive workshops, with key local businesses and organisations sharing best practice and interventions. There will also be a marketplace area, with key community businesses and organisations showcasing the services available to develop or enhance their well being services for employees. The focus is male suicide and male mental health well being, but with the commitment that this can be mapped across the entire organisation, to support everyone.
Paul Stewart, former England Footballer and Director of SAVE, is the guest speaker and is fully involved and committed to the event.
“I am delighted to be supporting IMD2019, I am a former professional Premiership Footballer who came forward in November 2016 regarding the physical and sexual abuse I suffered as a junior at the hands of a football coach in the mid 70’s.
As an adult the impact of the abuse on my adult life has been extremely debilitating, my mental health issues were a major problem, as I suffered and still suffer with depression, I have contemplated suicide on many occasions and have struggled with emotional connection. I believe that it is a major step forward for men, that recognition of mental health issues are highlighted with days such as the one I will be attending in 2019. The illness is not clearly visible and in a lot of cases is not spoken about openly due to the stigma surrounding the subject.
Organisations such as The Washington Group CIC UK and Empowerment, Blackpool, provide excellent support to sufferers of all types of mental health problems, and they endeavour to raise awareness through the great work they do, including events such as the IMD2019 event in November.”
The Event is open to businesses who operate or are based in Blackpool. Places are limited to one place per business. To secure a place or to find out more about the event please get in touch with sue.littlefair@twguk.orgor call 07412858308