International Men's Day, 2023

International Men’s Day, is a global day of recognition for men. It invites everyone to come together to celebrate men and boys in all their diversity.

This Sunday (19 November 2023) is International Men’s Day, a global awareness day which celebrates the positive value men bring to society, encouraging open discussions about men’s experiences and the unique challenges they may face.

The day also provides an opportunity to raise awareness about men’s health – both physical and mental. There is a culture of ‘manning up’ that is still prevalent in society today, and many men feel that there is an expectation for them not to be open about their emotions and how they are feeling. This can mean that some men can be reluctant to seek help when they need it. With suicide the biggest cause of death in men under the age of 50, it is vital that this culture changes.

At Team North West Anglia we have lots of incredible men who work in a wide variety of different roles, and for International Men's Day we have put the spotlight on just a handful of them, who have shared some insight into their journeys in the NHS and their views on the importance of health and wellbeing. You can hear from them below:

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Joel Harrison

Joel Harrison

It is a real privilege to hold the role of Chief Finance Officer at the Trust. I was appointed into the role on 1 January 2021, and my core responsibilities include Finance, Digital Services, Estates & Facilities Services as well as Procurement but I also have the pleasure of being responsible for the Trust's Charity, which is working hard to provide health and wellbeing support to our staff, as well as striving to improve the environments we care for our patients in. My role certainly provides me with a platform to try and implement positive change on the communities we serve and all of the fantastic staff that work so hard to care for our patients. Being part of a healthy and happy workforce is a key component of providing high quality services and is why supporting days such as International Men's Day is so important to me. If the day can inspire just one man in our workforce or community to open up and talk then that can only be seen as a success. 

Talking about men’s health is incredibly important. I think we need to take the time to talk and remember help is always there, should we need it. None of us are invincible and the stereotypes of old should be no more. Strength is gained from showing vulnerability, opening up and expressing how you feel. That ability to ask for help, however small, and to help others is, in my opinion, what makes a great modern man.

My little tip would be to try and cut out those bad habits. Its okay to enjoy a treat from time to time but we should all remember to treasure our health and take time to look after ourselves and our wellbeing. I play hockey and have done for 30 years which has been a great release for me, allowed me to be part of a team and form bonds with friends who have supported me over the years. So, its time to get moving, eat healthy and get out in the fresh air - its great for body and mind.