The Ministry of Equality will be marking International Men’s Day on Tuesday 19th November with a conference at the Sunborn. 

‘Breaking Barriers’ is a conference that builds upon the Ministry of Equality’s International Men’s Day events last year which focused on the need to identify and eradicate barriers that may prevent men and boys from seeking help, advice and support for physical and mental health concerns. 

The aim of the conference is to promote a positive conversation about men and masculinity, and on promoting better health outcomes for boys and men. The conference will showcase different Government departments and agencies as well as charities and NGOs supporting men and boys’ well-being. Additionally, the conference will focus on the importance of promoting better mental health support for men in the workplace and strategies for this. 

The conference will include panel discussions, Q and As, personal testimony, interactive engagement and a keynote presentation. The conference will run from 9am to 1pm. 

The event is open to the public, but registration is necessary. To register please contact [email protected] or telephone 200 42509. Early registration is recommended as spaces are limited. Please advise of any accessibility or dietary requirements upon registration. 

Minister for Equality, Christian Santos, said: “The Ministry of Equality’s events for International Men’s Day last year raised the profile of boys and men’s well-being and helped to generate a conversation around boys and men’s physical and mental health. Men are less likely to focus on self-care so creating a culture where seeking help and advice for mental health concerns becomes the norm is vital. I hope that the conference will be a pivotal point that will continue to generate important and meaningful conversations around boys and men’s well-being beyond International Men’s Day and that it will galvanize the community into taking positive action.”