International Men's Day 2024: Celebrating the men making a difference at Making Space

Published 19 November 2024

International Men’s Day (IMD) 2024, taking place globally on 19 November, this year’s focuses on the theme ‘Men’s Health Champions’.

This year's theme highlights the critical importance of improving the health and wellbeing of men and boys, not as a competition with others but as part of a wider effort to promote better health for all. It is about raising awareness about male wellbeing, whether it’s social, emotional, or mental and physical health.

IMD is also about celebrating the positive value that men of all ages bring to families, workplaces, and communities. Talking about this, Phil Orton, Chief People Officer at Making Space, said:

“On International Men's Day, we are proud to celebrate the incredible contribution of all the amazing men who work at Making Space and take the opportunity to thank all our male colleagues and volunteers. We’re proud to have passionate people working with us to provide excellent care.

“In a sector which employs a majority of women, the men in our team consistently demonstrate the positive value that men bring to care, both in the workplace and in the wider community. Their dedication, compassion, and unique perspectives enrich our services and help us provide better care every day. We encourage more men to consider a career in social care, a sector where your skills, empathy, and passion can make a real difference in people's lives.”

Meet some of the incredible men working at Making Space…

“After caring for my son with Angelman Syndrome, I realised I had the empathy and skills to make a difference in social care. What I love most about my role at Making Space is ensuring our service runs smoothly and hearing the positive feedback from carers who appreciate our support. For anyone, especially men, considering a career in social care, I’d recommend speaking with someone in the field and trying volunteering or shadowing to understand the wide range of rewarding opportunities available.”
David, Service Manager (Cambridgeshire Carers Support)

“I’ve always believed that true fulfilment comes from helping others, which is what drew me to the social care sector. From my family, I learned the importance of empathy and supporting people in need, and this has shaped my approach to care. As Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’ For me, the unique relationships I’ve built with the people I support and my colleagues make this work truly rewarding.”
Konstantinos, Support Worker (Merseyside)

"As someone who's worked in social care for over a decade, I’ve seen first-hand how important it is to encourage more men into this sector. Male caregivers play a vital role in creating an inclusive environment, breaking down stereotypes, and providing much-needed support. With the growing demand for social care, it’s essential that we attract more men to the profession. It’s not just about filling roles; it’s about building a compassionate, diverse workforce that makes a real difference in people’s lives. I was attracted to the social care sector because I’ve always been drawn to work that supports people in need, people who face disadvantage, and those who are misunderstood. I am motivated to try to make the world a better place.

“It’s also crucial that men feel empowered to seek help for their mental health - breaking the stigma around asking for support is key to improving well-being for everyone."
Bob, Fundraising Manager (Head Office)

"Working in social care has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I started in 1994, after volunteering with young heroin users in Blackpool, and that experience ignited my passion for helping others. Social care is a field where you can make a real difference, supporting people from all walks of life to improve their quality of life. I encourage men, in particular, to consider a career in social care - it's open to everyone, and your unique experiences and skills can truly help others. It's a chance to learn, grow, and give back in a meaningful way."
Sajeed, Services Manager (West Yorkshire)

“Working in social care has given me purpose and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. It’s fulfilling, meaningful, and never boring. If you’re considering a career change, I’d encourage men to explore social care—you’ll gain so much in return.”
Tony, Support Worker (St Helens)