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

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)

Find out more about IMD visit the Men’s Day UK website, follow @UKMensDay on X, and InternationalMensDayUK on Facebook

Find out more about joining the Making Space team here.

Taking care of your mental health
It’s not about ‘manning up’! We’re using today to remind everyone how important it is to look after your mental and physical health.

While we live in a more progressive time, many still feel that there is an expectation for boys and men to not share their emotions, live up to unrealistic views of what it is to ‘be a man’, and not seek help if they’re feeling unwell.

This can often mean that preventable illnesses can go unchecked for too long.

According to the Samaritans and data from the ONS, suicide rates among middle aged men (45-49) have increased in the last few years, and that the suicide rate for men in England and Wales in 2019 was the highest for over two decades (men 4,303, compared with 1,388 women).

If you are feeling suicidal, concerned about your mental health or you’re concerned about someone, you can access support from a range of mental health helplines, with trained people ready to listen:

• Samaritans: Call 24/7 on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org.
• Mind support line: Call 0300 102 1234, 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays).
• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: Call 0800 689 5652, 6pm-midnight every day, if you have suicidal thoughts.
• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): Call 0800 58 58 58, 5pm-midnight everyday if you are affected by suicidal thoughts.
• Papyrus HOPELINEUK: For those under 35 struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling. Call 0800 068 4141 24/7, email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.

NHS:

• Call your GP – ask for an emergency appointment
• Call NHS 111 out of hours – they will help you find the support and help you need
• Contact your mental health crisis team – if you have one
• Read NHS advice if you’re having suicidal thoughts

• SANEline: Call 0300 304 7000, 4.30-10pm every day.
• Shout: If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
• Switchboard: If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, call 0300 330 0630, 10am–10pm every day, email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.

Find out more on accessing mental health support on the Mind website.

Get involved

Men’s Sheds
Men’s Sheds are centres across the UK where men can sign up and learn new skills and pick up old hobbies, such as woodworking, metalworking, repairing and restoring, electronics, model buildings or even car building. Find out more about Men’s Sheds Association

Have some serious fun
Charities like UKMensDay.org.uk are using today to encourage everyone to have some serious fun, such as:

• By wearing a stick-on moustache for no good reason all day long
• By having an International Men’s Day party
• By doing something daft – with or without a moustache – to raise money for a local charity that supports men and boys

Visit the UKMensDay.org.uk website to see a list of charities

Movember
Movember is an annual event were men take the challenge of growing moustaches to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide. Check out @MovemberUK on X for inspiration or visit the Movember website.