Male wellbeing meeting - UK Parliament 2024

In December 2024, we organised a major event in the UK Houses of Parliament on Male wellbeing. With over 140 guests and hosted by James MacCleary MP, the evening was a huge success.

There was a big representation from the blue-light services (NHS, Police, Fire and Rescue) and from many other sectors, with a panel of six amazing speakers:

• Dr Patrick Nyikavaranda, MD, DRI
• Ms Philippa Sangster, Associate Professor and Consultant, UCLH
• Trevor Steven, CEO Mindflow
• Jay Dungeni, Executive Director and Deputy Chief Nurse, Guy's and St Thomas's
• Travis Mains-Marten, Founder, The Mens's Room
• Mike McCarthy, Founder, Baton of Hope and Journalist

Dr Patrick Nyikavaranda

There is much talk about health inequalities, mostly around women. However, in a few areas, women’s health research and evidence (such as around 'midlife issues') is more advanced. HRT has been extensively studied for decades and there is a huge body of safety and efficacy data (that is growing by the day). The use of testosterone in women is subject to a considerable amount of discussion and evidence seems to suggest that it’s use as part of HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) is beneficial on many levels. The use of testosterone in males is far less studied, but evidence is growing concerning the benefits (with a good risk profile).

Patrick talked about males being under-represented in some areas of medical research, particularly those from minority communities. Prostate cancer is over 60% higher in black men, with a mortality rate 2.3 times higher than Caucasian males. He talked about the focus of research being to inform policy (and to 'make a name' for the research groups to secure future funding), rather than 'communicating with the people' and addressing such anomalies.

Ms Philippa Sangster

Pippa talked about how important it is to raise awareness of issues that may affect males and to encourage them to take action if they notice a difference in their 'normal'.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is now, at last, being talked about to an extent. It affects a huge number of males, particularly from the age of 40 on. It can be a marker (indication) of possible underlying cardiovascular issues which should be investigated.

Pippa talked about lowered fertility and how it can profoundly affect a man's self-esteem and mental wellbeing. She also discussed some male issues (with pictures) like Peyronie's Disease and penile fracture. Sobering for some, but it's so important that the conversation about these things is encouraged and normalised.

Jay Dungeni

It is often said that it is challenging for men to find their place in society today. Jay talked about his life story, coming from a poor background in Zimbabwe and ending up as an Executive Director (of EDI) and Deputy Chief Nurse at Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospital Trust.

He talked about roles, responsibilities and social presence. He commented that his journey into nursing may have been an accident or a calling, but there he met so many people in a vulnerable position. Then he met leadership – 'the toughest thing in my life'. The role of a leader is to influence and make a difference. The measurement of outcomes is important, but the focus should be on prevention – 'that can truly be a game changer'.

He also reflected on the role of the Jabali Men’s Network (for people of colour in nursing) and how important it is to ensure inclusivity, particularly in prevention and treatment. He reflected on the words of Dr Patrick Nyikavaranda that ethnic minorities are more often under-represented in data sets and hence do not receive the prevention and treatment that reflect their needs.

Travis Mains-Marten

Sharing real life stories and experiences is an excellent way to encourage others to 'open up' and talk about issues they may have. It also raises awareness and normalises the conversation.

Travis Mains-Marten of Mr Hastings and St Leonards spoke movingly and openly about his own journey. Very rightly 'proud to be four years sober' after recovering from an alcohol addiction, he spoke of thoughts of suicide during his 'dark period'.
'Don't afraid to be open, even in the worst times - there's always someone who will resonate with you. Reach out and get help! Sharing information and experiences helps ourselves and those around us.'

The audience of over 140 was visibly moved and his messages resonated with those of Mike McCarthy Founder of Baton of Hope UK.

Not only has Travis got through that dark time, but he is now a shining light to anyone who is in a similar position. A beacon of hope and success to which we can all aspire and admire.

Some who are, frankly, ignorant, think that sharing and showing vulnerability is a weakness. Of course, it's a HUGE strength and shows true courage!

Show courage - reach out and talk if you need!

Mike McCarthy

Mike is the Founder of the Baton of Hope UK – which is rather like the Olympic torch in that it travels round the country to help raise awareness about suicide prevention – 'the world’s first physical icon of mental health'. 'We need something that represents the desperately serious and highly-charged subject of suicide, while at the same time promoting the ocean of hope and optimism at the heart of the mission.'

Mike recounted his incredibly-moving experience of losing his treasured son, Ross, to suicide. There were tears in the eyes amongst our 140+ guests. In a letter, Ross asked that something be done for others and that was the start of the Baton’s creation.

Suicide is the biggest killer of people under the age of 35 in the UK. Within this age group, more than 75% of those who take their own lives are boys or young men. A tragedy. We heard that, when help was required by someone who had a 'history', they were put on a waiting list of 6 months. This is a situation where life is in immediate danger and requires an immediate, emergency response.

The Baton itself is beautiful and Mike brought it into Parliament for the evening. It was crafted by Thomas Lyte and the design is made up of significant patterns and images.

Mike’s words also resonated with the messages from some of the other speakers, including Travis Mains-Marten and Trevor Steven (pictured on the right with Mike here).