International Men’s Day take place each year on November 19. It’s a day to raise awareness of the issues men and boys face, encourage wellbeing, and highlight the importance of positive role models.
At Barca-Leeds, we have been celebrating the men in our lives throughout the week with a range of activities, events and get-togethers that shine a light on the positive value men bring to the world, their families, and communities.
On Monday 17th November, we hosted a celebration event at Broadlea Community Centre in Bramley. Organised by Jonathan Parker, Community Wellbeing Development Worker at Being You Leeds, the event showcased men's creativity through live music, poetry and a digital art exhibition. We were joined by the Being You Leeds Music Group who played their original songs, Chris from Brave Words shared though-provoking poetry and there was an art exhibition featuring men from Leeds.
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Part of Men's Health Unlocked (MHU), Manthology is a collection of poems from men connected to Leeds. On Monday 17th November MHU organised a launch event to promote and celebrate the online 'book' which features a wide range of creative writing encompassing a variety of subject matter and themes.
The event featured a lived experience panel where men from all walks of life shared their stories, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Challenging the idea that men should keep their feelings hidden. There was also an open mic session with poetry, comedy and more.
We joined local groups, charities and services at the International Men's Day Kirkgate Market event on Thursday 20 November. The public event encourages people to explore men’s mental and physical wellbeing through conversation, creativity and connection.
