International Men’s Day (IMD), celebrated annually in the UK on November 19th, highlights the distinct challenges men and boys face in contemporary society.

Much like International Women’s Day, IMD is also a chance to celebrate positive role models.  IMD focuses heavily on promoting men’s mental health and creating safe spaces for them to open up about their concerns, tackling the societal gender biases that often discourage men from sharing their feelings.

Who Is Mark Brooks OBE?

Mark Brooks has become a key figure in addressing the multifaceted challenges that men and boys face in today’s society. With a career spanning over 25 years in communications and public policy, Mark has leveraged his expertise to effect significant change in the fields of men’s health and domestic abuse.   As the Chair of the ManKind Initiative, the UK’s leading charity supporting male victims of domestic abuse, Mark is a passionate advocate for those whose voices are often marginalised. 

The ManKind Initiative support services can help your organisation:

The ManKind Initiative’s professionally qualified team run a number of training, information and consultancy services for organisations and professionals who want to better recognise, support or understand male victims of domestic abuse. These can be tailored to the particular needs of those organisations and professionals. This is the ManKind Initiative Domestic Abuse Support Service (MIDASS).

These services are aimed at:

– Police Forces (including Police and Crime Commissioners)
– NHS Services, including NHS Trusts, Hospitals, GPs (and GP practices) and Clinical Commissioning Groups
– Housing Associations, Departments and Organisations
– Local Councils (including Social Services, Community Safety Partnerships/Departments and Commissioning Professionals)
– Crown Prosecution Service, Court Services, Probation Services, Solicitors and other Legal Professionals
– Commissioners
– Employers (we are a member of the Advisory Panel on the Employers Domestic Abuse Initiative)
– Domestic Abuse Forums and Maracs
– Domestic Homicide Review Chairs and Editors
– Charities and other Providers of Domestic Abuse Services
– Counsellors
– Welfare and Community Groups

Today, he is a leading voice and ambassador for International Men’s Day.

Mark Brooks | Contributions and Expertise

International Men’s Day has given Mark an increasing platform to speak on a variety of important men’s health issues, including increasing male suicide rates, male victim domestic violence, gender roles, toxic masculinity,  parenting, and work/life balance. He is also actively engaged in efforts to increase men’s willingness to seek help and to secure additional funding for male mental health services.

Mark Brooks | Keynote Talk Topics

Mark has actively promoted awareness and understanding through his keynote talks and events, especially around International Men’s Day. His keynote speeches typically focus on several key themes:

1. Breaking the Stigma: Mark emphasises the importance of dismantling the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. He advocates for open conversations and encourages men to seek help without fear of judgment.
2. Challenges Facing Men: He addresses the unique mental health challenges that men face, including societal expectations, pressure to conform to traditional masculinity, and the reluctance to discuss emotions.
3. Strategies for Support: Mark often outlines practical strategies for supporting men’s mental health. These include encouraging supportive environments at work and home and promoting resources and initiatives that can offer help.
4. Promoting Positive Change: His talks frequently highlight successful programs and initiatives aimed at improving mental health among men. He shares stories of individuals and organisations that have made significant strides in this area.
5. Call to Action: Mark concludes by calling on individuals and organisations to be proactive in addressing men’s mental health issues. He encourages everyone to play a role in fostering a culture where mental health is openly discussed and addressed.

His approach is rooted in personal experience and a deep understanding of the systemic issues affecting men’s mental health. 

Below: Take a look at some of Mark’s high profile media appearances.

How Can Mark Brooks Help Your Organisation?

Mark Brooks offers expert services to support organisations, including charities and membership bodies, in enhancing their communications and public policy strategies. He can provide advice on running effective marketing and public policy campaigns focused on encouraging men to seek help, improving service access, and fostering cultural change and inclusion. 

Additionally, he serves as an expert panellist on domestic homicide reviews involving male victims of domestic abuse and participates in domestic abuse partnership boards and diversity committees. 

Mark also produces strategies for improving men’s health and suicide prevention and is available to speak at conferences, deliver talks, and present on related topics.

Why Hire Mark Brooks for Your International Men’s Day Talk?

Hiring Mark Brooks for your International Men’s Day talk offers the advantage of his extensive dedication to improving the lives of men and boys. His work across various platforms and initiatives highlights men’s unique challenges and promotes a more inclusive and supportive approach to gender issues. Mark’s efforts have driven increased awareness and led to meaningful changes in policy and practice, benefiting numerous individuals, workplaces, and communities.

Organisations and individuals seeking to address these critical issues will gain valuable insights and guidance from his strategic advice, speaking engagements, and collaborative projects. With advocates like Mark Brooks,  International Men’s Day becomes not just a celebration of men’s achievements but a meaningful call to action for progressive change, resulting in happier and healthier workplaces.

Learn more about the importance of hiring a Men’s Mental Health Speaker HERE.

Contact us to hire International Men’s Day ambassador Mark Brooks or any of our inspirational Mental Health Speakers. We are here to help you find the perfect speaker for the occasion. Email bookings@greatbritishtalent.com or call +44 1753 439 289 to speak to a Great British Talent team member.

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