International Men’s Day is celebrated across the world on 19^th November, a month dedicated to men’s physical and mental wellbeing. An inspiring event was hosted at Legislative Buildings focusing on connection, conversation, and the celebration of wellbeing and support across our Island.

A panel of guest speakers shared their personal journeys and insights with students and registered guests.

Local charity Ed Space opened the event, emphasising the importance of eliminating the stigma around mental health. A volunteer for the charity, Simon Jones, shared how it is the aim of Ed Space to create safe environments for men to connect, share, and support one another across the Island.

Dave Christian from Next Level Fitness based in Onchan shared how his passion for fitness and wellbeing, rooted in personal experience, evolved into a business supporting both physical and mental health. Dave uses social media as a platform to encourage people to be honest about how they feel and how exercise can influence your emotions.

Former policeman and now online fitness coach, Gianni Fabrizo inspired attendees with his commitment to building strength, confidence, and positive change. His message was about prioritising yourself the individual to better support others. Gianni’s business focuses on the value of being fit both physically and mentally, raising awareness to the audience that small health changes can boost energy, motivation and help make life that little bit easier.

Focusing on our own inner strength was mindfulness teacher Mike Kewley. He shared with the audience his personal journey to living with greater calm and clarity. With over 30 years of experience, Mike spoke candidly about how mindfulness has enriched his life and career.

Moving back to the physical, Gianni Epifani represented Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR). Available to all Island residents, MSR aims to make health and wellbeing activities accessible to all Island residents while promoting lifelong engagement in sport. As well as sharing the latest MSR programmes, Gianni shared how he became interested in sport and highlighted the importance of finding the right sport for you to boost physical and mental wellbeing.

David Gawne, Chair of the Live at Home charity, described how this global initiative is running across the Isle of Man. The Sheds set up across the island aim to combat isolation by providing men with a welcoming space to build friendships, stay active, and foster a sense of belonging. The charity Live At Home runs the Northern Men in Sheds in Ramsey, and other charities run Men in Shed locations in Port Erin and Peel. David also shared the extension of the concept to now include ‘Women in Sheds’, offering separate sessions for women to create community support for retired individuals.

Active Souls closed the event with founder Mikey Haslett, who reminded everyone of the benefits of play and movement. The ease and joy of making friends in the playground leaves us as we grow older and Mikey wanted to bring this back. His aptly named business runs sessions for adults designed to relive the experience of play by playing childhood games like bench ball or tag. Mikey’s next venture will be to help children become sport-ready for life, sharing his passion of the physical and mental benefits of sport.

Reflecting on the event John Wannenburgh MHK said:

“International Men’s Day is a vital opportunity to shine a light on the importance of men’s wellbeing and the power of community. I am proud to support an event that brings people together, encourages open conversation, and highlights the many resources available to support men across our Island.”

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For further information contact:

Office of the Clerk of Tynwald
Telephone: 01624 685500
Email: enquiries@tynwald.org.im
Website: www.tynwald.org.im

Notes for Editors:

For more information about the guest speakers:

• Ed Space: https://edspace.im/
• Next Level Fitness: https://www.facebook.com/nextlevelfitness.im
• Gianni Fabrizo: https://www.gianni.im/
• Mike Kewley: https://mikekewley.com/
• Manx Sport & Recreation / Activ8: https://desc.gov.im/sport/sport/manx-sport-recreation/ & https://www.facebook.com/activ8msr/
• Men in Sheds: https://www.liveathome.im/meninsheds
• Active Souls: https://www.activesouls.co.uk/