Nexus Fostering highlights the importance of International Men's Day 2024

Nexus Fostering highlights the importance of International Men's Day

About International Men's Day

International Men's Day started in Trinidad and Tobago in 1999, Dr Jerome Tuluck Singh created it to commemorate his father's birthday. Fast forward 25 years, and it is now celebrated in over 80 countries. It is celebrated and marked on 19 November every year, including across all four nations of the UK – England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It was first formally started in the UK in 2010.

The Day aims to

• Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys
• Raising awareness for charities supporting men's and boys' wellbeing
• Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity
• The challenges faced by the most marginalised men and boys in society – for instance, homeless men, boys in care, school-excluded boys and the high rate of male deaths in custody
• Male victims of violence and crime – for instance, bullying, sexual violence, gang violence, and those coerced into county lines and other criminal activity
• The challenges faced by men as parents, particularly new fathers and separated fathers
• Male victims and survivors of sexual abuse, rape, sexual exploitation and modern slavery
• Boys with no positive male role models in their lives

Why do we need more male foster carers

Currently, there is a national shortage of foster carers across the UK, and we want to highlight the importance of male foster carers and why it is essential to encourage males to come forward and begin their fostering journey. Male foster carers offer diverse and complementary approaches to parenting and caregiving. They can provide stability, structure, and role modelling, which are essential for children who have experienced trauma or instability. For many children, particularly those in foster care, having positive male figures can be incredibly reassuring and formative.

Two male colleagues share why the day is important to them

Recruitment Manager Pete shares

'International Men's Day highlights the significance of men's mental health and wellbeing. It provides an opportunity to celebrate men's contributions to society, promote positive role models, and encourage gender equality. By raising awareness and supporting men's mental health, we can create a society where men feel seen, heard, and supported. This day also helps to address and challenge the stereotypes surrounding masculinity, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment.'

Duke of Edinburgh worker Lewis shares

Men's mental health is an important topic as the biggest killer of men aged 16-40. For the young people we look after, they are more likely to be at risk from violence, county lines or child sexual exploitation.

School – can be very tricky for our young people with their experiences alone—especially those with ADHD, autism or any other additional learning needs. Schools sometimes cannot meet their needs, and we need to look at alternative provisions. (Find out more here about our Head of Education, Andy and how he supports our young people in foster care)

Our young people and other young boys who aren't in foster care can be penalised in life because they are not deemed "academically smart", which can impact their self-esteem. That's why good foster carers are so important that they can support all young people to transform their lives and support young men to find their purpose and belonging, or their mental health will be affected. All young men need access to opportunities and gateways for good future jobs.  

Next, read Julian's story to learn about his first-hand experiences of being a male primary foster carer in the household and how he supports a sibling group of three with long-term fostering. 

Are you a male looking to help and support children and young people? Nexus Fostering would love to hear from you and help you learn everything you need about becoming a foster carer with our Ofsted outstanding fostering agency. You can phone us on 0800 389 0143 or arrange for chat with our fostering advisor - Contact Us | Nexus Fostering