Rethinking masculinity: Mental Health, Inclusion & Resilience

Rethinking Masculinity: Mental Health, Inclusion & Resilience

This International Men’s Day, join us at Queens Park Rangers Football Club for an eye-opening half-day forum exploring what it means to be a man today.

Through a keynote, workshops, and panel discussions, we’ll tackle the links between masculinity, mental health and resilience — and open up honest conversations about inclusion, identity, and wellbeing.

Who is it for?

Everyone is welcome — men, fathers, young people, professionals, and community members. Whether you want to share your experience, learn from others, or simply be part of the conversation, this event offers a supportive space to connect and reflect.

Why attend?

• Challenge stereotypes and explore new perspectives on masculinity
• Engage with a diversity of perspectives, experiences and inspiring voices
• Gain practical insights to support boys and men in your community or family
• Build connections with people passionate about change

Come and be part of reshaping the conversation — because when men and boys thrive, we all benefit.

The Programme

Alastair Smith-Agbaje (CEO, Future Men) will open the forum.

Mark Brookes OBE (National Ambassador IMD & Director of Policy and Communications, Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys) will give the welcoming address.

Chris Hemmings (author of ‘Be a Man’ and Founder of Men’s Therapy Hub and M-Path) will deliver a keynote speech on 'redefining masculinity'.

Will Adolphy (Psychotherapist, Educator & Speaker, M-Path) will host a workshop entitled 'Understanding the Manosphere & Approaching Conversations with Boys'.

Chris Stein (Director of Operations, Future Men) will host an interactive problem-solving workshop 'Building Solutions Together' where groups tackle real-world challenges facing young men today.

We will end the forum with a panel discussion, chaired by Alastair Smith-Agbaje, with service users and those with lived experience.

Workshops

Understanding the Manosphere & Approaching Conversations with Boys (Will Adolphy)

This workshop gives parents the tools and confidence to support boys growing up in today’s digital world.

We’ll explore what the manosphere is, why it draws boys in, and the cultural pressures shaping masculinity. Then we’ll focus on how parents can respond at home: creating the conditions for trust, leading with empathy, and knowing how to handle tricky moments without shutting conversations down. You’ll leave with practical strategies for both proactive and reactive conversations, whether that means responding calmly when your son repeats something he’s heard online, or building everyday spaces where he feels safe to open up.

Building Solutions Together (Chris Stein)

This interactive workshop flips the usual conversation on its head. Instead of debating “what masculinity is,” participants will work in groups to tackle real-world challenges faced by boys and young men today.

Through a set of practical scenarios — such as how to support young men at risk of becoming NEET — groups will be asked to design holistic responses that could inform service delivery, campaigning, fundraising, and communications.

The workshop is light-hearted in tone but serious in purpose: to spark collaboration, creativity, and produce tangible outputs that could shape future practice and advocacy. Expect to think, share, and leave with fresh ideas.

The remaining 2 workshops will be announced soon.