Awareness dates 19 November
International Men's Day
What International Men's Day UK says the day is for, what it asks of organisations, and the talk Andrew Pain gives for it.
The day, in its organiser's words
This year International Men’s Day is held on Thursday (19th November 2026)
The UK theme for the Day is “Supporting Men and Boys” … with three broad subthemes which are used every year
Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys
Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity
Raising awareness and/or funds for charities supporting men and boys’ wellbeing
What it asks of organisations
Many organisations and people hold events and activities in the week before and the week after
It is also great for starting a male staff network (employee support groups) which are growing in number – or using it as a theme for those that already exist!
Encourage and support men and boys in getting support including signposting and making it more accessible
The talk for International Men's Day
International Men's Day 2025
For International Men's Day 2025, Andrew led a day on men's wellbeing for Booker Wholesale, with a group of about 100 people. Andrew's post about it
Planning further ahead
The other awareness days with a page of their own: Mental Health Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day. Every date is on the awareness dates page. Booking a speaker on mental health for the first time? Read the questions to ask any speaker.
Formats & logistics
Shaped to fit your event.
Andrew tailors every talk to your audience, theme and time slot. Here's how the practical side usually works – tell him the room and he'll shape the rest.
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Talk length
Keynotes usually run 45 minutes to an hour, sometimes 90. Around two hours it becomes a workshop; longer than that is rare.
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Audience size
From an intimate group of 8–12 to a main-stage audience of 200–250. Interactive workshops usually sit around 40–70.
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AV & tech
Andrew works with whatever setup you have. And if the tech fails, the show still goes on – he'll present without slides.
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In-person or virtual
Delivered on-site or online, on the platform you already use – most often Teams or Zoom.
If you're struggling, support is here
Andrew speaks and coaches from lived and professional experience. He is not a clinician, and his talks, podcast and writing are not a substitute for medical or therapeutic advice. If you're struggling, please reach out.
Let's talk dates
Bring this conversation to your stage.
Tell Andrew about your audience and event – he'll come back with the right talk, format and a clear plan.