About this event
Trigger warning – this event content will talk about suicide.
Suicide is the number one preventable cause of death for men under the age of 50 in the UK. In this event we will explore the data and provide steps to open up the conversation in your workplaces.
Many men don’t talk about how they’re really doing until things have built up for a long time - some not even then - in the workplace mental health struggles can show up as stress, withdrawal, irritability, presenteeism, or simply “I’m fine”.
12 men die by suicide every day in England and Wales. Most men who die by suicide are not known by family, friends or mental health services to have any problems.
In this session, Steve Whittle from Tough to Talk explores the data around male suicide with some eye opening statistics, why it can feel so difficult for men to open up, and how workplaces can respond in a way that feels human, respectful and practical.
This event is aimed at CIPD members and people professional but is open to anyone who would like to make a positive change to the stigma around terms like “man up”, and open up conversations for men.
You’ll leave with clearer language, better confidence, and realistic actions you can take to make it easier for people to get support earlier.
About the speaker
Steve Whittle
Steve Whittle is the Founder of Tough to Talk, a Charity dedicated to opening up conversations and tackling the high rates of male suicide so prevalent in the UK.
Steve talks from a place of real lived experience and is committed to changing how we talk about men’s mental health, with a focus on practical actions and relatable language to help men open up in a society that has spent years conditioning them to be silent. Terms like “Man up”, historically have shut men down.
Steve works to break the stigma and create spaces where “Man up” actually means finding the emotional courage to speak up, seek help, show vulnerability and support one another.
If you need support right now:
Life at Risk (yours or others)
CALL 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E if you can
Crisis Response Service (Mental Health)
CALL 111 (0845 46 47 for Wales)
Samaritans
CALL 116 123
www.samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.org
Shout Crisis Text Line
text 'SHOUT' to 85258
or 'YM' for under 19's
www.giveusashout.org
Further targeted support information also available here:
https://www.toughtotalk.com/get-support-mens-mental-health-uk
Please note:
- Tickets will go on sale 1 September.
- Participants will receive a reminder email the day before, with a further reminder on the morning of the event.
- Photography and video production may take place at the event, and these images may be used in the CIPD newsletters.
- By attending the event, participants are giving their consent for their image to be used in CIPD promotional materials.
- If you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket so someone else can take your place.
- If there is an external speaker, their views will be their own and may not necessarily reflect those of the CIPD.
- If any reasonable adjustments are required, participants are encouraged to make this known and assistance will be provided.
