Speakers at “We Can Build It Better – for Men and Boys Too” on Sunday 22nd November include the former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, actor and presenter Sanjeev Bhaskar, and the comic Richard Herring
A day of discussions, workshops and activities examining the challenges facing men and boys is set to take place this month.
Hosted by Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy, “We Can Build It Better – for Men and Boys Too” will be held on Sunday 22nd November, and it follows the success of an International Women’s Day showcase last year.
The event aims to explore what boys and men need to thrive, amid concerns about mental health, societal expectations and wellbeing, with proceeds going to men’s health charity Movember and local organisation Project Zero.
Creasy’s team points to research showing that men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide, while around half of young men say they feel pressure to “man up”.
Doors on Sunday open at noon, with ticket holders able to access stalls and foyer activities before the main stage programme begins at 12.30pm.
The first discussion, Is It a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World?, will feature comedian and writer Richard Herring, former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, actor and presenter Sanjeev Bhaskar, and drag performer Ella Vaday, also known as Nick Collier.
A second panel, Action Man: How Do We Change Things for the Next Generation?, will bring together Soho Theatre chair Alessandro Babalola, Project Zero founder Stephen Barnabis, Parenting Out Loud founder Elliott Rae, Male Allies UK chief executive Lee Chambers and mental health campaigner Brad Marchant, known online as Brad and the Goat.
From 2.30pm onwards, parts of the event will be free and open to the public, subject to venue capacity.
Foyer talks will focus on men’s mental and physical health, parenting, and relationships. Speakers include representatives from MAN v FAT and Listen Out, alongside parenting advocates Elliott Rae, Joss Cambridge-Simmons and Alex Trippier of the Be a Happier Parent podcast. The final session, exploring men and love, has been curated by The WOW Foundation.
Elsewhere in the building, East of Eden will host a men’s calisthenics class, while visitors can also browse menswear from Reloved Club and meet community organisations including Project Zero and Switchback, as well as young local entrepreneurs.
Tickets cost £12, including booking and restoration fees. Discounts may be available for students, older people and unwaged visitors. Get tickets here
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