This year's theme — The Future is Everyone
International Men's Day is an occasion to celebrate the positive value men bring to the world, their families and their communities. It’s an opportunity to celebrate men’s contribution, to recognise positive male role models, and to raise awareness of men’s health and wellbeing.
This year’s theme is The Future is Everyone, focusing on the need to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. It’s a reminder of the role men and boys can play in creating inclusive, supportive communities and positive change for generations to come.
At NTU, we are committed to building an inclusive community where everyone feels valued and supported. International Men’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the positive contribution of men across our university, and to reflect on the importance of men's wellbeing.
Events and Initiatives
This International Men's Day, NTU staff are sharing stories about the men who have inspired them, the impact they have had on their lives, and their messages for young men and boys today.
Take a look at the digital profiles on display across City, Clifton, Brackenhurst and Mansfield library screens around the 19th November, and join us in celebrating positive role models, experiences and perspectives from our NTU community.
Thursday 19th November, 2 pm - 2:45 pm
- Audience: Staff. Everyone is welcome.
- Location: Online - Join via the following teams link
The Dad's Group is working in partnership with HR to develop a new support scheme for NTU staff taking paternity leave, similar to the maternity support scheme already in place. This session is a valuable opportunity to learn more about the proposal, share your experiences, and contribute ideas that could help shape the scheme.
The initiative forms part of a wider programme of support and mentoring for fathers at NTU.
Thursday 25th November, 11 am - 12 pm
- Audience: Staff
- Location: Online
On average, men live 4 years less than women, and are significantly less likely to access mental and physical healthcare – why? Our panel will explore the reasons behind this. Many mental and physical health difficulties are preventable – so we’ll also spend time exploring what everyone can do to support men’s health.
Wednesday 18th - Tuesday 24th November
- Audience: Staff and Students
International Men’s Day, taking place on 19th November, is an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the men in our lives and the contribution they bring to the world, families and communities. The theme for 2026 is Supporting Men and Boys - with one sub-theme focusing on promoting positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity.
Getting active can have a positive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing, so why not take some time to get moving and support the message of the day?
Challenge yourself to reach 40,000 steps and earn 75 points. Whether you're walking with friends, colleagues or enjoying some time outdoors, every step counts.
Download Moves + today in the Apple Store or Google Play Store
Student and alumni stories
5 Minutes for International Men's Day with Matt Colver
To mark International Men’s Day, we spent five minutes with Matt to find out more about his thoughts on this year’s theme, supporting men and boys, and the people who have inspired him throughout his life.
My alumni story: talking business, marketing, and playing basketball at NTU
My alumni story: from compositor to counsellor — meet Jeff Buck
Year-round recognition
Celebration and awareness days, weeks and months provide valuable opportunities to learn and reflect. However, our commitment to EDI extends beyond these dedicated dates.
Explore the resources available that support understanding of the themes recognised through our awareness calendar.
International Men's Day quotes
Movember
Resources for dads
The following are resources recommended by the Parent and Carer Network for Dads:
The UK’s fatherhood think-and-do-tank. They collate, publish and mobilise international research on fathers and their impact on children and mothers. They also lobby for changes in law, policy and practice to dismantle barriers to UK fathers’ care of infants and children.
Dad Matters help to get dads engaged with maternity and health services that have traditionally been targeted at mums. And work directly with services that support Dads, families and especially babies to increase engagement and knowledge across the sector.
Father 2 Father is a multi-award-winning trauma-informed specialist Community Interest Company that supports boys, men, fathers and families along the path to becoming their true selves, while also addressing social issues, stereotypes and prejudice.
This parenting platform is all about open conversations about fatherhood, and supporting dads through community, content and campaigning.
Access the Suicide Prevention Module on Thrive (NTU login required).
NTU Moves is a free app which rewards you with points for steps which can be redeemed for NTU merchandise, hot drinks and other offers (NTU login required).
Staying social is a good way to support your mental health. NTU Arts have lots of events taking place including music, film screenings, book club groups and more.
Staff networks and student societies
Staff networks
If you're a member of NTU staff, you can join one of our staff networks. These provide opportunities to connect with colleagues and help shape a more inclusive university community.
Examples include:
- Parent and Carers Network
- Networks supporting a range of protected characteristics and communities (link requires NTU staff login).
The Parent and Carers Network offers a supportive space for colleagues with caring responsibilities to connect and access peer support. The network also includes a dedicated Dads Group, providing an opportunity for fathers and male carers to build connections and discuss shared experiences.
Student societies
If you're an NTU student, there are a wide range of Students' Union societies that provide opportunities to meet new people and become part of a supportive community.
These societies provide many opportunities to take part in events and activities throughout the year.
You can find out more about student societies through the Nottingham Trent Students' Union website.
Support available at NTU
Student wellbeing
International Men’s Day is a chance to raise awareness of men’s mental health and encourage open conversations around wellbeing. NTU’s Wellbeing team is here to support you with advice, resources, and someone to talk to when you need it.
Equality, diversity and inclusion at NTU
NTU works strategically to advance equality, diversity and inclusion to foster a culture of engagement underpinned by respect.
As we mark International Men’s Day, we recognise the importance of creating spaces where everyone, including men, can engage openly about wellbeing, identity and belonging.
It's an opportunity to reflect on how equality benefits all, and how we can continue to foster mutual respect and understanding across our diverse community.
If you have a general question for the EDI team at NTU, please email us.
Stay engaged on social media
Tag us with the hashtag #InternationalMensDay to share your involvement.
If you would like to advertise an event, please contact EDI@ntu.ac.uk.