Join us for an evening of insight, conversation, and community at Beyond the Stigma — a special event exploring new ways to understand and support men’s mental health. Hosted by Dr David Hunt and George Mycock, this event will share findings from the Beyond the Stigma research project, which has worked closely with young men aged 18–25 to identify how men’s mental health research can better recruit, retain, and engage male participants. The project combines photovoice, a creative visual method where participants use photography to represent their experiences, with appreciative inquiry, a strengths-based research framework that focuses on what works and how to build upon it. Together, these methods highlight not only the challenges men face but also the facilitators and opportunities that can make mental health research more inclusive and empowering. Selected photographs from the project will be displayed throughout the event, offering a powerful visual insight into men’s perspectives and the positive changes they envision for mental health research. Alongside the main presentation, talks from local charities Who Needs Instructions and Alright Mate? will showcase community-based approaches to men’s wellbeing. The evening will conclude with a roundtable discussion featuring the wider research team and several young men who took part in the project. Together, they will explore how researchers, clinicians, and charities can collaborate to strengthen men’s mental health research and practice — followed by audience Q&A. Whether you’re a researcher, practitioner, charity worker, or simply passionate about men’s mental health, this event offers an opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to shaping a more hopeful, inclusive future for men’s wellbeing.

The event is running from 6pm - 8pm. With arrivals from 5:30pm.