International Men's Day at Strawberry Field: Supporting young men to step forward

Each year, International Men's Day gives us an important moment to pause and reflect on the challenges men face and the opportunities we can create to support them.

Here at Strawberry Field, this day resonates deeply with our mission. Through our Steps to Work programme and community outreach, we see first-hand the struggles young men encounter, and the remarkable transformations that take place when given the right support

The challenge facing young men today

The latest figures show a worrying pattern. Men make up 62% of young people who are unemployed, and according to UCAS, in September 2024 34,800 fewer 18-year-old UK boys started university than girls of the same age.

The figures show that many young men, are feeling discouraged and disconnected, and they are slipping through the gaps.

How Steps to Work makes a difference

Our Steps to Work programme exists to support young people who have fallen through the gaps. Designed for young adults who are facing barriers to employment, the programme offers:

• Personalised employability training
• Work placements with local businesses
• Confidence-building support
• A nurturing environment that values every person’s potential

For many young men, taking that first step toward change can feel overwhelming. They arrive at Strawberry Field, often looking down at their shoes, but they find a place that welcomes them and meets them as they are. They discover friends and mentors who support them, opportunities to develop skills, grow in confidence and begin to carve a clearer path toward a positive future.

Creating spaces for men to belong

Alongside our employment programmes, our community activities offer safe and welcoming spaces for men of all ages to connect, create and enjoy time together.

Our Wednesday Breakfast Club provides a warm, easy-going start to the day with good food, good company and conversation, and our Ukulele Group brings people together through the power of music, whether they are seasoned players or picking up the instrument for the first time.

As Joe Doogan from our Fresh Expression team explains, “I have found through my work in running many community events, us men are hard to reach. But, if we do dare to step out and get involved, in groups like our Wednesday breakfast club or ukulele group, we encourage other men to do the same and have a lot of fun in the process.”

These simple opportunities to gather through food, music and conversation often spark deeper confidence, friendships and a genuine sense of community.

International Men's Day is not about celebrating men in isolation. It is about acknowledging the real and pressing issues they face including mental health struggles, loneliness, unemployment and social disengagement and responding with compassion and action. At Strawberry Field, we are committed to being part of that response.

Every young man who walks through our gates brings a unique story, a unique challenge and a unique potential. Whether through Steps to Work, community groups or simple conversations over a hot breakfast, we see how connection and encouragement can transform lives.

If you or someone you know could benefit from joining our community, whether through employment support or friendly and welcoming social groups, we are here.