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The Future Is Everyone: Mid Ulster International Men’s Day Event to Champion Men’s Mental Health

Mid Ulster District Council is encouraging men to take time for their health and wellbeing, with a special International Men’s Day event bringing together three familiar Northern Ireland personalities for an evening of honest conversation, personal stories and humour.

Taking place on Wednesday 4 November at the newly opened Proform Golf Maghera, the event will explore men’s mental health, resilience, positive role models and the importance of talking openly about life’s challenges.
Hosted by Mid Ulster District Council Chair Councillor Deirdre Varsani, the event will centre on a live audience video podcast led by award-winning broadcaster and BBC sports presenter Thomas Niblock. Former motorcycle road racing champion Ryan Farquhar BEM and former Ireland international rugby player and coach Willie Anderson will join him.
While their backgrounds span motorcycle racing, rugby and broadcasting, the evening will look beyond sporting achievements to the people behind the public profiles, exploring the experiences, pressures and challenges that shape men’s lives.

Under the theme ‘The Future Is Everyone’, the event aims to encourage men to prioritise their mental and physical wellbeing, recognise the value of positive male role models and feel more comfortable speaking about how they are feeling. It will also highlight the role everyone can play in creating a culture where men feel supported and able to seek help when they need it.
Thomas Niblock, who has worked across BBC, Sky Sports and UTV, will guide the conversation and audience Q&A, drawing on his experience as a broadcaster and interviewer to create an engaging and accessible discussion.

Ryan Farquhar BEM, from Dungannon, is one of Northern Ireland’s most successful motorcycle road racers, with multiple Isle of Man TT victories and a Guinness World Record for career road racing wins. Following a serious racing accident in 2016, Ryan has faced significant personal challenges, bringing a powerful perspective on recovery, resilience and adapting to life’s unexpected turns.
Willie Anderson, a former Ireland rugby international and captain from County Tyrone, earned 27 caps for his country before going on to a successful career in coaching and education. With a lifetime of experience in leadership, mentoring and supporting others, Willie is a strong advocate for men taking care of their physical and mental wellbeing and speaking openly about the challenges they face.
Councillor Deirdre Varsani, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, said:
“International Men’s Day provides an important opportunity to shine a light on men’s mental health and wellbeing, and to encourage conversations that can sometimes be difficult to start.
“While we are delighted to welcome three well-known and respected personalities to this event. The evening is about much more than their achievements in sport and broadcasting. It is about the people behind those achievements, the challenges they have faced and the importance of looking after ourselves and one another.
“We want to create a relaxed, welcoming space where people can listen, share experiences and recognise that no one has to face life’s challenges alone. The theme ‘The Future Is Everyone’ is a reminder that we all have a part to play in supporting men’s mental health and building a more open and understanding society.
“I would encourage everyone to come along for what promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking evening.”
The event takes place in advance of International Men’s Day on Thursday 19 November, which provides an opportunity to celebrate men’s positive contributions to society while raising awareness of issues affecting men.
Tickets are limited and priced at £7.50 per person, available to purchase through Eventbrite at [EVENTBRITE LINK].

Proceeds from the event will support Causeway and Mid Ulster Women’s Aid.

The evening will begin at 6.45 pm, with the video podcast starting at 7.00 pm. 
The event will conclude with an opportunity for networking and light refreshments.

 

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