Foyle Arena to host landmark 'Celebrating Men' health & wellbeing showcase
The Western Trust and local councils team up for a major free International Men’s Day event this November.
Men’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Group which includes representatives from the Western Health & Social Care Trust (Western Trust), statutory, community and voluntary organisations and Derry City and Strabane District Council, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Omagh & Fermanagh Council are delighted to host a health and wellbeing event ‘Celebrating Men’ to mark International Men’s Day on Thursday, November 19 2026, in the Foyle Arena Main Hall, Derry from 1:30pm – 4:00pm.
Chair of the Men’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Group Claire Kerr, Adult Mental Health Lead Nurse said: “We are delighted to work in partnership with our statutory, community and voluntary organisations as well as our local councils in the Western Trust area to host the first ‘Celebrating Men’ event at the Foyle Arena on 19 November 2026 as part of International Men’s Day.
“This is a very important initiative bringing together a wide range of professionals and volunteers working to support people with mental health issues across the North West region. The Group will be arranging further events across the Trust area in the coming months.
“Everyone in this Group brings their own unique wealth of knowledge and expertise in relation to mental health, suicide, addiction, and self harm. It is our aim that this event will provide a safe and welcoming space for men to come together and seek the help and support they or a loved one needs.”
Joint vice chairs Gary Rutherford, ARC Fitness NI and Nuala Campbell, Towards Zero Suicide Service Improvement Manager, Western Trust said: “We are very grateful for the dedication and commitment of everyone in this Group to work towards supporting men who are struggling with mental health issues in our local community.
“We have many incredible groups set up within the Trust area that are helping to take away the stigma and social isolation and supporting people with practical tools and ongoing support through their mental health, addiction journey whether through Men’s Shed, other support groups or fitness there are lots of options for men to explore.
“The first step is always the hardest part but knowing that there are people who want to help and give you the tools can really make a difference.”
On the day there will be:
- Information Stands
- Research Bus – offering a limited number of health checks
- Men’s Action Network offering health checks
- Bowel Screening Team
- A Raffle for wooden bench made by Leafair Men’s Shed
- Refreshments – sandwiches sponsored by Sandwich Co, Claud’s and Avenue 17 and cupcakes sponsored by Doherty’s Bakery
- Drive 105 – are hosting an outside broadcast on the day – organised through Men’s Action Network
“There is no need to book just come along on 19 November 2026. We look forward to welcoming you to this free event. Refreshments will be available.
“We would also like to thank Derry City and Strabane District Council for their support in providing the venue for this event.”