InsideOut Movember Virtual Roundtable: Is "man up" the most harmful phrase in men's health?
“Man up.” Most of us have heard it. Plenty of us have said it. But what does it really cost the men around us?
This Movember, join us for an honest lunchtime conversation about why so many men keep things to themselves and what actually helps them talk.
Tuesday 24th November 2026
12:00 to 13:00 (UK time), 60 minutes
Online via Zoom, free
Why this matters
Three in four suicides in England are men.
Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK.
Middle-aged men have the highest suicide rate of any group.
Only around a third of people referred to NHS talking therapies are men.
Almost half of young UK men say they’ve avoided talking about their problems so they wouldn’t seem “less of a man.”
4 in 10 men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health.
40% of men say it would take thoughts of suicide or self-harm for them to seek professional help.
About the roundtable
InsideOut is hosting a virtual roundtable to explore this question from different perspectives. Just real conversation in a safe space.
Your host and speakers
Hosted and Chaired by Nick Tong, InsideOut’s CTO and a certified Breathwork facilitator.
Panellists:
Omar Mentesh – Founder and CEO of Anabranch, supporting people into work and self-employment.
Daniel Bracher – Founder of Are You Faster CIC.
Tom Misselbrook – CSO, Product Psychologist and Clinician at InsideOut.
Who it’s for
Men who are worried about opening up, or unsure how or where to ask for help
Men who want to look after their own mental health
Men who want to be there for the men around them: mates, brothers, dads, sons and colleagues
Women who want to support the men in their lives
Managers, HR and people leads who want the men in their teams to use the support on offer
Anyone who has ever said “I’m fine” and not meant it
What you’ll get
An honest discussion about men’s mental health: the pressure to “man up”, why men stay quiet, and what actually helps
A five-minute breathing reset you can use the same afternoon
Practical tips on what to say (and not say) when a mate or colleague opens up
A clear guide to the support that’s out there and how to access it
Time for your questions, live or anonymous
Getting support: where to start
You don’t have to wait until things feel serious to reach out. Support comes in different forms, so pick what feels right:
Talk to someone you trust: a friend, partner or family member. Saying it out loud is often the first step.
Your GP: can talk through how you’re feeling and point you to the right help.
NHS Talking Therapies: free NHS therapy for anxiety, stress and low mood. In England you can refer yourself online without seeing a GP.
Your workplace: many employers offer free, confidential support such as an Employee Assistance Programme or a platform like InsideOut. Ask HR what’s available.
Peer support: free men’s groups offer a space to talk with other men.
If you need help now: call Samaritans free, 24/7, on 116 123, or call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option.
Details
Cameras optional
Got a question you’d rather not ask out loud? Add it anonymously when you register.
Register and invite a friend to join us.