Supporting the male mental health journey

Published on 10, February, 2025

Two academics from the University of Sunderland will be among the guest speakers at a conference outlining the challenges of the male mental health journey from distress to recovery.

The Game of II Halves Conference is set to return to the Beacon of Light this April offering an afternoon of open and inspirational conversations on men’s mental health.

Beacon of Light will host the free event between 1pm and 5pm on Thursday 17 April, with a range of informed speakers on topics such as alcoholism, societal changes and recovery.

The conference is a highlight of Foundation of Light’s Game of II Halves programme, which aims to raise awareness around mental health issues and suicide prevention.

Game of II Halves targets men aged 16 and over in Sunderland, offering them skills, confidence and knowledge needed to lead mentally resilient lives.

The University’s Dr Jon Rees and Dr Mark Ord will be speaking at the event alongside Kieron Brady, a former Sunderland AFC footballer who was forced to retire due to injury.

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Dr Rees, Associate Professor of Applied Research Methodology at the University, will focus on recovery journeys and research related to mental health.

Dr Rees said: "I am delighted that the University of Sunderland is supporting the important work that the Foundation of Light is doing in this area.

“As leader of our Male Psychology co-lab research group and as someone with lived experience of mental health difficulties, I am very aware of the scale of the challenges men face and proud to be part of an initiative hoping to make a difference."

Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Dr Ord, will provide insights into psychological aspects related to masculinity and mental health.

"Men and boys are experiencing a mental health crisis,” Dr Ord said.

“Much about their roles in society, what it means to be a man, and how men fit into modern society has changed over recent decades.

“If you spend any time on social media men are crying out about the impact this is having on mental health. Often, however, male mental health does not receive the attention it deserves and the result of this can be tragic.

“This event, the work of the Foundation of Light, and what we are doing at the University, brings much needed attention to the topic of male mental health. It makes a real difference to the lives of men and boys, and I am honoured to be involved."

The speakers will be joined on stage by Kathy McKenna from Washington Mind for the panel Q&A. 

To book or find out more about the guest speakers, click here.