International Men’s Day 2024

“On November 19, International Men’s Day celebrates worldwide the positive value men bring to the world, their families and communities. We highlight positive role models and raise awareness of men’s well-being. Our theme for 2024 is “Positive Male Role Models”.”1
For International Men’s Day 2024, we asked our team who their ‘Positive Male Role Models’ are and why. Here’s what they said:

Alan Learoyd
“My Grandad is my role model. He was a kind, generous and selfless person. He always went out of his way to make sure his family of girls had whatever they needed. He adored his family and would never give up caring for them.
“He was hardworking and always shared his skills with others, especially his children and grandchildren who well and truly follow in his footsteps.” – Stacey, Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
Nath Larvin
During lockdown Nath set up Drighlington Rugby League Club’s first girls’ team as a means of providing a safe, healthy, physical outlet and chance for social connection during what was a very uncertain time.
His coaching style is straight talking, clear and rooted in lots of rugby knowledge. The girls thrive, his team have achieved a phenomenal amount, finishing top of the premier league, winning the play offs and retaining the Rhinos Butlin’s Challenge cup. Many hours a week are given to developing the girls’ skills, confidence, and abilities and all on a voluntary basis.
Fast forward to 2024 and there’s now five girls’ teams ranging from U11’s to U15’s. He was spotted and has been coaching on the Huddersfield U16’s pathway and Yorkshire talent hub. He is about to start the next step in his coaching career having been asked to join the Huddersfield Ladies U19’s academy. Alongside this he teaches toddlers to six year olds at Little Legs Rugby.
Nath, for being a true champion of girls rugby, for levelling the playing field for them and creating opportunities, for giving your time and sharing your knowledge and being their biggest supporter – we thank you!


Ian Johnson
The Communities Team were working on a project at St Georges Community Centre in Lupset, Wakefield, with a group of young teens. Most were from split families and lacked a positive male role model in their lives. The venue asked if we had any men that could help to deliver this project as she felt the young people would benefit from it.
Ian was happy to come and help and the young people warmed to him straight away. He was kind, caring, conscientious, patient and listened to their queries.
Ian’s delivery style, no matter what the age group he is supporting, is always informative, engaging and educational and all groups get a lot out of time spent on one of his projects. He is a joy to call a colleague and we’re very privileged to have him in our team.
Lady Pit Lane Volunteers
Our bunch of merry men at Lady Pit Lane Allotment are all positive male role models in their own unique ways. They have all been fundamental in volunteering their time and energy at their local community allotment. We are so proud to know these great individuals and even prouder to call them our local heroes.
Andy volunteered on a garden project with Groundwork over the Summer months. He visited homes of those who were unable to garden; whether it be for physical disabilities, restraints like arthritis, unsteady on their feet, or those with poor mental health who saw the garden as an overwhelming challenge. He enjoys helping others as well as getting outdoors and in nature.
Chris is an avid fundraiser and a great ambassador for everything that he gets involved in. He has a positive energy and no one is safe when he is campaigning for funds! He has raised lots of money over the years for a variety of causes, from MacMillan nurses who supported his Mum, to raising funds for gardening equipment and a sponsored dry swim challenge with his friends.
Steven is hardworking, generous with his time and happy to help all who ask for it. Over the years he has been involved in supporting other plot holders at the allotment with tasks like installing fences, fixing brick walls and ripping out weeds. He’s certainly not shy of a bit of hard graft especially if it means helping someone else out. He’s gained a lot of knowledge of gardening over the years and is happy to share this.


Robbie
“My son Robbie is a positive role model to his Niece and Nephew. He helps with school work, takes them on trips and steps in as a father figure. The children trust him and often talk to him about things they don’t want to talk to their Mum about.
“He is goofy, funny, gentle and freely loyal. Family always comes first. He treats his Fiancé with respect, modelling how a healthy relationship should work as equals.” – Nickie, Senior Community Coordinator
Tony Jacobs
Tony is our Green Skills Supervisor and leads on lots of our outdoor learning courses. He helps people to gain new skills, qualifications and experience.
“Just absolutely brilliant. Met some lovely people on the course and formed friendships. I learned so much from the tutor, he is a very knowledgeable man, only too happy to help with a million questions I had. He was so patient with the group and I learned so much on that short course. Just wish it was a bit longer. Sad that it’s over!” – Gardening with Green Skills course participant

- https://internationalmensday.com/ ↩︎