Male MEnTAL HEALTH
22.05.25
MTF Mixer
5:30pm - DiSH Manchester, HEron House, Lloyd Street M25EL
Join us at our home in DiSH on Thursday 22nd May for an evening of honesty, connection and support, as we welcome some of our male colleagues to the stage to bravely share their experience with mental health.
Our goal is to create space for men in the tech industry to come together to find connection and identification with one another. Struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, paranoia, bipolar, and BPD to name a few can be a horribly isolating. We know from previous events we’ve ran that finding like minded people who share the same struggles can bring a real sense of peace, community and fellowship. That’s what we’d like to do here – to hold the space to be seen, heard and validated.
You don’t have to be a man struggling with your own mental health to attend, just have a healthy interest in supporting your fellow human in true MTF spirit! As with all MTF events, all genders are welcome to attend and as always our Meetup events are free to attend.
Why Male Mental Health?
The stats tell us that men are less likely to present at their GP with mental health problems, and there remains a stigma around men being honest about their struggles. This affects all men but is particularly prelevant amongst those with mariginalised identity markers such as class, race, educational background, sexual and gender identity, and neurodivergent conditions.
This event will feature 3-4 male speakers who will be speaking for 30 minutes on their experience, strength and hope with mental health issues. It is not only a safe space but a brave space, recognising and acknowledging that men suffer from emotional distress and that there is a serious issue with male loneliness and lack of in built support networks available.
SPEAKERS
Check out our lineup of speakers by clicking their images below! We will be continuing to announce speakers over the next few weeks, so sign up to our newsletter to be the first in the know!
Amy Newton
Founder
Manchester Tech Festival
Kofi Josephs
Founder
Why Not I
Dmitry Leyko
Senior Data & AI Engineer
Founder of Queer in Tech
James Davies
MD UK and Europe
Vernon Richards
Snr Engineering Manager and
Quality Coach
Jamie Dennis
Founder & CEO
Mandem Meetup
AGENDA
Discover the evenings talks by clicking on the drop downs below!
Kofi Josephs
Founder
Why Not I
In this powerful talk, Kofi shares his lived journey from growing up in inner-city Birmingham to becoming a professional basketball player representing Team England and Great Britain — and how he faced the mental toll that came with chasing success in elite sport, while battling identity, pressure, and self-doubt behind the scenes.
Now the founder of Why Not I, Kofi takes audiences through the moments that shaped his resilience and the mindset shift that helped him redefine what strength really means. This talk explores the intersection of mental health, courage, and belief — especially for men who feel they have to carry everything silently. Kofi invites others to look inward, ask themselves “Why not me?”, and step into the version of themselves they didn’t think was possible.
Digital & Social inclusion
At MTF we believe that everyone across Greater Manchester should be able to access a career in tech without barriers. That’s why, as part of our digital and social inclusion programme, we collect food bank donations at our events. We then work with Manchester City Council and our charity partners who distribute the donations to those who need them most.
We appreciate times are hard for everyone, but if you can, we politely ask you to bring a donation for our food bank partners. We are asking for baby food, nappies, infant formula, hygiene wipes, tampons, sanitary pads, halal food and socks. If your religion prevents you from touching or purchasing any of the previous items you are welcome to bring packaged bars of soap.
EVENT FAQ's
DiSH MCR, Heron House, 47 Lloyd St, Manchester M2 5LE
When you arrive, you will walk into the reception. Simply give your name in at the reception desk and someone will show you up to the second floor. We will meet you at the entrance to DiSH. If you aren’t feeling confident, let us know and we will introduce you to the people in the space!