Atlas Copco acknowledges International Men's Day 2020

In the UK, there are three core themes for International Men’s Day: 

1. Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys 
2. Raising awareness and/or funds for charities supporting men and boys’ wellbeing 
3. Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood, and masculinity

Societal expectations and traditional gender roles play a role in why men are less likely to discuss or seek help for their mental health problems. Men are often expected to be the breadwinners and to be strong, dominant, and in control. While these aren’t inherently bad things, they can make it harder for men to reach out for help and open up. Some research also suggests that men who can't speak openly about their emotions may be less able to recognise symptoms of mental health problems in themselves, and less likely to reach out for support. Men may also be more likely to use potentially harmful coping methods such as drugs or alcohol, and less likely to talk to family or friends about their mental health.

Matthew Reynolds - Project Engineer for Atlas Copco Compressors 

"Outside of work I volunteer for a fantastic inclusive theatre company called The Theatre Shed (TTS). An inclusive theatre company can be defined as a belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. TTS brings together a vast range of children and adults from different backgrounds, some who may feel trapped/confined to their social bubble but by giving them more confidence and a space to speak you can see how much each individual continues to grow. I have been involved with TTS for many years and continue volunteering as it gives me the opportunity to do something different to my daily work life. Everyone has a voice, whether that be verbal, through sign language or another method, some just need a place to let that voice be heard."

Ben John - Business Line Manager for Desoutter Tools Ltd

"Every Saturday I help coach my 5 year old Son's football team, Whiteley Wanderers - this is our second season. Given the team are so young, it's important to ensure they understand communication and how it works to be part of a team. It's really rewarding watching them and seeing how they have developed from the first season. 

Training starts with a simple warm up before we practice some simple skills such as passing, shielding and shooting. We always finish a game and then focus on what we have learnt in the session. Unfortunately there has been a lot of disruption over the last six months but we have been practicing in the garden for the last few weeks and it is a great opportunity for my son and me to bond."

Tony Pogson - Technical Support Engineer for Atlas Copco Power Technique

"In addition to my role within Atlas Copco, I have been a Firefighter for 8 years. 

As part of the fire service we have a responsibility to educate others on the importance of fire safety. We often visit Beavers, Cubs and Scouts and run activity-based events with develop their team-work skills, adapt their way of thinking and give them confidence to deal with potential hazardous scenarios.

 It's very rewarding to see how the children and young adults conquer their fears and show what they have learnt to the group leaders as well as their families. We all have a responsibility to lead and educate future generations."

Francis Roberts - Technical Author for Atlas Copco Industrial Assembly Solutions 

Francis is just one of our employees who is raising money for Movember this year. Not content with just growing a moustache Francis has also committed to running 10K a day with the goal of completing 300km by the end of the month. 

“This is not about me, how far I can run, or my daft moustache,” Francis said. “It's about mental health awareness and namely suicide prevention in men who all too often keep problems bottled up. It has become a shocking statistic that in the UK suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 50, and I'm not having it. So I'm helping break the sigma to get us all taking."