Wrexham will host the UK’s first National Conversation on Male Suicide. The free event is at the Racecourse on 26 October.
Action on Male Suicide invites everyone in Wrexham to a free event. The aim is simple. Together, we can learn what drives male suicide, and also what could help more men stay alive.
The event takes place at Wrexham AFC’s Racecourse Ground on Monday 26 October, from 10am until 5pm. In fact, Wrexham is the first place in the UK to host one of these new events.
Who Is Behind the Event?
Action on Male Suicide is a new, research-led charity. Above all, it wants to change how we deal with male suicide. So, its events take the latest research out of universities and into communities.
Dr Susie Bennett, the charity’s founder, will lead the day. She is also an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow. For years, she has studied the stories of thousands of men who have been suicidal.
Why the Conversation Matters
The event comes at an important time for Wales. According to the latest Public Health Wales data, men accounted for 77% of suspected suicide deaths in 2024/25.
“We have learned an enormous amount by listening to men who have been suicidal,” said Dr Bennett. However, she believes that knowledge cannot stay inside universities. “It needs to reach the people who can actually use it.”
She added that the charity wants to listen to what people in Wrexham see and experience. Then, together, they can ask what we can all do to make things better for men.
What Happens on the Day?
First, the day brings together local people, charities, health workers and people with lived experience. In addition, the emergency services, local groups, decision-makers and researchers will take part.
Speakers will share the latest research on what puts men at risk and what protects them. Meanwhile, local groups will talk about how they already support men in Wrexham.
Finally, everyone can share gaps in support and priorities for change. As a result, local groups can find new ways to work together.
Voices of Lived Experience
Above all, the charity puts lived experience at the heart of its work. For example, Mark Gallagher advises the charity on living experience. “Real suicide prevention isn’t awareness days, hashtags, or kind slogans,” he said. “It’s proactive support.”
In addition, Paula lost her 19-year-old son to suicide. Now, she hopes the charity’s work can help others. “It is too late for my son,” she said, “but I am hopeful it can help prevent other families experiencing the same loss.”
How to Book a Place
The event runs from 10am until 5pm on Monday 26 October at the Racecourse Ground, Mold Road, Wrexham, LL11 2AH. Entry is free, but you need to book in advance at actiononmalesuicide.org/events.
After Wrexham, the tour then moves on to Edinburgh, Dundee, Middlesbrough, Belfast, London and Birmingham this autumn.
Support Is Available
If you are struggling, or worried about someone, you don’t have to cope alone. Samaritans are there day or night, so you can call free on 116 123. Or, you can email [email protected]. In Wales, you can also call the CALL Mental Health Listening Line free on 0800 132 737.
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