The University of Central Lancashire and local partners are marking International Men’s Day by highlighting the important roles men play in health and care professions.
The University, Blackburn with Darwen Council, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust and Lancashire County Council have teamed up for the #MenDoCare campaign.
On International Men’s Day, Tuesday 19 November, they are encouraging social workers, nurses and other health care professionals to use the hashtag #MenDoCare on social media to share their thoughts on the benefits men bring to their professions, why there is a need to break down stereotypes and the personal benefits they gain from their roles.
"Male social workers working with families can demonstrate that men can be warm, empathetic, caring, and a positive role model to both boys and girls."
— Senior social work lecturer Jason Loffman
According to statistics produced by the Department for Education in February this year on children’s social work workforce, the proportion of men working in local authority children’s services in England fell from 14.8% in 2017 to 12.6% in 2023.
When it comes to nursing, the latest figures from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) show that just 11.1% of registered nurses, midwives and nursing associates in the UK identify as male.
Jason Loffman, a senior lecturer in social work at the University of Central Lancashire who has been a registered social worker for 24 years, said: “There is a misconception that social work is not undertaken by men and that men don't work in caring roles. This not only limits the potential of men who might be interested in the field, but also perpetuates the gender stereotype that working in the care sector and working with emotion is not a suitable role for men which, to me, is a limited view.
“Having a diverse workforce is crucial in any field, and social work is no exception. Men can bring a different perspective to the role and this can be particularly valuable in areas such as family social work. Male social workers working with families can demonstrate that men can be warm, empathetic, caring, and a positive role model to both boys and girls.”
"Healthcare can often traditionally be seen as a female-led profession and while the majority of our nurses are female, we do have fantastic male colleagues who show the care, compassion and professionalism required to be a clinician."
— Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Nurse Oliver Soriano
Senior Lecturer in Pre-Registration Adult Nursing David Stein commented: The NHS needs to be representative of society and as such the gender imbalance needs addressing.
“Patients require professionals who are empathetic, caring, and skilled. Nursing is a great profession and we need to portray it in a positive way by identifying role models and pushing the conversation at primary and secondary schools as to why men in nursing roles is great for society.”
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Nurse Oliver Soriano said: “It is such an honour to lead our amazing nurses, allied health professionals, social workers and psychology professionals in Lancashire and South Cumbria. Healthcare can often traditionally be seen as a female-led profession and while the majority of our nurses are female, we do have fantastic male colleagues who show the care, compassion and professionalism required to be a clinician.
“I, myself, am a proud male nurse and have used my background in giving the best to my patients. At LSCft, we do more to make people from all backgrounds and cultures feel welcome and valued, regardless of their gender. We are incredibly proud of the diverse representation we have across our 7,800-strong workforce, of which more than a fifth of those are male in a variety of roles. They work hard every day to provide the highest standards of care to our patients and support colleagues.”
"In my role as a rehabilitation officer for the visually impaired, I make a big difference to people's lives simply by empowering them to be themselves ..."
— Stephen Walker, Rehabilitation Officer for the Sensory Impairment Team at Lancashire County Council
Daniel Branch, a community learning disability nurse in the Intensive Support Team at LSCft, added: “I truly enjoy being a learning disability nurse and think that I have one of the best jobs in the world. I began my nursing career in my early 30s having previously worked in the legal sector and am aware there can be a stigma attached to men in nursing, however, I have never felt judged and always felt supported. I love helping people and my current job enables me to do so more than ever.
“Nursing has taken me to some amazing places, from presenting for NHS England and the King’s Fund, being a national nursing awards finalist for the Royal College of Nursing and Nursing Times, to visiting Buckingham Palace and the coronation of King Charles III.”
Stephen Walker, Rehabilitation Officer for the Sensory Impairment Team at Lancashire County Council, said: "In my role as a rehabilitation officer for the visually impaired, I make a big difference to people's lives simply by empowering them to be themselves and unlock their true potential from overcoming their fear of going outdoors and crossing roads independently.
"There are lots of misconceptions about the industry and it's important that we have male representation because we need both role models for young and old people.
"Working in social care can be a deeply fulfilling role and there are lots of roles where both men and women can flourish. We have lots of roles that require a range of different skills so if you're thinking about a career in social care then visit our adult services career's page."
"I would say that the strength of our entire team is in its diversity, and we would welcome more men considering a career in Adult Social Care services."
— Mark Warren, Strategic Director of Adults and Health at Blackburn with Darwen Council
Mark Warren, Strategic Director of Adults and Health at Blackburn with Darwen Council, started his health and social care career as a social worker.
Mark commented: “Our team is lucky to have some very dedicated male members of staff who bring a wealth of experience. I would say that the strength of our entire team is in its diversity, and we would welcome more men considering a career in Adult Social Care services, which present fantastic career opportunities for all sections of our communities.”
Dave Simpson, Head of Nursing for Emergency and Acute Pathway and Deputy Divisional Director of Nursing MEC at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “It’s a huge honour to be a male nurse, being able to provide care and help other people.
"It’s really important to have a broad mix of staff who all bring different skills, attributes and values. In my 20 plus years of nursing I have looked after some incredible people, made great rapports, and who at times, respond better to men."
— Dave Simpson, Head of Nursing for Emergency and Acute Pathway and Deputy Divisional Director of Nursing MEC at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust
“It’s really important to have a broad mix of staff who all bring different skills, attributes and values. In my 20 plus years of nursing I have looked after some incredible people, made great rapports, and who at times, respond better to men.
“To know that a person has put their trust and confidence in me to always do the right thing is one of the best feeling you can have.”
More information about studying nursing, social work and other health and care related courses at the University of Central Lancashire is available on the University's website.