Hear Max discuss why this happens, why male loneliness matters and what we can do about it at a free talk at 53two – a theatre and arts charity in Watson Street, Manchester, M3 4LP – from 7pm-9pm on Thursday 17 November.
The event is part of the Greater Manchester Shining a Light on Suicide campaign and will be hosted by Virgin Radio UK DJ Tim Cocker.
‘Billy No-Mates’ has been translated into multiple languages and is being adapted for television.
Max said: “The problem with men and friendship has two main elements. The first is that, while they might have some mates – pub mates, workmates, guys they might play sport with – they don’t have any close friends or people they can go to and have those more intimate conversations about some of the things that really matter: certainly, compared to women.
“The second problem men have with friendship is that, as they get older, their friendship circle, their social network, shrinks, and it shrinks a lot more than women’s of the same age does.”
“Consequently, male friendships are harder to maintain as life patterns change, yet the resulting loneliness is literally killing them.
“Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45. And if you talk to mental health experts, they’ll say that the fact men don’t have avenues for the sort of close conversations that maybe women have more access to, is a big factor in that.”
After talking to an expert on friendship, Max decided to do something about his own loneliness. He will share what he learned at the event.
