Manchester Tech Festival

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.

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 prevalent 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.

Agenda
17:30pm - 18:30pm: Arrival and Registration / Drinks and mingling
18:30 - 18:40pm: Introduction by Amy Newton
18:45 - 19:15pm: First Speaker
19:15pm - 19:45pm: Second Speaker
19:45pm - 8:10pm: Break for food and chatting
8:10pm - 8:45pm: Fireside chat
8:45pm - 9pm: A word from a Male Mental Health charity
9pm: Drinks, networking, chatting and finding connection

Please grab your tickets through following link, unfortunately RSVPing with Meetup does not count as a registered space:

Looking for a fun, low-pressure way to unwind on a Friday night? Join us for Games Night—a chilled evening designed for the tech community to connect, relax, and play!

Whether you're into strategy games, party games, or just want to hang out with like-minded people, there's something for everyone. It’s a great alternative to the usual pub scene, with plenty of snacks, soft drinks, and good vibes.

We’ve created a welcoming, inclusive space that’s especially ideal for people who prefer a more relaxed social setting. Come as you are and let’s roll some dice!

Please grab your tickets through following link, unfortunately RSVPing with Meetup does not count as a registered space:

Building communities and creating safe spaces is at the centre of Manchester Tech Festival, that’s why Queer Tech Co-Working is back for 2025! An opportunity to get out of the office, meet like-minded people working in the tech space and get some work done at the same time!
If you identify as LGBTQ+, you work in tech, and love to be part of a community, then we would love you to join us.

What to do when you arrive?
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 and show you to the co-working space! If you aren’t feeling confident, let us know and we will introduce you to the people in the space!

What Time to Arrive
You can arrive anytime from 9am and stay for as long as you want to! Coming later In the day? Just let us know if you be around for lunch so we can order the right amount on the day!

Co-Working Etiquette
Queer Tech Co-Working is hosted in DiSH MCR, a tech co-working space. You’re welcome to put your earphones in and get your head down, or network and talk as you work. All we ask is that you are mindful of the space you are in.

About the Space
Queer Tech Co-Working is hosted in a Co-Working space, so there are plenty of plugs, wifi and USB & USB C Chargers. The venue is fully accessible.

Please grab your tickets through following link, unfortunately RSVPing with Meetup does not count as a registered space:

In an era where digital content is just a click away, the question of who holds responsibility for protecting children online has never been more urgent. With the mental health of young people increasingly impacted by the content they consume—and the lines between entertainment, influence and harm becoming ever more blurred—this timely debate brings the issue into sharp focus.

From the widespread reach of misogynistic content, highlighted in documentaries such as Netflix’s Adolescence, to eye-opening experiments like Channel 4’s Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones, it’s clear that technology is shaping the minds and futures of the next generation in powerful—and potentially dangerous—ways.

In 2023, the UK government passed the Online Safety Act, placing legal obligations on tech companies to protect users from harm. Now, in 2025, OFCOM has enforced over 40 concrete safety measures, including stringent age checks and content filtering algorithms. But the big questions remain:

Are these measures enough? And who should ultimately carry the burden of responsibility—tech companies, government, schools, or parents?

In this thought-provoking debate, we bring together four leading voices from the world of technology, digital policy and online safety to explore the future of online protection. Expect bold opinions, expert insight, and an open dialogue on the real challenges and responsibilities behind keeping children safe in a digital world.