On International Men’s Day, government launched new plan to tackle the physical and mental health challenges faced by men and boys, with special emphasis on suicide prevention
The government has announced that men and boys in England are to benefit tailored healthcare and support, as part of a comprehensive new men’s health strategy launched today, to coincide with International Men’s Day.
Photo by Jack Sharp / Unsplash
This new strategy aims to address inequalities in physical and mental health, and help men and boys to prosper and live longer, healthier lives.
A key issue is that men can be less likely to seek help and are more likely to suffer in silence. Men also have a higher propensity to smoke, drink, gamble and use drugs. This not only means that men’s health suffers; there has also been shown to be also a significant impact on families, workplaces and communities.
One startling statistic is that men make up three-quarters of all deaths by suicide, which is one of the biggest killers of men under 50. The government has announced investment of £3.6m over the next three years for suicide prevention projects, aimed at middle-aged men in communities identified as being most at risk, including some of the most deprived areas in the country.
These projects will be co-designed by experts and men with lived experience of mental health crisis and suicidal thoughts. Importantly, the projects will aim to break down the barriers that middle-aged men face in seeking support. One problem is the stigma associated with seeking help. There is also a lack of awareness about what is available and how to access it.
To address this, the Premier League’s Together Against Suicide initiative, launched in September, is partnering with the Samaritans to help tackle stigma and embed health messaging into the matchday experience. Through the partnerships, football clubs will work with their local NHS trusts to increase knowledge of and training on suicide prevention, as well as actively promoting existing mental health and suicide prevention support such as NHS Talking Therapies and Every Mind Matters.
Mental health teams in schools will also be expanded, to ensure that an additional 900,000 pupils have access to support by April 2026.
Other key commitments include improved care for men with prostate cancer, such as through the development of home prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing. There is also £3m for community-based men’s health programmes aimed at those most at risk and least likely to engage with traditional services.
There is funding for research to help prevent, diagnose, treat and manage the major male killers and causes of unhealthy life years in men. That includes £200,000 to trial new interventions targeting the rise in cocaine and alcohol-related CVD deaths, particularly among older men.
New e-learning modules and resources will provide training on men’s health to care professionals. EDF Energy is providing workplace health pilots through the Keep Britain Working vanguard programme to support workers in male-dominated industries.
There is also an increase in investment in the in the respiratory pathways transformation fund in areas with significant numbers of former miners.
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, says: ‘For too long, men’s health has been overlooked. There has been a reluctance to accept that men suffer specific inequalities and hardships. The fact is that life can be really difficult for men in today’s society. Men are dying nearly four years earlier than women, and suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for men under 50.
‘This strategy marks a turning point – the first time we’re taking comprehensive, coordinated action to address the health challenges facing men and boys. Teaming up with the Premier League will harness the power of football to break down barriers and reach millions of men who might never walk through a GP’s door.
‘We know men are less likely to come forward for healthcare. From partnering with the premier league to rolling out health support in the workplace – we’re meeting men where they are and giving them the support they need to live longer, healthier lives.’
Richard Masters, Chief Executive of the Premier League, adds: ‘Unfortunately, suicide is an issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Football has the power to break down stigma and connect fans with support that can make a real difference. Through the Premier League’s Together Against Suicide initiative, we are working with clubs and partners to reduce the stigma around suicide and provide ongoing support for people who need it most.
‘This means providing matchday services through clubs, creating an online hub with professional help, and promoting conversations that can help change lives. Whether it’s speaking to family and friends, to experts on a matchday or contacting the Samaritans free support line, fans should know help is always within reach.
‘We are pleased to be supporting the government’s men’s health strategy. By joining forces, we can make a positive difference – and we urge fans to look after themselves and those they care about.’
Julie Bentley, Chief Executive Officer at the Samaritans, says: ‘Three-quarters of suicides are by men so the time for action is now and today’s announcement is a great start. It’s hugely positive to see this new strategy, the first of its kind, making suicide prevention a core focus. Suicide isn’t inevitable but preventing it takes teamwork and Samaritans’ Together Against Suicide initiative with the Premier League is a powerful partnership aimed at reaching men where they are.
‘We welcome the government’s recognition of the impact of suicide on men and the inclusion of suicide in the men’s health strategy is an important step in us together tackling the tragic reality that suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50.’
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