A milestone for public health
The formal publication late last month of the first-ever men’s health strategy in England marked a significant milestone for public health.
A long overdue recognition of the stark inequalities men face in health outcomes, access and engagement, I’m proud of the part the LGA has played in progressing this work.
Alongside colleagues from across local government, we have long championed preventative approaches to men’s health in the face of what we called a ‘silent crisis’.
‘Men’s health: a strategic vision for England’ responds to evidence that men are disproportionately affected by conditions like heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes and suicide, and that they often delay seeking help until crisis point.
This matters because:
- Men in England live nearly four years fewer than women, on average.
- 75 per cent of premature deaths from heart disease occur in men.
- Men account for three out of four suicides, with suicide remaining the leading cause of death for men under 50.
- One in five men will die before the age of 65, often from preventable causes.
- Screening uptake is lower among men, and they are less likely to go to their GP early.
These inequalities are even more pronounced among working-class men and boys, who face higher rates of chronic illness, mental health challenges and premature mortality.
Insecure work, poor housing, low levels of educational attainment and financial stress compound these risks, making targeted action essential.
Throughout the LGA’s lobbying work on men’s health, we have highlighted the amazing work of councils.
For example, many councils have supported local ‘Men’s Sheds’ – a brilliant way to tackle loneliness and improve wellbeing. They provide a welcoming space where men can share skills, make friends and find purpose, helping them connect and thrive in their communities.
Wakefield Council is taking part in the Sport England and Football Foundation’s Active Through Football scheme. There are a range of different activities run in deprived areas of the district, specifically targeting men.
Newark and Sherwood District Council worked with barbers to raise awareness of prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. Barbers were trained to start conversations and signpost men to support.
Islington Council has launched a programme to improve the mental health of young black men. The three-year project involves work in schools and community outreach, as well as training for frontline staff such as police.
Melton Borough Council has funded a local farming support service to run health checks at a livestock market.
Recognising men’s health as a national concern is an important step to improving the stark discrepancies in life expectancy and health outcomes, particularly between men living in wealthy and deprived areas.
We know that men face barriers to care, including lower engagement with preventive services, cultural stigmas and distrust associated with seeking help.
Tailored interventions, such as mental health outreach and workplace health initiatives, are essential to overcoming these issues.
Local councils have been working in partnership with community groups and grassroots organisations to effectively address men’s health in this way and they remain ideally placed to lead and foster this working.
Together, we can ensure that more men receive the support they need to lead longer, happier and healthier lives.
- See the LGA’s public health blogs for more on the health challenges facing white working-class males. The Men’s Health Strategy for England can be downloaded from gov.uk.