Men and boys across England will benefit from tailored healthcare and support as the government has unveiled its first-ever Men’s Health Strategy.
The bold plan sets out comprehensive action to address the physical and mental health challenges men face, aiming to help them live longer, healthier lives. Men are often less likely to seek help and more likely to suffer in silence, while higher rates of smoking, drinking, gambling, and drug use contribute to poorer health outcomes.
Suicide prevention is a key focus, with the government investing £3.6 million over three years in community projects targeting middle-aged men in high-risk areas. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for men under 50, accounting for three-quarters of all suicides.
Projects will break down barriers such as stigma and lack of awareness and will be co-designed with experts and men with lived experience. The strategy also strengthens partnerships, including the Premier League’s Together Against Suicide initiative with the Samaritans, embedding mental health messaging into matchday experiences, and providing support at stadiums and online.
Other major commitments include:
- £3 million for community-based men’s health programmes
- Men’s health training for healthcare professionals via new e-learning modules
- Workplace health pilots in male-dominated industries through the Keep Britain Working Vanguard Programme
- Enhanced lung disease support for former miners via the Respiratory Pathways Transformation Fund
- Home PSA testing for prostate cancer patients from 2027 via the NHS App (subject to clinical approval)
- £200,000 trial of interventions to tackle rising cocaine and alcohol-related cardiovascular deaths
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said:
“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.”
The strategy also funds research into preventing, diagnosing, and treating major male health risks, while tackling harmful societal norms that prevent men from seeking help.
A stakeholder group will oversee implementation, with a one-year progress report to ensure accountability.
