How England is tackling Men's health, and what it means for you

Today, men's health is increasingly discussed yet still a sensitive topic. This is not only driven by personal choice, but also by social pressure and stigma. Men’s health is now at the forefront of health policy with the release of England’s first national men's health strategy, which aims to improve healthcare access and challenge long-standing stigma around masculinity and help-seeking.

In 2024, 36% of men died before age 75, with UK men having a lower life expectancy compared to many other OECD nations. Men’s lack of interaction with statutory health services on their health issues can cost lives, we’re deep-diving into men’s health.

Why Are Men Less Likely to Ask For Help? 

Many social factors play into why men do not ask for help, but arguably the most harmful is our societal norms and cultural expectations of masculinity. Such expectations force many into a box. These gendered norms form through our schools, workplaces, media, law, and policy.

A government-commissioned report found that norms for men and boys “to appear strong, in control and reluctant to show vulnerability” can hinder emotional expression and help-seeking, contributing to poorer mental health and thus putting them at risk of suicide.

These norms can also promote substance abuse and other physical health issues. Social norms which promote competition, risk-taking, invincibility and courage have also been linked to heavy alcohol consumption, with pressure in drinking contents urging individuals to consume alcohol.

Upholding these norms about masculinity presents significant challenges for the health and care sector as there is no simple fix. They are deeply interwoven within cultural, institutional, and interpersonal structures, making it harder for men to access healthcare. Any efforts to reshape these norms should engage with the wider systems and environments. Doing so creates conditions where new norms associated with emotional openness, positive health, and wellbeing can emerge and be socially reinforced.

The Consequences of Staying Silent

The consequences of men staying silent about their health are profound and delaying help can lead to late diagnosis of several conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and mental illness, reducing the chances of effective treatment. Men are more likely to engage in smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and gambling, which are typically used to cope with deeper issues. 

Such behaviours do not only harm individuals but also add further strain on families, workplaces, and public services. This is especially prevalent in mental health, where men account for around three-quarters of suicide deaths. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for men under fifty. As stated in England’s Men’s Health Strategy, these outcomes are not inevitable. Still, they are shaped by inequality, stigma, and barriers to getting help, revealing the importance of addressing men’s reluctance to seek help.

How Will the Strategy Aim to Change this?

To address these issues, the Men's Health Strategy will focus on changing how support is offered, instead of expecting men to change first. A key principle of their approach is “meeting men where they are,” by providing help in familiar and trusted settings like sports clubs, workplaces, and community avenues.

Community-based men’s health programmes will also be prioritised, especially those in more deprived areas with poor health outcomes. There is a strong emphasis on reducing stigma around men’s mental health and improving health literacy, allowing men to better understand their symptoms and when to get support. Digital tools like the NHS App are intended to lower barriers to access and allow men to get support more privately. 

This approach aims to make healthcare feel more acceptable and accessible to men. It makes clear that improving men’s health is not about competing with women’s health but complementing overall health statistics and developing a unique approach for men.

Ultimately, the strategy aims to be flexible, as lasting success depends heavily on changes to attitudes, social norms and services working together.

If you're ever feeling down, hopeless, or at risk of harm in relation to your mental health, please don't hesitate to get in touch with one of the contacts below:

• A helpline, such as Samaritans on 116 123 (UK)
• Mind’s online community: join Side by Side
• A text support line: text SHOUT to 85258 (UK)

Did you resonate with this article? What do you think about the Men’s Health Strategy? Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham is your champion for local health and social care services, and we want to hear your views about local health and care services.

Get in touch with us at info@healthwatchlbbd.co.uk or call us on 0800 298 5331.