Men's Health Week starts today!

Men's Health Week (9 - 15 June) starts today, which raises awareness of the health challenges men face and encourages them to take action.

The campaign ensures all boys and men have access to the information, services and treatment they need to live healthier, longer and more fulfilling lives.

The Men's Health Forum says a strategic approach can make the NHS better without costing the earth: "We need a Men's Health Strategy for the NHS. And a Women's Health Strategy too".

They say the government has promised both but we need to make sure they get it right.

Men's Health Week is important because:

• one man in five dies before the age of 65;
• four in five suicides are by men, with suicide being the biggest cause of death for men under 35;
• according to the BUPA Wellbeing Index:
  • 43% of working British men are urging their employers to provide greater mental health support,
  • 50% of men have struggled with mental health difficulties at some point, yet fewer than half have sought medical advice,
  • 37% of UK men admit actively hiding their mental health issues from their partners,
  • 30% of men surveyed said they didn't know where to turn for advice or support,
  • 65% of employees recognise that stigma around men's mental health remains strong.

Men's health in the workplace

Mates in Mind are encouraging everyone to start a conversation about mental health within their own organisations and across the businesses they work with this Men's Health Week.

Supporting men's health can bring several benefits to workplaces:

• a healthier and more engaged workforce;
• improved employee productivity;
• a reduction in absenteeism;
• a positive workplace culture that prioritises wellbeing.

Get involved

To take part in Men's Health Week, employers can:

• raise awareness by sharing key health messages through company intranet, emails, posts, and other workplace communications;
• organise initiatives that support men's health, such as health check-up days, fitness challenges, or wellbeing workshops and toolbox talks;
• encourage open conversations about health by creating a supportive and inclusive environment.

Participating in Men's Health Week allows individuals to promote a holistic approach to men's health and support the well-being of the men in their lives:

• encourage the men in your life to schedule regular check-ups with their healthcare providers;
• attend informative sessions or workshops that address men's health topics;
• promote physical fitness by organising group activities or sports events;
• share health information using social media platforms, local newsletters, or community notice boards to share educational content related to men's health;
• support men's health organisations.