Movember and Green Flag: On the road to better men's health

More inclined to book an MOT before booking a doctor’s appointment? You’re not alone. According to new Movember research, a third of British men take better care of their cars than they do their health. But here's the twist... most are open to shifting gears.

To help drive that change, we’re working with Green Flag, the roadside rescue experts, on a mission to put men’s health back in the fast lane.

We’re encouraging people to fill in the government’s survey to help better men’s health.

Health talks? Nah, let’s talk tyres

Let’s be honest, talking about tyre pressure feels way simpler than opening up about stress, cancer checks, or that weird mole. The numbers back it up. Most men are more likely to:

• Book an MOT (83%)
• Renew breakdown cover (73%)
• Check tyre pressure (66%)
• Wash their car (62%)

...than even think about discussing their mental or physical health (54%). Ouch.

Even more revealing: over half of men (56%) say they find “car admin” easier than talking about how they’re really doing: whether it’s to mates, doctors, or even anonymously online.

But here’s the good news...

This isn’t a dead-end. We know lots of men are engaged with their health and the same survey shows that more than half of men would be happy to open up if they knew it could lead to better healthcare or help others.

In fact:

• 52% would fill out a health survey if it could improve care
• 70% said they’d take part if it meant getting better advice from their GP
• 52% would be motivated by more local support options, like sports groups or Men’s Sheds

A chance to be heard. Literally

Right now, for the first time ever, the UK Government is asking men: “What do YOU want from your healthcare?”.

The new Men’s Health Strategy will shape how doctors, hospitals, and communities support men in future. Your voice matters.

You can take the government’s survey before the deadline on 17th July 2025. It takes 10-15 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to wait for a breakdown truck.

On the road and ready to talk

To kick off Men’s Health Week (9–15 June), Green Flag technicians will be out there at the roadside doing what they do best - helping people in a jam. But they’ll also be handing out something just as important as jumper cables: info on the government’s men’s health survey.

Yep, even if your car’s coughing up smoke, you could still end up helping shape the future of men’s healthcare.

Why it matters

Men in the UK face some serious health challenges:

• 3 in 4 suicides are by men
• 1 in 8 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer
• Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men

We are tackling these issues head-on through research, support programmes, and now, pushing for policy changes too.

Real people. Real change.

Josh Morgan, Policy & Advocacy at Movember shares:

“Movember is on a mission to change the face of men’s health, but we can’t do it alone. With input from the public, we can ensure a future of men’s health in Britain with policies and initiatives that represent all men. We’re proud to be working with our community to drive real change for real men across England.”

Damon Jowett, Director of Roadside and Network Services at Green Flag said:

“Our customers see the importance of having the security of purchasing breakdown cover for their vehicle, but clearly from the research are not putting the same emphasis on the need for the same focus on their health. This is why we are working with Movember to do just that. We will be out supporting our customers, as we always are, and whilst doing so encouraging them to take part in the UK Government’s call for evidence to prioritise men’s health.”

Even the big cheeses in Westminster are on board. Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health, says:

“It is shocking yet unsurprising that so many men are more likely to service their car than check in on their own health – that’s exactly what we want to change. We’re launching the first-ever men’s health strategy because too many men are dying early from preventable causes.

We want to tackle the real issues men face, from mental health to cancer checks. And we need to hear from men across the country – your stories, your struggles, your suggestions – so we can shape a plan that actually works. The more voices we hear, the better the outcomes will be."

With your help, this isn’t just another health campaign. It’s real policy change, shaped by real voices. What you say now can actually influence how the NHS supports men in the future.

Time to take the wheel

Movember and Green Flag want to help men look under the bonnet. Not just of their cars, but their health too. So here’s your mission:

Encourage a mate. Don’t just do it for yourself, do it for your dad, brother, best mate, or your future self. Keep the conversation going - the more we talk about men’s health, the more normal it becomes.

You wouldn't skip a service on your car for five years. Don’t skip your health either. Fill in the survey. Speak up. Be part of the solution.

Take the government’s survey now.