The UK government has published its first ever Men's Health Strategy. This is our first response
Today, the Men’s Health Sector welcomes the launch of the Men’s Health Strategy for England. A historic day for us all. Now we must work together to turn promise into progress.
Uniting for men’s health
Organisations in the men’s health sector* have united to respond to the publication of the UK Government’s Men’s Health Strategy for England. A truly historic milestone and a defining moment in the effort to improve the health and wellbeing of men and boys across the country.
Recognising that men need more
For the first time, men’s health has a dedicated national strategy. One that recognises the urgent need to tackle the causes of poor health and premature death, from male cancers and cardiovascular disease to mental health, sexual health and suicide prevention. This moment is the culmination of years of work by men and their families, charities, campaigners, researchers, clinicians and fundraisers who have championed the cause of men’s health and called for systemic change to support healthier men, families and communities. Organisations across men’s health welcome the launch of a men’s health stakeholder group to drive forward the strategy and improve health outcomes.
A new era
Michelle Terry, CEO, Movember shares;
“Today marks a historic day for men’s health in the UK. This bold strategy has strong foundations which can be built on and delivered by government, charities, health professionals, men and their communities working together.
We now need rapid progress and delivery of the action plan to ensure this strategy creates real, measurable change. The UK has the opportunity not just to turn the tide on men’s health, but to become a global leader in men’s health policy, and a strong plan deserves backing.”
What is the strategy about?
The strategy is grounded in the principles of good men’s health policy, focused not only on empowering individual men to take action, but on ensuring health services engage men and boys and are responsive to their need whilst creating the conditions for their health to thrive.
Some initial partnerships have been announced with the Premier League and workplace health pilots with a promise for more to come. It also acknowledges that more research is required to further the field of men’s health, with the formation of a Men’s Health Academic Network.
Next steps
With some initial funding set, including an essential grant of £3 million for community-based men’s health programmes, the sector acknowledges ongoing national and local leadership alongside cross government collaboration is needed to make sure the strategy delivers on its bold vision. They commit to working with government to deliver the ‘one-year-on report’, to ensure it includes where improvements can be made and where future efforts will need to be targeted.
We thank you
We want to say a huge and sincere thank you to every person who has been on this journey with us; to advocate for men’s health and make change on a systemic level. It’s no easy job, but we’ve proven that by working together, it can be done.
*Men's Health Sector partners include: