Men’s health: The lives of men in our communities

Men's health is a critical public health issue, with men experiencing higher rates of certain diseases and a shorter life expectancy compared to women. On average, men die nearly four years earlier than women and face disproportionately higher rates of cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and suicide.

We welcome news that the Government has announced plans to launch the first-ever Men’s Health Strategy. This initiative aims to address key health challenges faced by men of all ages, including cardiovascular diseases, prostate and testicular cancers, and mental health concerns.

The strategy will be part of the Government's broader 10-Year Health Plan and will focus on preventing and tackling the biggest health problems affecting men. This includes efforts to reduce the life expectancy gap between men and women, as men tend to die nearly four years earlier on average. The strategy will also address health inequalities, particularly in deprived areas where men are expected to live almost 10 years less than those in wealthier regions.

Additionally, the Government is launching a call for evidence to gather public views on improving men’s health and creating a health service better equipped to meet their needs.

It's a significant step towards improving men's health outcomes and ensuring that men can live healthier, longer, happier lives.

The Men’s Health Forum, a registered charity with the aim of improving the health of men and boys in the UK, has highlighted some of the challenges relating to health outcomes amongst men:

Socio-economic Status: Men in the most deprived areas live nearly 10 years fewer than those in the least deprived areas. The gap in healthy life expectancy between these groups is nearly 20 years.
Behavioural factors: Higher rates of smoking, excessive alcohol. consumption, and reluctance to seek medical help are prevalent among men.
Life expectancy: On average, men in the UK live 3.7 years less than women. In the UK, one man in five dies before he reaches the age of 65. More than two in five men die before the age of 75.
Cardiovascular disease: Men are twice as likely to die prematurely from CVD as women in England.
Cancer: Men have a 37 per cent higher risk of dying from cancer and a 67 per cent higher chance of dying from cancers that affect both men and women.
Mental Health: Four in five suicides are by men – suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35 and there has been a sharp increase in the rate among men aged 35- 64.
Physical Activity: 65.6 per cent of men and 60.8 per cent of women were physically active
Obesity: 67 per cent of men in England were overweight or obese, compared to 61 per cent of women.
Healthcare utilisation: Over 40 per cent of men only visit the doctor when they believe they have a serious medical condition.

These statistics highlight the significant health challenges faced by men and underscore the importance of targeted interventions and support from councils.

4 in 5

suicides are by men

Suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35 and there has been a sharp increase in the rate among men aged 35- 64.

What works?

Councils play a crucial role in addressing men's health through various initiatives and partnerships. Here are some key areas where local councils are making a difference:

Community Programs: Councils are implementing community-driven programs to tackle loneliness and promote mental well-being. For example, photography walking groups and social clubs provide opportunities for men to engage in physical activity and social interaction.
Targeted Initiatives: Specific groups of men, such as young black men and farmers, are being targeted through tailored programs. These include school-based counselling, community outreach, mental health training for barbers, and health checks at local markets.
Male-friendly spaces – create spaces that feel more male-friendly than traditional health services which are often focused on those who use them most - women and children.
Partnerships with Community Groups: Recognising that men often distrust traditional health services, councils are partnering with community groups and grassroots organisations to deliver health services more effectively. Many successful programmes co-create material and co-design services with the groups of men for whom they are intended.
Physical Activity Programs: Football and other sports programs are being used to engage men in physical activity while also providing workshops on healthy lifestyles and mental health awareness.
Advocacy for National Strategies: The LGA has are advocating for a national men's health strategy to address the silent health crisis among men. We have also been calling for the reinstatement of local suicide prevention funding.

Case studies

Calderdale: The Staying Well program in Calderdale tackles loneliness and promotes well-being through bespoke approaches such as a photography-themed walking group and a Men’s Sheds project.
Islington: The London borough of Islington has set up a program specifically for young black men, addressing their unique health challenges.
Oxford: Oxford focuses on homeless men, providing health checks and other support services.
Melton: In North Leicestershire, Melton provides health checks to farmers at a local livestock market, addressing the health needs of this specific group.

Men's health is a pressing issue that requires sustained attention and collective action. Councils are ideally placed to lead and foster initiatives that address the unique health challenges faced by men. Through community programs, targeted initiatives, partnerships, and advocacy, local councils are making significant strides in improving men's health outcomes. However, national action is needed to close the life expectancy gap and ensure that more men receive the support they need to lead longer, healthier lives.

Councillor David Fothergill
Chairman
LGA Community Wellbeing Board