Men’s Health Strategy for England

Today, on International Men’s Day, the Government has published a new Men’s Health Strategy for England which aims to tackle men’s mental health challenges, improve physical health and reduce inequalities so that men and boys are able to live longer, healthier lives.

Welcoming the strategy, Greg Fell, President of the Association of Directors of Public Health, said:

“As with nearly every aspect of health, there are a wide range of factors that contribute to why men don’t always have the best health outcomes. This new strategy recognises that there is no one solution and sets out sensible and achievable goals that everyone involved in improving men’s health and wellbeing can work towards.

“We are particularly pleased to see the emphasis on preventing the many avoidable illnesses and diseases – including a number of cancers and respiratory and mental health conditions – that are driven by smoking, drinking and gambling. The strategy’s focus on improving wellbeing is also welcome and it is vital that everyone now works together to foster stronger social and community networks that create a new normal where the traditional default of men and boys not talking about health concerns becomes a thing of the past.

“At a local level, Directors of Public Health already fund a variety of projects tackling these issues – many of which are organised by the voluntary sector. For this new strategy to be truly effective, the Government must listen and learn from this existing work so that any new initiatives build on and complement what is already happening, and positive changes are made, not just in the short term, but for generations of boys and men to come.”

The strategy comes following a consultation earlier this year.