The government has published England’s first ever Men’s Health Strategy, marking a major shift in how men and boys are supported with their physical and mental health.
Released on International Men’s Day (18 November 2025), the strategy sets out national action to reduce inequalities, improve access to support, and help men live longer, healthier lives.
Why a Men’s Health Strategy?
Men are more likely to experience poor health outcomes, yet are less likely to seek help. Many face stigma, lack awareness of support, or struggle to access services that meet their needs. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for men under 50.
The new strategy aims to change this by meeting men where they are – in communities, workplaces and sports settings – and removing barriers to getting help.
Key Commitments
The strategy includes:
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£3.6 million for suicide prevention projects, focused on middle-aged men in communities at highest risk.
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A new partnership with the Premier League’s Together Against Suicide programme, embedding health messages into matchday experiences and working with clubs and NHS partners.
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Improved prostate cancer care, including plans for home PSA testing from 2027 (subject to approval).
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Investment in community-based men’s health programmes, workplace pilots, and training for health professionals.
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A focus on reducing smoking, alcohol and gambling harms, and providing stronger support for men with lung disease, heart disease and other major health conditions.
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Funding research to better understand and address the biggest causes of poor health and early death in men.
A National Call to Action
The strategy emphasises that change must be collective – across government, the NHS, public health, workplaces, sports organisations, charities and communities.
A new stakeholder group will oversee the work, with a one-year progress report planned for accountability.
Leaders from organisations including Movember, the Samaritans, Prostate Cancer UK, the Premier League, the Men’s Health Forum and the Association of Directors of Public Health have welcomed the strategy as an important and long overdue step.
Why It Matters for Leeds
Men’s health is a priority across West Yorkshire, and many local organisations – including partners in the voluntary and community sector – already deliver targeted support for men around mental health, physical health, loneliness and wellbeing.
A national strategy provides a stronger framework to build on this work and ensure men across Leeds, especially those most at risk, can get the right help in the right place at the right time.
