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Men’s health: The lives of men in our communities
Men in the most deprived areas in England live nearly 10 years fewer than those in the least deprived. It is clear working in partnership is the key to addressing men’s health – and councils are ideally placed to lead and foster that.
Introduction
Men’s health is a national concern. On average, they die nearly four years earlier than women with a number of physical and mental health conditions disproportionately affecting them. This includes some cancers, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. They are also more likely to die by suicide – with four out of every five suicides by men.
There are multiple factors that cause these poor health outcomes, ranging from socio-economic to behavioural, with higher rates of smoking and drinking to excess seen in men in particular.
There are also significant inequalities between the health of men. Men in the most deprived areas in England live nearly 10 years fewer than those in the least deprived. The gap in healthy life expectancy for these groups is nearly 20 years.
It is why campaigners have called for a men’s health strategy to match the one produced for women in 2022. The hope is it would help focus attention on the issue.
But even without that councils are already active in this field, tailoring support and targeting men in a variety of ways as these best practice case studies illustrate.
Football can often be a powerful tool – and a number of councils are involved in schemes that get men active through the national game. But the benefit is not just physical. Those taking part report it also boosts their mental health, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation as they make new friends while improving their fitness and losing weight.
There are councils targeting initiatives at particular groups of men too. For example, the London borough of Islington has set up a programme for young black men, while Oxford is focussing attention on homeless men alongside other initiatives and Melton in North Leicestershire is providing health checks to farmers at a local livestock market.
Councils report that some men can be distrustful of traditional health services so working with community groups and grassroots organisations is proving particularly effective. It is clear working in partnership is the key to addressing men’s health – and councils are ideally placed to lead and foster that.
Yet, despite these efforts, the silent health crisis among men remains a pressing issue. With sustained attention and collective action, we can ensure that more men receive the support they need to lead longer, healthier lives.
