Supporting Men's Health Week
- Tricia Wilkie
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Men’s Health Week, taking place this year from 9th to 15th June, offers a vital opportunity to spotlight the often-overlooked health challenges that many men face, particularly when it comes to mental health. Despite growing awareness around wellbeing, the statistics around men’s health, both in the UK and globally, show we still have work to do.
The Numbers Speak Volumes
In the UK, around three-quarters of suicides are by men, with suicide remaining the single biggest killer of men under 50.
According to Mind, one in eight men in England has a common mental health problem such as depression or anxiety, yet men are far less likely than women to access talking therapies.
Globally, men are less likely to seek support for emotional distress, with cultural expectations around masculinity still discouraging vulnerability.
Physical health is also a concern: men are more likely to engage in riskier behaviours, less likely to visit a GP, and often face higher rates of preventable conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
The Barriers
Societal pressure plays a major role. From a young age, many boys are taught to "man up", suppress emotions, and see asking for help as a weakness. These ingrained beliefs can become deep-seated barriers to seeking support, especially in the workplace, where vulnerability can still be misunderstood.
Encouraging Openness: Small Steps, Big Shifts
Creating a culture where men feel safe to talk about their health doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes, the smallest interventions have the biggest impact:
Lead by example: When senior male leaders speak honestly about their own wellbeing, it opens the door for others.
Create informal spaces: Peer groups, wellbeing check-ins, or casual drop-in sessions can offer low-pressure environments to start conversations.
Find the right approach for your team: For some, shared activities like team lunches or interest-based groups can open up space for honest conversations. For others, anonymous surveys or digital support options may feel more accessible.
Avoid one-size-fits-all solutions: Not all men engage with health in the same way. Listening to what your male employees want, and involving them in co-creating initiatives, is key to building trust and relevance.
Challenge gender stereotypes: Promote messaging that normalises talking about mental health as strength, not weakness.
Building a Male-Inclusive Wellbeing Strategy
For workplace wellbeing strategies to truly be inclusive, they must reflect the different ways people engage with their health. To better support male employees, employers might like to:
Review their wellbeing communications to ensure they aren’t unintentionally gendered or alienating.
Offer flexible options – from 1:1 support to group workshops or virtual sessions.
Tailor support by life stage – recognising that the challenges facing a 25-year-old male employee may differ from someone navigating midlife or andropause.
Bring in male facilitators who can foster relatability and understanding when delivering health and wellbeing content.
Free Campaign Toolkits to Support Men in Your Workplace
Several organisations offer free or low-cost resources to help you get started or deepen your approach this Men’s Health Week:
Men's Health Forum – Free toolkit with posters, activity ideas and factsheets.
Movember – Resources focused on mental health, suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer.
NHS Every Mind Matters – Tailored mental health resources for men.
We’re Here All Year Round
At The Mind Hub, we understand that men’s health needs don’t begin and end with one awareness week. We offer a range of male-focused workshops on mental health, physical wellbeing and nutrition – all delivered by male facilitators who bring professional expertise and lived experience.
Whether you're looking to run sessions during Men’s Health Week or integrate men's health into your year-round wellbeing strategy, we’re here to help you create a workplace where every employee feels supported, seen and heard.
Please get in touch to find out more at: hello@themindhub.co.uk - 01628 337583
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