The Government launched its first Men’s Health Strategy for England at an event in London

“We know men are less likely to come forward for healthcare. From partnering with the premier league to rolling out health support in the workplace – we’re meeting men where they are and giving them the support they need to live longer, healthier lives.”

Plan to tackle physical and mental health challenges faced by men and boys

Men and boys across England will benefit from tailored healthcare and support as the government launched its first Men’s Health Strategy for England on 19 November.

Boxing Futures’ CEO Anthony York was among the distinguished guests at the launch event at Downing Street on International Men’s Day. The bold plan sets out comprehensive action to tackle the physical and mental health challenges that men and boys face every day.

‘A turning point’ for men’s health

Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: “For too long, men’s health has been overlooked. There has been a reluctance to accept that men suffer specific inequalities and hardships. The fact is that life can be really difficult for men in today’s society. Men are dying nearly four years earlier than women, and suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for men under 50.

“This strategy marks a turning point – the first time we’re taking comprehensive, co-ordinated action to address the health challenges facing men and boys.

“Teaming up with the Premier League will harness the power of football to break down barriers and reach millions of men who might never walk through a GP’s door.

The Premier League launched Together Against Suicide in September 2025 and provides matchday support for fans in stadiums, initially through 11 pilot clubs, as well as providing an online hub of information for fans and followers watching from home. Clubs will also work closely with their local NHS trusts, increasing their knowledge and training on suicide prevention, as well as actively promoting existing mental health and suicide prevention support such as NHS Talking Therapies and Every Mind Matters.

Suicide prevention

Men can be less likely to seek help and more likely to suffer in silence. This, combined with a higher propensity to smoke, drink, gamble and use drugs, means men’s health is suffering, having a significant impact on families, workplaces and communities.

Suicide is one of the biggest killers of men under 50, and three-quarters of all suicides are men. That’s why the government is investing £3.6 million over the next three years in suicide prevention projects for middle-aged men in local communities across areas of England where men are at most risk of taking their own lives, including some of the most deprived areas in the country. This comes on top of expanding mental health teams in schools to ensure an additional 900,000 pupils have access to support by April 2026.

CEO Anthony York (left) with Paul Galdas, Professor of Men’s Health at the University of York and Co-Chair of the National Men’s Health Academic Network. The two have worked together showcasing the Brothers Through Boxing programme in conjunction with the Movember Foundation

Suicide is one of the biggest killers of men under 50, and three-quarters of all suicides are men. That’s why the government is investing £3.6 million over the next three years in suicide prevention.

The projects will break down barriers that middle-aged men face in seeking support, such as the stigma associated with seeking help and a lack of awareness of what is available and how to access it. Projects will be co-designed with experts and men with lived experience of mental health crises and suicidal thoughts.

The focus on suicide prevention includes a partnership on the Premier League’s Together Against Suicide initiative with the Samaritans, which looks to help tackle the stigma around men’s mental health and embed health messaging into the matchday experience.

Anthony said:

“An event like this shines the spotlight on men’s health, an issue close to my heart and that of Boxing Futures. We are delighted that we were able to partner with the Movember Foundation, delivering 43 six-month programmes for males aged 16-25 years in Peterborough, Cambridge and London, helping them live longer, happier, more confident lives by tackling loneliness and isolation by developing positive social connections. Though this partnership is coming to an end, we remain firmly committed to tackling the crisis in men’s mental health.”

Anthony York, CEO at Boxing Futures

Find Out More

For confidential support, contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org