Men in England are facing “a silent health crisis”, dying nearly four years earlier than women, while suffering disproportionately higher rates of cancers, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, according to a new report by the Local Government Association.
The report, Men’s health: The lives of men in our communities, highlights severe inequalities, with men in deprived areas living up to 10 years less than their affluent counterparts and facing a 20-year gap in healthy life expectancy.
It found socio-economic and behavioural factors, including higher levels of smoking and excessive drinking, as contributory factors.
In addition, the report says four out of every five suicides are by men.
The LGA, which represents councils, is urging the Government to implement a men’s health strategy similar to the women’s health strategy of 2022. It wants men’s health to be recognised as “a national concern”.
It is also calling for local suicide prevention funding to be reinstated. The £57 million fund, which goes to councils to provide vital support for those at risk of suicide, ended in March.
Meanwhile, local councils are taking action through innovative approaches to support men’s health.
These include community-driven programmes targeting loneliness and mental wellbeing, such as photography walking groups and social clubs.
Football programmes are also combining physical activity with workshops on healthy lifestyles.
Mental health support is being enhanced for specific groups, such as young black men and farmers, through school-based counselling, community outreach, mental health training for barbers, and health checks at local markets.
These initiatives aim to address the physical and mental health challenges men face, particularly in isolated or high-pressure environments.
Recognising that men often distrust traditional health services, councils are partnering with community groups and grassroots organisations, demonstrating that collaboration is essential for tackling this critical public health issue.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“Men in England are facing a silent health crisis, dying nearly four years earlier than women with high rates of cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and suicides.
“Stark inequalities mean men in deprived areas live almost 10 years less than their more affluent peers.
“We are calling for men’s health to be recognised as a national concern, and for the Government to implement a men’s health strategy.
“Innovative local initiatives led by councils are making strides, but national action is needed to help close the life expectancy gap.”
