The future of men’s health in the UK is starting to take big strides forward, thanks to the announcement of a Men’s Health Strategy by the current government.
The strategy aims to provide a way forward to support men of all ages and to ensure better access to a range of healthcare provision.
MAN v FAT has been privileged to have been a part of a working party set up by Global Action for Men’s Health, to put a meaningful case forward for what men most need as a part of this strategy.
Director of MAN v FAT, Richard Crick, said: “We have enjoyed being a part of this working party and advocating for our members in a really constructive and empowered forum.
“The conversations in the group have helped to shape an early consensus of what will be most impactful for men as this strategy is designed and implemented.
“We were pleased to engage with our staff, coaches and members of our community to get their take on what matters most to them. As a result, MAN v FAT has put together a considered response to the government’s Call For Evidence, which we submitted ahead of the deadline.”
Synopsis of our feedback
SYNOPSIS
The most popular areas identified for the strategy by our community, in popularity order were: Mental Health, Diet, Weight, Suicide Prevention & Access to Services / Fatherhood. However, there was very little between these and other topics such as loneliness, male specific cancers, joint problem and physical activity / inactivity. This show there is a large number of physical and mental health gaps in existing provision.
It is logical that those attending MAN v FAT will naturally feel that services relating to diet, weigh loss and inactivity have historically let them down. However, due to the complications and need to access services due to the typical physical and mental health long term conditions perpetuated by excess weight they make for a good lived experience focus group on men’s health services.
Quotes from our men
“The NHS is always good that it’s free at the point of service but what doesn’t help is that in lot of cases men are still slightly stigmatized with they will get through it and suck it up.”
“Trying to get any appointments for my mental health or weight loss health is impossible! I’ve found that unless I’m on the verge of trying to take my own life you get nowhere.”
“In general, if a man has made an appointment then there is definitely something wrong – otherwise we just carry on. That should be a trigger to take things seriously.”
“Actually address men and the challenges they have. Access to fit around men and their lives, not prioritise women and children before, and access in the way they want it.”
“I think that employers have a responsibility to promote/signpost services though their male employees, and they should be mandated as part of their responsibilities towards their employees.”
Read more
To read MAN v FAT’s response to the Call For Evidence, click HERE. We look forward to continuing to represent our community in these key forms in the coming months and beyond.
