According to a new report, a silent health crisis is facing men around England, with this bringing a call for it to be a national concern.
Thanks to the Local Government Association’s Men’s Health: The lives of men in our communities report, there are stark inequalities in the health of men around the country when compared to women or those in more prosperous areas. The report outlines how men tend to die around four years earlier than women, whilst those in deprived areas can live up to ten years less than those in more affluent areas.
Men also reportedly suffer disproportionately high rates of cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, with four out of every five suicides being men.
Some of this has been attributed to socio-economic and behavioural factors such as higher levels of smoking and excessive drinking.
In response to the report, the LGA has called for the government to implement a men’s health strategy around the country – similar to 2022’s women’s health strategy – whilst ensuring that it is recognised as a national concern.
Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, Cllr David Fothergill, 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.”
The LGA has also called for the reinstatement of local suicide prevention funding, with March seeing an end to the £57 million fund that ensured that councils can provide crucial support for those that are at the most risk of suicide.
Despite the end of the funding, councils are working to support men’s health, through innovative means, with community-driven programmes in a number of areas including:
- Calderdale Council
- East Sussex County Council
- Gateshead Council
- Islington Council
- Melton Borough Council
Through a range of programmes, physical and mental wellbeing is being promoted by bringing physical activity such as football together with healthy living. Specific groups such as young black men and farmers are also being backed to live healthier, longer lives thanks to counselling, community outreach, mental health training for barbers, and health checks at local markets.
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