Men’s Health Week 2025
Week of Action
9-15 June is Men’s Health Week. This year the theme is ‘We Need a Men’s Health Strategy.’ This fits well as the government are currently have a consultation open on this, which we can all take part in. Recently, during his Ten Minute Rule Bill, Ben Obsese-Jecty MP called for an ‘Interpersonal abuse and violence against men and boys strategy.’ This is asking for the male strategy to be removed from the current Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy, so that the specific ways men are impacted by things like domestic violence, sexual violence, honour-based abuse and forced marriage, are considered fully. You can find out more about the Bill on the government website.
It’s Time to Talk
We have teamed up with our colleagues at Friends and Bredrins (FAB) to host our second ‘It’s Time to Talk’ event. Men came from all walks of life last year to listen to talks, ask questions, find out more about services available and how to be proactive about prostate health. Everybody who came, said they benefitted from the event and the stalls there. In his evaluation, one person said “I was completely blind on the topic of prostate cancer and the talk about it really made me think. I will definitely be getting my blood test done.”
This year It’s Time to Talk is coming back bigger and better on Thursday 12th June. The event is lasting a whole afternoon, with light refreshments, more talks and stalls. Dr Des and FAB will be talking about the new way that men can get their prostate health checked (spoiler alert – it doesn’t have to involve digital rectal examination) and how people can live well with prostate issues. There will also be a private space to get basic physical health checks done (weight, blood pressure) and take home sexual health testing kits. You can find out more about the event, by downloading our flier or checking the listing on Eventbrite.
Week of Action
As well as joining us at It’s Time to Talk, why not take part in other useful actions this week? We have shared resources from last year’s campaign to help with this. Some are easy – like downloading helplines or checking in on a mate. Others might take more time – such as completing the government consultation or talking to your employer about stress at work. A really valuable thing you can do is find out more about your prostate health. For survivors of sexual violence this can be difficult to consider – so why not check out our article focussing on exactly this?
Whatever you do this Men’s Health Week, we want the Week of Action to make maximum impact. So don’t forget to tag us in on your socials for extra shares! We are @nottssvss on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn
Monday – Time for your Man MOT
The car gets one every year, but when was the last time you gave yourself an MOT? Is your engine tuned (how fast is your pulse)? Do you have any dashboard warning lights (unexplained lumps or pain)? When did you last check your (blood) pressure?
Why not have a look at the Men’s Health Forum’s Man MOT for things to look for and don’t forget to speak to your GP if there is anything of concern!
Tuesday – Get clued up on support!
We know what it’s like, you or your mates don’t need support… until you need support and then the pressure is really on. Today, why not take a moment to get some valuable information stored into your phone?
Don’t know where to start – well we’ve done the hard work for you! So why not select the links below to find out about some key organisations. Better still, take a screenshot and keep it in you photo favourites just in case. You or your mate might really appreciate it one day!
Wednesday – Talk to your employer
There are lots of reasons to talk to your employer this MHW. Maybe you want to have a MHW social/dress down on Friday or perhaps you’ve been checking out the policies for men in your organisation – paternity leave anyone?
If your MOT flagged up that you are under a lot of stress, our friends at the Men’s Health Forum have created a useful document to help you discuss stress management with your employer.
Thursday – go to an event
There are lots of events going on during Men’s Health Week, from walking to talking and everything in between, there is bound to be something for you.
Why not join us for our free ‘It’s Time to Talk’ even created in collaboration with FAB (Friends and Bredrins) and hosting many other organisations who will be talking about men’s health and barriers to wellbeing?
You can find out more on our Eventbrite page.
Friday – take part in the Men’s Health Strategy
If you have felt inspired by this week and want to have a direct impact on men’s health, why not complete the government consultation?
You can answer as many questions as you want, by yourself, as a group or even through your work.
You can find out more on the government website
Saturday – Get active!
Be honest – how much physical activity did you do this last week? It’s surprising how many of us go through the whole week doing very little and then slump at the weekend because, well… life!
This Saturday we are challenging you to get active. Whether it’s bouldering, going for a walk in the park or just doing a few squats while the kettle boils it all counts. Don’t feel like it? Our friends at CALM have some great ideas to get moving on those days where the sofa just looks too comfortable! Find out more on their website.
Sunday – Connect
Men’s Health Week ends with Father’s Day. This can be a good day for some, but for others it can be difficult. Some men have had a difficult relationship with their dads, others may wish to be a dad, while some may be estranged from their children.
Take time today to make a connection with a man in your life, whether it’s over a meal, a walk or just a chat over the phone. It could make a real different to you both!
