Awareness. Prevention. Education. Family. These are the pillars of International Men’s Health Week, which takes place from 12 to 18 June, 2023. It’s an annual observance to raise awareness of male health issues and promote strategies for better physical and mental well-being. The goal of Men’s Health Week is to encourage individuals and institutions to develop health policies and services that serve the needs of men, boys, and their families. The global observance encourages men of all ages to prioritise health, seek care, and engage in important conversations.
It’s easy to participate in Men’s Health Week as an individual supporter or alongside your friends, family, and colleagues. It’s also fun! Here, we share five creative and impactful ways you can help promote a holistic approach to men’s health and support the well-being of the men in your lives.
Show your Support for ManKind
Men and boys are often victims of domestic abuse—of crimes recorded by the police, 25% were committed against men. ManKind focuses on the male victims of domestic abuse to ensure that all victims (and their children) have the resources and support to escape the situation they are in; the charity is gender inclusive and supports female victims as well. ManKind provides direct support via a confidential helpline, encourages voluntary and statutory services to acknowledge the incidence of male domestic abuse, and raises public awareness.
Get involved: During Men’s Health Week, you can help ManKind’s mission in numerous ways, including making a donation, fundraising, volunteering, or participating in an event. Check the ManKind website for marathons and other challenges, or you can create your own challenge. For example, last year, a supporter set out on a seven-day solo expedition to climb a mountain in Corsica and raised more than £2000 for ManKind and other charities. Get creative and get going!
March for Men
One in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lives, and men over 50 are at higher risk of the disease. Early detection is key to survival. Prostate Cancer UK funds research to identify better tests and treatment to spot the disease early. It also connects people affected by prostate cancer and provides support and resources, including a specialised, free magazine.
Get involved: In honour of Men’s Health Week, you can sign up for March for Men and walk with thousands in Battersea Park on Sunday 23 July 2023 to raise money and support the charity. You choose your challenge, be it 2, 5, or 10 KM. You can even bring your family and your dog! Looking for a different type of challenge, say a golf outing or a classic car show? Simply check out these fundraising ideas and plan your own event.
Start a Men’s Shed
You’re likely familiar with a garden shed; but have you heard of a Men’s Shed? A Men’s Shed is a community space for men to connect, converse, and create. The goal of the Men’s Shed is to reduce loneliness and isolation; they’re also fun! It’s a place to pursue shared interests, practice skills, and make and mend things with others. Currently, there are nearly 550 open Men’s Sheds in the UK, with more than 100 in development, which has directly benefited more than 13,000 families.
Get involved: It’s easy to get involved during Men’s Health Week, or anytime. Simply join a shed or start your own! You can search open Men’s Sheds here to find a community space to make friends, learn, and share. Want to start a shed? Download a guide to learn more and establish your own, no matter where you are. You’ll have expert guidance and support all along the way.
Be Tough Enough to Care
People of all ages and genders should feel comfortable opening up and talking about their emotions and experiences. But it’s not always the easiest thing to do. Tough Enough to Care was started to help people open up and connect with others, rather than bottling up emotions until they reach a breaking point. The charity also helps people learn to spot when others may be struggling so that we can work together to help more people. The charity provides ambassadors, a confidential helpline, support groups, resources, and hands-on training.
Get involved: Are you tough enough to care? To support Men’s Health Week, you can book the Tough Truck. It’s an eye-catching, branded truck that can be booked for use at events. This “vehicle for change” helps raise awareness of the Tough Enough to Care mission, and it’s a proven way to raise money for improved male health and well-being. Another easy way to support the cause is via the merchandise shop. You can order specialised items from clothing to wristbands to badges to wear with pride and show the world you are indeed Tough Enough to Care.
Be a ‘Dad’ to a Lad
We all know the important role that fathers provide to their children. Research shows that children with highly involved dads perform better at school, experience higher self-esteem, and suffer less behavioural problems compared to children without a father figure. As such, Lads Need Dads was founded in 2015 to address and prevent the problems that arise when boys are missing a father figure. The organisation provides mentoring programmes, lifeskill training, inspiring speakers, and other opportunities and support.
Get involved: During Men’s Health Week (or any time of year), you can become a mentor with the organisation’s Equip Programme. You don’t have to be a “dad”—the organisation seeks male volunteers from a range of backgrounds and the key criteria is understanding and passion for the cause. You’ll get to share your practical life skills with youth, from car maintenance and bike repair to woodworking and painting. Take a moment and ask yourself: What skills am I good at or experienced in, and what might be interesting or beneficial to teach others? It’s a great way to share your knowledge with young people who are at risk from the issues that arise from fatherlessness.
How will you honour International Men’s Health Week to support the health and well-being of the men and boys in your life? We’d love to hear what you or your charity are up to. We hope to see you out and about 12 to 18 June, 2023—or any time of year!