Government seeks views to shape first Men’s Health Strategy
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched a 12-week call for evidence to inform England’s first-ever Men’s Health Strategy — and construction sector voices are being actively sought.
The initiative, launched during Men’s Health Week (10–16 June), aims to improve outcomes for men across England, with a focus on closing the life expectancy gap between men and women. On average, men live nearly four years less than women and face higher rates of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and suicide — the latter being the leading cause of death for men under 50.
The DHSC is inviting responses from individuals, employers, health professionals and industry bodies, with a particular interest in understanding how men engage with health services, where the gaps are, and what practical changes are needed.
The strategy is especially relevant for male-dominated sectors like concrete and construction, where stigma, long hours, and high-pressure working conditions often deter workers from seeking help or accessing preventative healthcare. The Construction Leadership Council’s mental health working group is helping to promote the survey across the sector.
A call to employers and frontline workers
Construction firms, site managers and industry bodies are being urged to share their experiences of supporting workforce health — particularly around prevention, early diagnosis, and creating working cultures that encourage men to seek help.
“Men across England are dying early from preventable causes,” said health secretary Wes Streeting. “Our Plan for Change means we will tackle these issues head on through a men’s health strategy, and today’s call for evidence is the crucial next step.”
Movember, the suicide prevention charity, called the strategy a “once in a generation opportunity” to reshape support for men, while the Samaritans stressed that suicide prevention must be “front and centre” of the new approach.
Survey details
The call for evidence is open until 17 July 2025 and can be completed by anyone aged 16 or over living in England. An easy-read version and British Sign Language version are also available.
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