Hi everyone, I hope my blog finds you all well.
I’ve been reflecting recently on all the great support that is out there for men. Internally, with some fantastic recent blogs and signposting, and externally too, with movements such as ‘Movember’, ‘Humen’, ‘Men’s Health’ etc.
The messaging around Men’s Health is in the public domain more so than ever, yet I, as a middle-aged man, have to admit that I still do not necessarily take heed of all the information and support that is out there. This is something I want to improve upon as we move into 2025.
‘’I want to support all our male workforce at Cygnet to do likewise’’
There are some excellent role models within Cygnet who already spread this message with a passion to help all of us males be better at talking, look after ourselves, and ultimately lead healthier lifestyles both physically and mentally.
Some of the main messaging and facts that are out there for us to reflect on include:
- Men are at greater risk of some health issues than women and nearly 90% of men don’t seek help unless they have a serious problem.
- Some of the health issues that affect men include: testicular cancer, prostate cancer, cardiovascular disease, skin cancer, lung cancer, diabetes, and gout.
- One man in five dies before the age of 65.
- Just over three out of four suicides (76%) are by men and suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35.
- 12.5% of men in the UK are suffering from one of the common mental health disorders.
- Men are nearly three times more likely than women to become alcohol dependent.
- 8.7% of men are alcohol dependent compared to 3.3% of women.
- Men are more likely to use (and die from) illegal drugs.
- Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women. Only 36% of referrals to IAPT (Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies) are men.
- Nearly three-quarters of adults who go missing are men.
In light of these shocking statistics, I am delighted to announce that this month we’re launching a brand new Cygnet Men’s Health Network, as part of our suite of staff inclusion and support networks. We are forming this group as we believe it is essential we take time to reflect upon the specific needs of men.
The Cygnet Men’s Health Network will provide a space for colleagues to celebrate the positive contributions and achievements of men, raise awareness of the issues affecting men and the associated impacts on wider society, and offer opportunities for formal and informal networking.
The hope is that by having this group available to the men of Cygnet, and our allies, we can create an environment, both in-person and digitally, where we can address the key issues facing men in society and the workplace.
I have an overwhelming appetite to chair a network that will facilitate a culture of openness, resilience, transparency, and empowerment of men to champion their health and well-being and provide the people in their lives with information and resources to support them.
I believe we must focus on these issues as part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. By establishing a Men’s Health Network, the hope is that the network will help us focus on key issues that affect men, whilst at the same time continuing to support and recognise the diverse needs and challenges other communities also face.
‘’It is very much everyone’s network, and I cannot wait to see the positive contribution it will make to us all, here at Cygnet.’’
Key dates when we’ll reflect on Men’s Mental Health specifically this year will be;
- 6th February – ‘Time To Talk Day’
- 12th May – ‘Mental Health Awareness Week’
- 9th June – ‘Men’s Health Week’
- 19th November – ‘International Men’s Day’
We’ll be sharing further blogs, and updates on events and activities as soon as we can. Sending you all my best wishes, Ben
There is more thought leadership from Ben Hopewell here
Check out Ben’s Podcast chat with the Team at ECT – Engage Care Talent to discuss all things Recruitment and Resourcing
