Multimillion-pound fund opens for projects aimed at improving men’s health

A new £6.3m fund has opened for applications from organisations working to improve the physical and mental health of men and boys in England.

The Men’s Health Community Fund will provide grants of between £75,000 and £125,000 to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations with a ‘strong track record’ of working with men.

Backed by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), men’s health charity campaign Movember and the People’s Health Trust, the fund is aimed at reaching groups of men who are less likely to engage with traditional health services, as well as encouraging earlier access to support.

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The largest share of the funding, up to £3m from the DHSC, will focus on men facing disadvantage, particularly those experiencing major life changes such as unemployment, retirement, bereavement or caring responsibilities.

This funding will target two groups in particular: men aged 35 to 59 who are out of work, and men aged 60 and over experiencing significant life transitions.

A further £3m from Movember will support projects for young men aged 16 to 35, with a focus on building social connections and encouraging men to seek help when needed.

The People’s Health Trust has committed an initial £300,000 for programmes supporting men working in industry, with the potential for this contribution to increase to £1.25m when applications open later this year.

The fund forms part of the government’s men’s health strategy and will be delivered through local organisations embedded in the communities they serve.

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According to health secretary James Murray, too many men continue to live shorter, less healthy lives.

‘The Men’s Health Community Fund will back trusted local organisations to reach these men, helping them improve their physical and mental wellbeing and access support in their local communities,’ he said.

‘I want community organisations to come forward and apply – this funding is there to support their ideas and the people that can make a real difference.’

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Applications for the first round opened on 22 June and close at 5pm on 15 July.

The programme will be evaluated by the National Institute for Health and Care Research to help build evidence on effective approaches to improving men’s health.