About the Investment Programme
The Men’s Mental Health Investment Programme is a £715,000 programme dedicated to improving men’s mental health and well-being by developing, testing, and championing approaches that have local impact and national relevance.
Background
National and local research data shows that the leading cause of death for men under the age of 50 is suicide, and although one in five men are diagnosed with depression or anxiety, the actual figure is likely much higher, as many men do not seek help or go undiagnosed.
In York and North Yorkshire, we know poor mental health among men is a major contributor to long-term sickness absence, reduced workforce participation, and increased pressure on local NHS, criminal justice, and social care systems. We also know men remain less likely to seek help, more likely to disengage from support, and often fall through the gaps of services not designed with their needs in mind. Addressing men’s mental health is not about giving more to one group, it is about tackling an inequality that, if left unaddressed, holds back broader progress on health, productivity, and community wellbeing.
In York and North Yorkshire, we have a lot of male dominated industries such as construction, agriculture, blue light services and transport. While they are important to the region’s employment base and economy, they also report high levels of stress, burnout, and suicide risk, with major implications for workforce retention and performance.
Targeted action to support men’s mental wellbeing can reduce avoidable service demand, improve labour market outcomes, and support more resilient local economies. When men are mentally well, families are stronger, children do better, and communities become more connected.
The Men's Mental Health Taskforce
The Men’s Mental Health Taskforce was created to ensure the programme is underpinned by expert advice. The Taskforce have advised on the current landscape, identified where there are funding gaps and opportunities, and recommended how the Mayor’s role and CA investment could be applied to have the biggest impact.
The taskforce is chaired by Professor Paul Galdas, an internationally recognised expert in men’s health based at the University of York. Professor Galdas has provided strategic leadership and evidence-based insight to shape the programme’s direction.
The taskforce has met regularly since April 2025 and includes the following partners:
- City of York Council
- Department of Health and Social Care
- Menfulness
- Movember
- NHS
- North York Moors Trust
- North Yorkshire Council.
Aims
The overall aim is to improve men’s mental health and well-being by developing, testing, and championing approaches that have local impact and national relevance. We aim to give assurance that any male living in urban, rural or super-sparse areas has the potential to feel the benefit.
The key objectives include the following:
- To embed strength-based approaches that normalise open engagement with mental health in organisations and communities, creating positive ripple effects
- To drive both individual behaviour change and structural shifts in policy, practice and culture
- To contribute to economic participation by supporting men’s return to and retention in work
Phases
We are looking at a phased approach with phases (1-3) laying the foundation for system change and strategic investment. Phase 4 will focus on a responsive grant funding programme.
Phase 1: Early rapid mapping exercise
This work will involve a combination of desk-based research and direct engagement with key stakeholders to identify formal, informal, and structural activity, understand the gaps in provision, and highlight opportunities for strategic development and scaling across York and North Yorkshire.
Phase 2: Behaviour Change Campaign
Utilise a behaviour change campaign methodology and an influencer led campaign to encourage conversations, breakdown cultural barriers and ensure the region is given a distinctive voice in shaping the national strategy by demonstrating regional leadership in this area.
Phase 3: Testbed and Innovation, leading by example
We will design and deliver a collaborative, mixed methods project that results in a co-produced framework for improving mental health in male dominated workforces that is practical, actionable, and scalable.
This work will draw on both internal insights (from staff and systems within the fire service for example) and external evidence, and will serve as a example for wider public sector and employer adoption.
Phase 4: Investing in Men's Mental Health, responsive grant funding
Using analysis following completion of phase 1 and working alongside phase 2 and 3, to inform development of a responsive grant funding programme.
The grant funding element is expected to launch in November 2025. Please keep checking the website for updates.
We are currently out for tender on this programme (August 2025).
