For many men, conversations about health don’t come easily. Whether it’s physical health, mental wellbeing, or asking for help, there is often a sense that you should just “get on with it.”
But we know the reality is different. Across the UK, men are far less likely to seek support, and suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among men. Changing that starts with something simple, but powerful: talking.
Football will once again be at the centre of conversations: at home, at work, and in our communities. It’s something many men talk about every day, and increasingly, it’s also being used as a way to open up conversations that go beyond the game. In recent years, national initiatives have recognised this. Campaigns like Heads Up, led by The FA and Heads Together, have aimed to make talking about mental health as normal as talking about football: using the shared language of the game to encourage men to speak up and look out for each other.
This matters because football is more than just a sport. It’s community, routine, and identity. It’s where friendships are built and where people feel they belong. As football events brings people together this summer, it also creates an opportunity to check in with those around us, using those everyday conversations to help break down stigma and reach men who might not otherwise seek support.
Support available for men's health in Peterborough
That same principle is reflected locally here in Peterborough. Across the city, there are opportunities for men to connect, talk, and support one another in ways that feel accessible and informal. Groups like Andy’s Man Club Peterborough create regular spaces where men can talk openly, without pressure or expectation.
Similarly, For Men to Talk offers peer support through conversation and walking groups, helping reduce isolation and create connection in everyday settings. For those in rural communities, YANA (You Are Not Alone) provides dedicated support recognising the unique pressures faced in farming and agricultural work.
Life transitions can also play a significant role. Becoming a parent, for example, is often seen as a positive milestone. But it can also bring pressure, uncertainty, and emotional strain. Support for new dads is available locally through CPSL Mind, recognising that fathers need support too.
It’s also important to recognise that some men may be experiencing difficult or unsafe situations at home. Support is available locally for those affected by domestic abuse.
Support begins when we speak up together
What connects all of these is a shared understanding: that mental health support doesn’t always have to start in a clinic. Sometimes it starts with a conversation alongside others who understand.
Alongside peer support, there are also opportunities to build confidence in supporting others. Local STOP Suicide workshops, delivered by CPSL Mind, offer practical training to help people recognise the signs that someone may be struggling, start conversations about suicide, and help others stay safe. These sessions are free and open to anyone who wants to make a difference.
At the same time, it’s important to recognise that mental health is closely linked to physical health.
Looking after physical health is just as important as looking after mental wellbeing. Men are often less likely to attend routine health appointments or seek support when concerns first arise, which can lead to preventable health problems being identified later.
NHS Health Check
Men aged 40 to 74 who do not already have a diagnosed cardiovascular condition are eligible for a free NHS Health Check every five years. NHS Health Checks can help identify early signs of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia, giving people the opportunity to make positive changes before serious health issues develop. If you think you may be eligible, contact your GP practice for more information.
Stop smoking support service
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and premature death. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, with benefits starting almost immediately and continuing long into the future.
Free stop smoking support is available to Peterborough residents through Greater Peterborough Network (GPN). The service provides personalised support from trained stop smoking advisors, behavioural support and access to stop smoking aids to help people quit successfully. People who use specialist support are significantly more likely to quit than those who try to stop on their own. For support, contact Greater Peterborough Network on 01733 847250, email info@greaterpeterboroughnetwork.co.uk or visit Stop Smoking Support Service information page on the Greater Peterborough Network website.
Whether it's attending an NHS Health Check, becoming more active, reducing alcohol intake or stopping smoking, small positive changes can make a significant difference to both physical and mental wellbeing. Men are more likely to experience poorer outcomes in areas such as cardiovascular disease, smoking-related illness, and harmful alcohol use. These are often connected. Not just to lifestyle, but to stress, isolation, and unaddressed mental health needs. Taking small steps can have a real impact. That might mean getting more active, cutting down on alcohol, or accessing support to stop smoking. These changes don’t just improve physical health; they can also support better mood, sleep, and overall wellbeing.
Men’s Health Week 2026
Men’s Health Week is an opportunity to reflect on all of this. Not as separate issues, but as part of the same picture. Mental health, physical health, connection, and community are all linked.
There is no single solution. But we know what helps: creating spaces where men feel able to talk, building supportive communities, and making it easier to ask for help early.
This week is a reminder that no one has to manage alone. Whether it’s a conversation with a friend, joining a local group, or accessing support, small steps can make a lasting difference. Starting a conversation might not feel like much - but it could change a life.