Drawing on local data, national evidence and lived experience, the report explores how poverty, work, education, isolation and social expectations around masculinity shape men’s mental and physical health.
It highlights the influence of social norms around masculinity, stating that while many traditional values such as responsibility, loyalty and providing for family can be strengths, the expectations around emotional silence, dominance and control can contribute to poor mental health, delays in seeking help and, in some cases, violence and domestic abuse.
The report claims current systems “often respond too late”, after people have reached crisis, and do not always reflect how men seek help.
It calls for a stronger focus on prevention and earlier intervention, particularly for boys and young men, alongside more open and honest conversations about identity, relationships and what it means to be a man today.
