Posted on 28th October 2026
Healthy Heads : Supporting Movember 2026
November is Men’s Health Awareness Month
Men’s Health Awareness Month (or as some know it better, Movember) was created 22 years ago to help start serious conversations about men's health.
In 2026, the theme is ‘supporting men and boys’ through a prevention focus on mental health ,suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer.
Men's Health Awareness Month (Movember) takes place every November.
Why is Men’s Health Awareness Month important?
The following statistics emphasise why this campaign is so important:
- Recent death by suicide statistics from the House of Commons Library show that in 2024 suicide in England and Wales was around three times more common among men than among women.
The Department of Health and Social Care has found that:
- Men, particularly those who are living in the most deprived areas of the UK, are significantly less likely to seek help for mental health issues due to stigma and societal expectations around masculinity.
- Boys and men often experience undiagnosed mental health issues, with behavioural problems in boys leading to poor lifetime outcomes.
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An Aviva survey found that 33% of men said they would never discuss mental health in the workplace”.
According to the BUPA Wellbeing Index:
- 50% of men have struggled with mental health difficulties at some point, yet fewer than half have sought medical advice.
- 37% of UK men admit actively hiding their mental health issues from their partners.
- 30% of men surveyed said they didn’t know where to turn for advice or support.
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65% of employees recognise that stigma around men’s mental health remains strong.
How to get the conversation started about mental health
Knowing where to start is often the hardest part. You don't want to put pressure on someone who isn't ready to talk, but you also don't want to just do nothing. Click here for more information on starting conversations.
For further information about the Movember campaign visit Men's mental health. Let's talk about it. | Movember
Support is always available:
- The Healthy Heads Team - Sunderland's Mental Health Support Team (MHST) - Working with schools to support children and young people. Speak to your school to access support.
- Soluna by Kooth (www.solunaapp.com) Free, safe, and anonymous online support for young people aged 11+.
- Young Minds (www.youngminds.org.uk) Offers advice and resources for young people and parents.
- Shout (Text “SHOUT” to 85258) A free, confidential 24/7 text support service for anyone struggling to cope.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can now call NHS 111 for urgent mental health support.
