Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has marked International Men's Day with a deeply personal video message to his teenage son, while the Government simultaneously launched its first comprehensive men's health strategy backed by millions in funding.
A Father's Personal Reflection
In an emotional Instagram video posted on Wednesday, Sir Keir addressed his 17-year-old son directly, expressing immense pride in the "confident, kind, wonderful young man" he has become. The Prime Minister revealed his determination to build a closer relationship with his son than he experienced with his own father, acknowledging they "never really spoke" or "got to know each other" properly.
Sir Keir described simple pleasures like sharing takeaways and watching Arsenal matches as weekly highlights, while acknowledging the sacrifices his family has made due to his political career. He particularly addressed the unique pressures facing young men today, referencing watching the documentary 'Adolescence' together and emphasising the importance of continued communication between generations.
"If I have one message for you and for every other child growing up, it is this - don't listen to that voice," Sir Keir advised, referring to internal doubts about self-worth. He concluded his message by calling his children his "pride and joy" in the heartfelt signed-off video.
Government's Health Strategy Launch
Coinciding with International Men's Day, the Department of Health unveiled its new men's health strategy to address significant disparities in male health outcomes. The government will invest £3.6 million over three years specifically targeting suicide prevention for middle-aged men in high-risk communities, including deprived areas of England.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated: "For too long, men's health has been overlooked. There has been a reluctance to accept that men suffer specific inequalities and hardships." He emphasised that suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for men under 50, with men accounting for three-quarters of all suicides in England.
Key Measures and Funding Commitments
The comprehensive strategy includes multiple targeted initiatives:
- £3.6 million for community suicide prevention projects focusing on middle-aged men in high-risk areas
- Partnership with the Premier League's Together Against Suicide initiative with Samaritans, providing match-day support and online help
- £200,000 trial programme warning against mixing cocaine and alcohol, particularly targeting older men
- Home-testing blood kits for prostate cancer patients
- £3 million commitment to community-based men's health programmes
- Workplace health pilots with EDF Energy for male-dominated industries
- New voluntary e-learning modules for NHS staff on men's health issues
The strategy specifically addresses the dangerous combination of alcohol and cocaine, which creates cocaethylene in the liver and increases heart attack risk by 18-25 times. England recorded 1,118 cocaine-related deaths in 2023, nearly ten times higher than 2011 figures.
Rapper Professor Green, whose father died by suicide, welcomed the strategy, stating: "Like too many families, mine has lived through the unthinkable impact of male suicide. Today marks the start of government working with experts to tackle that."
The dual announcement combines personal reflection with concrete policy action, highlighting the Government's commitment to addressing long-neglected men's health issues while encouraging open conversations about mental wellbeing and masculinity.
