Men in the UK face significantly higher risks of early death than women, with causes including heart disease, liver disease, and accidents. Yet despite these risks, many men hesitate to visit the doctor or even acknowledge when something isn’t right.
This Men’s Health Week (9–15 June) shines a spotlight on the unique wellbeing challenges men face—especially around mental health—and how we can change the conversation for the better.
This year’s theme, the Can Do challenge, is led by the Men’s Health Forum and the Mental Health Foundation. Over five days, the campaign encourages men to take simple, science-backed steps towards better wellbeing: connecting with others, becoming more active, practising mindfulness, trying new activities, and showing kindness. These small, daily actions serve as reminders that lasting wellbeing stems not from grand gestures but from everyday choices.
Men’s Health Week is a timely reminder to recognise men’s roles not just in the workplace but also at home, within families, and in prioritising their own wellbeing. Beyond individual actions, protecting men’s health requires systemic change—shifts in societal attitudes, meaningful policy reform, and genuine support from employers.
The Quiet Pressure on Men
The expectations placed on modern men to hold it all together—especially those balancing work and family—can be relentless. The pressure often piles up silently: to be strong, to keep going, to provide, to manage. Much of this stems from long-held ideas about what it means to be a man, and too often, it comes at the cost of mental and physical wellbeing.
It is no secret that men are far less likely to talk about how they are feeling. Many men were raised to believe that silence is strength and that vulnerability shows weakness. However, behind closed doors, the reality is often very different. Public conversations about mental health are becoming more open; however, men continue to report higher suicide rates, and they are far less likely to seek help.
Father’s Day is approaching, and while it’s a joyful celebration for many, it can also serve as a reminder of the pressure fathers can face: sleepless nights, financial strain, the emotional and practical demands of parenting, and the weight of a job that doesn’t pause when life at home intensifies.
Making Space for Men’s Wellbeing
Recently, hundreds of fathers in London and Edinburgh protested the UK’s two-week statutory paternity leave—among the lowest in Europe—calling for at least six weeks of fully paid leave to support family bonding, gender equality, and mental health.
Only around 60% of UK fathers take paternity leave. With entitlements limited to just two weeks (at £187.18 per week), campaigners argue it is not enough and urge the government to improve conditions and recognise the value of shared parenting.
This renewed focus on paternity leave also underscores a simple (but vital) point—men need space to be present for their families. Working from home can help, but for many (especially fathers with young children), it brings distractions, blurred boundaries, and little personal space. For office-based workers, long commutes or inflexible work environments can add to the strain.
A well-designed, welcoming coworking centre could help by providing the space to focus, unwind, and maintain a healthier balance between work and home.
At Creative Works, we’ve seen how even a few quiet hours in the right environment can ease mental strain, sharpen focus, and help people return home in a better frame of mind. Sometimes, space is the best support you can give someone—and often, it’s the simplest to provide.
With the ongoing paternity leave protests making headlines, one thing is clear: society is beginning to listen. We are witnessing a shift—slow but unmistakable—in how we value men’s roles, both at home and in the workplace.
But men’s health deserves more than a week of awareness. It requires consistent attention, honest conversation, and meaningful support at home, work, and in the spaces in between. Whether it’s campaigning for better paternity leave, making space for mental wellbeing, or simply showing up for one another, change starts with recognising that health isn’t a luxury—it’s a foundation.
This Men’s Health Week and ahead of Father’s Day, Creative Works is offering 50% off our dedicated desk memberships. Whether it’s for a few quiet hours or a place to reset during busy weeks, a dedicated desk could help you support work-life balance.
For fathers juggling the demands of work and parenting—especially those navigating the early, exhausting months with a newborn, we have our shared desks. Having a space to step away, focus, and recharge can make all the difference.
*If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed or needs to talk, please contact the Samaritans for free, confidential support (available 24/7) at 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
