Men and health promotion in the UK: Ten years further on?

Abstract

Within the UK, health promotion work with men is well established with examples now dating back for over twenty years. Ten years ago, Robertson¹ wrote a review of the state of health promotion services for men in the UK. However, much has changed in policy and practice since this time. This brief paper therefore provides a periodic review of how such services have developed and progressed in the last ten years. The reasons for these developments are explored before consideration is given to what current challenges remain in health promotion work with men. The paper suggests that, despite innovative changes in practice, and a policy agenda that facilitates more holistic approaches, there is little change in men's health related practices and subsequent health outcomes. The reasons for this are considered, as are the opportunities that currently exist to help improve future health promotion services for men.