Background
The mental health of men and boys is a national concern. Common mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression, have risen and suicide is now the biggest killer of men under 50. We know that masculine norms, which emphasise independence, self-sufficiency and stoicism, can leave men feeling less able to talk about their difficulties.
Disadvantaged young men have disproportionately poorer mental health outcomes. Those living in adverse circumstances – like household poverty or high levels of family stress – are more likely to have mental health difficulties than their peers. There are also clear racial disparities in mental health. People from minority ethnic groups have poorer access to, experiences of and outcomes from mental health services (NCCMH, 2023).
Little is known about how young men, particularly from minoritised groups, manage their mental health and access support within their communities. Therefore, it is vital we better understand how informal community services can help by offering a ‘safe space’ and a sense of belonging.
Our research and why it is useful
This project aims to improve understanding of:
- The mental health experiences of disadvantaged young men in the North of England
- The role of community resources for young men’s mental health and wellbeing
The project has systematically reviewed what is known about the impact of community resources for the mental health and wellbeing of disadvantaged young men. By directly engaged with young men through community projects in South Yorkshire and the Northeast this research has enabled young men’s voices to be heard and their experiences to be shared. This process has built detailed evidence of the mental health challenges experienced by disadvantaged young men (in the North of England) and exactly how the voluntary and community sector (VCS) provides vital support. The evidence generated is now being used to inform policy and practice.
Real world impact
Individuals and the community
- Khaliil, one of the projects community researchers, said: “Reflecting on the research I conducted in my community about young men and mental health, I have to admit I was sceptical at first, not really knowing what to expect. However, thanks to Will, the entire experience turned out to be incredibly enjoyable and enlightening. The opportunity to give voice to a demographic often overlooked in mental health discussions was deeply rewarding. Seeing the impact of our findings on challenging preconceived notions and fostering more open conversations was truly fulfilling. The conference itself was a highlight. It was inspiring to connect with other researchers, mental health professionals, and community leaders who are equally passionate about addressing mental health challenges. Ultimately, both the research and the conference reinforced my commitment to advocating for mental health awareness and support within my community. Knowing that our efforts can contribute to reducing stigmas and promoting well-being among young men makes all the hard work worthwhile, especially with the support and guidance from people like Will”
- Dr Will Mason said “It’s great to be in a position to raise the profile of community resources and evidence their value for health creation amongst disadvantaged young men.”
Wider engagement
- Held a knowledge exchange event on titled ‘Young Men, Mental Health & Community Services: New Evidence, New Directions’ on Wednesday 25thJune 2025, hosted in Sheffield, to share qualitative findings with the community and regional stakeholders. The event included input from project leads, community researchers, and a panel of experts including the directors of Sheffield Youth Services, local mental health charities and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
- The event received BBC media coverage on regional news, the BBC web pages, BBC Radio Sheffield and BBC News.
- The team also produced a video, courtesy of the NHS South Yorkshire ‘Children and Young People’s Alliance’ (and special thanks to the film maker: JP Woffenden).
- The research was presented at the public mental health – online symposium 2025, both from a community engagement perspective and as an exemplar for knowledge exchange.
- Key findings from the study have featured in an invited blog on the NIHR webpages as part of Men’s Mental Health Month: If we want to support men’s mental health, we need to talk about wellbeing | NIHR
Policy
- Submitted evidence to the call for evidence on the Men’s Health Strategy for England. Evidence submitted by project team focused on how, for whom and in what contexts community resources might support young men’s mental health. It also stressed the importance of commissioning community-based services that are able to offer culturally competent support to young people ‘where they are’; key themes that are reflecting in the Men’s Health Strategy.
- Created a research briefing on ‘Investing in community services for young men’s mental health’.
- Speaker at the Westminster Media Forum online event on ‘Next steps for the National Youth Strategy‘ on the 12th March 2026.
Practice
- Meeting with the head of Children and Young People’s Mental Health Transformation for North Yorkshire, who are very interested in this research and the possibility of using Unity Gym Project as a model for some mental health transformation work in North Yorks. “The Unity Gym research project has really shaped our transformation work by helping us see that gyms and physical activity spaces could be safe, supportive places for young people, and we’re excited to keep building on that learning together.” Steph Selwood, Head of CYPMH Transformation North Yorkshire Council.
Accelerating impact
- The research team are also considering applying for an Impact Accelerator Award in collaboration with Dr Harri Fisher (Bristol). The proposal would centre around bringing together the findings of respective studies (covering North and South of England) – which have happened in parallel (across the CYPF & Public Mental health streams) – to generate a wider reaching and more impactful set of policy and practice messages.
Photo credit: Andy Brown
