International Men’s Day is dedicated to highlighting and addressing issues affecting men and boys worldwide serving as an opportunity to promote positive aspects of masculinity, celebrate men’s contributions to society, and raise awareness about challenges they face.

By hearing from our colleagues, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of how we can continue to cultivate an environment where every individual feels supported. We reached out to colleagues across the organisation and invited them to share their thoughts on the theme Men’s Health Champions. From Graduates to Senior Leaders, we believe that everyone's perspective is valuable in improving men’s health and wellbeing.

To make a difference as "Men’s Health Champions," we must pay attention to the men around us and focus on the importance of both mental and physical health. This includes breaking down barriers to mental health discussions and promoting the importance of physical well-being. We must create safe spaces for open conversations around having a healthy lifestyle, getting adequate rest and exercise and the importance of preventive care. By normalising these conversations, encouraging human to human interactions, and taking small steps to ensure we feel physically well we can urge men to prioritise their well-being and seek assistance when necessary. Eamonn Crowley – CEO.

Here’s three things that we can each do to become better “Men’s Health Champions”:

Become more informed about our health - whether that’s by becoming more familiar with key indicators for our own physical and mental health (like blood pressure or cholesterol) or by scheduling regular health check-ups, particularly as we get older, and ensuring that we get things checked out if we don’t feel right.

Become more active – given the way our lives have evolved, it’s too easy to avoid moderate physical activity and to overindulge in things that we should avoid or keep in moderation so we should ensure that, where we can, we are at least getting the recommended minimum amount of daily activity, ideally some of which should be outdoors if possible, as that’ll help both our physical and mental health.

Talk more about our health, particularly our mental health, so as to make it more normal and to raise awareness of men’s health issues. Andrew Walsh – Group Legal Counsel.

To become better ‘Men’s Health Champions’ all it takes are a few small steps. Something as simple as a conversation could make a world of difference. Checking in on the men in our lives, asking them how they’re doing, asking them how they’re feeling, inviting them for a coffee and a chat or a walk. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of encouragement to help someone feel comfortable about opening up about their health. A further step we can take would be to actively challenge the stigma surrounding men’s health. Normalising discussions around men’s health, sharing our own experience and encouraging others to do the same can all go a long way in reminding each other that looking after mental and physical health is a strength rather than a weakness. Finally, if we all lead by example and look after ourselves. Stay active, manage our stress, reach out if we’re not alright, check in on each other. Not only does this help build a culture of openness and support, when others see us taking care of our own health, it sends a powerful message that health is a priority. We can all be better ‘Men’s Health Champions’. Small, consistent actions in our lives will build supportive and health-conscious environment in where there is no stigma surrounding men’s health. Be kind to each other folks, we’re all in this together. Benn Miley – Group Technology Graduate.

Understanding that how someone presents themselves is not necessarily how they are feeling or managing with situations they are dealing with. Give space to allow people to properly process their thoughts and feelings and don’t expect others to act and react to a situation in the same way you would. Gary Rooney – Head of Sourcing.

Probably nothing new here but I’d encourage everyone (male or female) to check-in with the men in their lives and how they are doing. Even the most laid back will have some form of stress/worry going on in the background! Vincent Gray – People Experience Specialist.

Be supportive, listen, take an interest! When it comes to health, I believe we are more likely to take guidance and open up to people who have shown a genuine interest in things that are important to us. That could be our friends, family, hobbies etc. Building relationships by showing you care can then create room to talk about more challenging topics that men may typically shy away from. Jonathan Baxter - Internal and External Communications Specialist.

I think it’s important to talk about the value of chatting and really listening to each other when it comes to men’s health. A lot of us, me included, have been taught to keep things bottled up, thinking that showing feelings makes us weak. But opening up can actually lighten our emotional load and strengthen our bonds with the people around us. By creating a space where we feel comfortable sharing, we can break down the walls of silence that often stop us from talking about our health. So, what can we do to become better Men’s Health Champions? It can be as simple as checking in with a friend or colleague or sharing what’s been going on in our lives. Those little moments can make a big difference and inspire others to do the same. By focussing on honest conversations and really listening, we can push back against that tough-guy stereotype and build a community that values emotional well-being just as much as physical health. Let’s support each other, one chat at a time! Jamie Middleton - Senior Manager Operational Transformation.

In my opinion, becoming a better men’s health champion can start with small daily routines that promote a culture of awareness and support. Normalising conversations surrounding how you feel both mentally and physically. This could mean having open discussion about health, stress management, mindfulness and even the suggestion of regular daily activities such as short daily walk where honest conversation with compassionate and understanding are encouraged. By consciously aiming toward the betterment of health collectively a genuine positive change can happen. Conor Gerard O’Carroll - Company Secretariat Executive.

Having a sound sleep, reserving some time in a day for meditation and doing physical exercises such as a walk, yoga, gym, or any other physical exercise would be a great health booster. There are several health apps and smartwatches which keep us honest and focussed to achieve these health goals. Also, a healthy diet with a good amount of water intake is a must to ensure we achieve our physical health goals without procrastination. Alongside, I do feel that mental stress relief and social activities are equally important. This may include but not limited to reading a motivational book in your spare time, pursuing a hobby and/or travelling to places with friends/family and cherishing those wonderful experiences. Damneet Jolly - Senior Audit Manager.

I believe leading by example is the best step everyone can take to becoming a better ‘Men’s Health Champion”. In recent years tremendous strides have been taken to improve men’s wellbeing and mental health. Everyone knows that it’s okay to not be okay, and that its okay to ask for help. It’s important that everyone actively lives that motto, every person that reaches out for help makes it easier for the next person. I think as well particularly when it comes to mental health is to steer from the “one size fits all” approach to people in need. Not everyone will show the same “standard” signs of someone in need. Everyone has the ability to take a proactive approach to check on their friends and loved ones. Jack Beirnes - Digital Optimisation & Solutions Support.

To become better "men's health champions," we can all take small but meaningful steps to prioritise our well-being and encourage others to do the same. First, fostering open conversations about mental health can help break the stigma individuals face when seeking help. By checking in with friends and sharing our own experiences, we create a supportive environment where mental health is taken seriously. Second, making regular health check-ups a priority allows for early detection of potential issues, whether it's for physical health, mental well-being, or both. Additionally, incorporating physical activity into our daily routines, such as taking short walks or doing simple stretches, can significantly boost our energy levels and long-term health. Small changes in our diet, like eating more fruits and vegetables or cutting back on processed foods, can also improve how we feel and function. Lastly, promoting a healthy work-life balance is essential. Taking breaks, setting boundaries, and ensuring we recharge outside of work can lead to better overall well-being. By leading by example, we can inspire others to take these manageable steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Hrithik Malik - Group Risk Graduate.

Read more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at PTSB.