Started three years ago by colleagues David Goulding and James Royal, the group supports the health and wellbeing needs of men at the Leeds NHS trust. Since launching, regular guest speakers have provided expert advice on a range of men’s health topics, including fitness and mental health issues.
James Royal, who is Health and Wellbeing Project Lead at the Trust, said: “Over the past three years, MAAN has grown into a thriving community, supporting staff across LTHT by raising awareness, reducing stigma, and creating a safe space to discuss men’s health and wellbeing.”
The network was set up to address the fact that many male health issues go under the radar due to a lack of awareness. In the UK, 1 in 5 men will die before the age of 65. 76% of people who die by suicide in the UK are male, and suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 35. Men are also more likely than women to be overweight or obese.
James added: “Winning the LTHT Time to Shine Award for Staff Retention highlights the impact we’ve made together as a staff network. Moving forward we aim to expand our reach, strengthen our network, and continue making a lasting difference in men’s health at LTHT.”
At a special birthday event in February, guest speakers from the past three years reunited with members of the network to celebrate the milestone. Inspirational speaker Mike Bates also joined the celebrations. Mike is a former human intelligence specialist, counter-terrorism leader and commando – now entrepreneur, adventurer and motivational speaker. Mike shared his inspiring story at the anniversary event to help MAAN members live a life without limits.
Mike said: “It is a privilege to have been chosen to speak during the third birthday celebrations of the MAAN group. I am a huge advocate for men’s health and supporter of the work MAAN do for men working within the Trust. My keynote shared a unique perspective on leadership, high performance and authenticity with the aim of helping everyone connected to MAAN to live their lives without limits. Supporting our NHS in this way continues my commitment to helping those who help us.”
Former guest speakers who also attended the celebrations included George Riley – broadcaster; Claire Lang, Motor Neurone Disease Lead Nurse at LTHT; and Ian & Rachael Flatt, MND campaigners and Leeds Hospitals Charity fundraisers.
“It is a privilege to have been chosen to speak during the third birthday celebrations of the MAAN group. I am a huge advocate for men’s health and supporter of the work MAAN do for men working within the Trust.”
Mike Bates, motivational speaker
David Goulding, who is HR Business Partner for Abdominal Medicine and Surgery at the Trust, said: “The last three years have been an incredible journey for MAAN. We are now an official LTHT Network raising awareness and promoting all aspects of men’s physical and mental wellbeing. All within a safe psychological space. The highlights so far have been winning the 2024 LTHT Time to Shine award for improving staff retention but also getting the opportunity to work with the likes of former Leeds Rhinos Captain Stevie Ward and Leeds United Football Club. None of what we have achieved would be possible without the support of the fantastic guest speakers who have given up their time to support MAAN and share their experiences.”
The support group meets during a lunch hour every month and will usually have a guest speaker to talk about a particular topic relating to men’s health. Promoting active fitness, sport and exercise has been a key item on the group’s agenda, and the network has taken advantage of the city’s many sporting links over the past three years, collaborating with Leeds Rhinos and Leeds United Football Club to provide exclusive player interviews and fitness opportunities for NHS staff.
Since starting in late 2021, the group has covered a whole range of subjects, including prostate and testicular cancer, suicide prevention, toxic masculinity, mindful alcohol consumption, fitness, and various aspects of mental health. Recent funding donated by Leeds Hospitals Charity has helped allow the group to flourish.
David added: “Our ambitions for the future is to make MAAN available for all NHS staff across the UK whilst continuing to make a difference to Men’s Health at LTHT.”
