Barca-Leeds Reflects on 12 Years of Men’s Health Work

Local organisation highlights key milestones in promoting men’s wellbeing

Barca-Leeds is marking three years as a partner in the Being You Leeds service, a citywide initiative led by Touchstone to promote positive wellbeing across Leeds. This milestone has prompted the organisation to reflect on its 12-year history of delivering men’s health improvement projects in the city.

Early work and community engagement

Barca-Leeds’ involvement in men’s health began in 2013 when Public Health commissioned the organisation to consult with men in Armley about mental health and suicide. At the time, these topics were considered taboo, but the consultations revealed that many men were eager to discuss their experiences and the impact on their lives.

Influential research and partnerships

In 2016, Alan White published The State of Men’s Health in Leeds, the first detailed citywide study in the UK focusing on men’s health. Barca-Leeds supported discussions around implementing the report’s findings, which have since informed their ongoing work in this area.

Barca-Leeds has developed positive partnerships with several local organisations, including:

• Touchstone
• Hamara
• Health for All
• Holbeck Together
• LS14 Trust
• Women’s Health Matters
• Inspire North
• Humans Being

These collaborations have contributed to collective efforts similar to the Men’s Health Unlocked partnership, which has reached over 2,800 men in the last two years.

Adapting during the pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Barca-Leeds quickly responded to an opportunity when a major funder offered an underspent funding pot with only five days’ notice. This led to the creation of the Men’s Health Unlocked initiative, aimed at addressing men’s health needs during a challenging period.

Key lessons and ongoing focus

From their work, Barca-Leeds have identified important lessons, including the value of services that meet men’s needs and are co-designed with them. They also highlight the role of male role models in promoting healthy behaviours and inspiring young men.

For more detailed information and an infographic outlining Barca-Leeds’ journey in men’s health, visit the original article on Doing Good Leeds.