New £6.3 Million Fund Announced to Improve Men's Health Across England

Funding Opportunity: Men's Health Community Fund

A significant new national funding programme has opened that could provide exciting opportunities for VCSE organisations working with men and boys across Hull, East Yorkshire and beyond.

The Men's Health Community Fund (MHCF) is a new partnership between the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Movember and People's Health Trust, bringing together government investment and charitable expertise to support community-led approaches to improving men's health. The fund represents a total investment of £6.3 million and forms part of the Government's first Men's Health Strategy for England

Why This Matters

Men continue to experience some of the poorest health outcomes in England. Men living in the most deprived communities can die more than ten years earlier than those living in the least deprived areas, with significant inequalities linked to mental health, social isolation, employment, housing and access to support services.

The fund recognises that many men are less likely to engage with traditional services and often seek support through trusted community organisations instead. As a result, the programme is investing directly into community and voluntary sector organisations that understand local needs and can engage men where they are most comfortable.

What is the Fund Looking For?

The fund is seeking projects that improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of men and boys aged 16 and over, particularly those experiencing disadvantage or poor health outcomes.

Examples could include:

• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Activities that tackle loneliness and social isolation
• Community-based peer support
• Support for men experiencing unemployment or financial hardship
• Programmes addressing housing, debt or wider social determinants of health
• Support during key life transitions such as fatherhood, retirement, bereavement or relationship breakdown
• Projects that strengthen social connections and encourage help-seeking behaviour.

Funding Streams

The fund is split into three separate funding streams:

Department of Health and Social Care

Supporting:

• Men aged 35–59 experiencing unemployment, economic inactivity or financial insecurity.
• Older men aged 60+ experiencing significant life transitions.

Movember

Supporting:

• Young men aged 16–35.
• Projects that improve social connection, mental wellbeing and encourage positive help-seeking behaviours.

People's Health Trust

Supporting:

• Men working within industry and employment sectors.
• Further details on this funding stream are expected later in the year.

Who Can Apply?

The fund is aimed at voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, including smaller grassroots groups that are already embedded within communities and have experience supporting men and boys. Organisations working in areas experiencing higher levels of deprivation are particularly encouraged to apply.

Key Dates

• Applications Open: 22 June 2026
• Applications Close: 15 July 2026 (5pm)

A Potential Opportunity for Hull and East Yorkshire

Many organisations across our area are already delivering work that aligns strongly with the aims of this fund, including men's wellbeing groups, veterans' projects, Men in Sheds initiatives, community hubs, sports-based engagement programmes, peer support networks and projects addressing social isolation.

This funding presents an opportunity to build on that work, test new approaches and contribute to a growing national evidence base around what genuinely works to improve men's health and reduce health inequalities.

Find Out More

Further information and application details can be found via the Government's funding portal:

Men's Health Community Fund - Apply and find out more

If you are considering applying and would like to discuss your proposal, HEY Smile's Community Development Team may be able to provide support and signposting through our capacity building offer.