Men encouraged to take ‘One Step at a Time’ to improve their health for Men’s Health Week 2026

This International Men’s Health Week (MHW) from 15-21 June, men are encouraged to take ‘One Step at a Time’ to improve their health. Instead of promoting drastic change, this year’s campaign encourages men to focus on small, practical actions that can have a lasting positive impact.

Led by the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) and developed in partnership with an all-island planning group and HSE Health and Wellbeing, this year’s theme recognises that improving health and wellbeing can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly when life is busy or challenging.

Dr Shane O’Donnell, National Programme Manager for Men’s Health, HSE Health and Wellbeing says; “Men’s Health Week is not just a date on the calendar; it is a catalyst for year-round engagement. By championing the "One Step at a Time" message, we can help men in our communities move toward a healthier future - one small, sustainable choice at a time.

“The message behind this year’s theme, ‘One Step at a Time’, is simple but powerful: the smallest actions matter. Whether it’s taking the first step towards becoming more active, booking a long-overdue GP appointment, opening up to someone you trust, cutting back on smoking or alcohol, or taking time to look after your mental wellbeing, small changes can lead to meaningful and lasting improvements over time. Men’s Health Week is also a reminder for services, workplaces and communities to consider how we can better engage men - creating supportive environments that meet men where they are and make it easier for them to take positive steps towards better health and wellbeing.”

There are many free supports available to help men take that first step. These include QUIT, which offers free personalised support to stop smoking, and the Get Active Programme on the HSE App — a free 10-week physical activity plan designed to help people gradually become more active through practical tools, tips and motivation. HSE Mental Health Services also provides a range of supports for men, including counselling, talk therapies, phone support, and online resources.

Find out about men's mental health supports.

In a recent HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast, poet and mental health advocate and Men’s Health Week Ambassador, Daragh Fleming spoke about his experience of depression and insights into his healthy approach to masculinity and expression through his poetry. The episode highlights the free counselling and mental health supports available for men through the HSE.

Daragh says; “I knew I was depressed for a long time before I ever accepted I needed help. When I was depressed, I did the very typical thing of not talking about it, pretending everything was fine, pushing it down, thinking I could deal with it on my own. I don't think I actually had to be depressed for that long if I'd asked for help earlier.”

Why focus on men’s health

The stark reality is that, while many men have been living healthier, longer lives in recent years, challenges remain.

Men continue to experience higher rates of premature mortality compared to females across many of the leading causes of death:

• accidents, suicides and poisoning: 172% higher
• cancer: 17% higher
• cardiovascular disease: 148% higher  
• diseases of respiratory system: 32% higher
• diseases of the digestive system: 58% higher

These figures highlight why targeted action on men’s health continues to matter. Men are more likely to engage in risk-related health behaviours, including higher levels of smoking, alcohol and drug use, and are less likely to engage with primary care and screening services. Social, economic, and structural inequalities also play a major role, with some groups and communities of men experiencing particularly poor health outcomes. 

Men’s Health Week aims to raise awareness of preventable health problems affecting men while also recognising and building on the positive progress already taking place across Ireland. Across the country, men are making positive changes to support their health and wellbeing in workplaces, Men’s Sheds, health centres, communities, sports clubs, families and friendships. By creating supportive environments and practical opportunities, we can help more men take action - not only adding years to life, but life to years. 

This Men’s Health Week, men across Ireland are being encouraged to make one positive change for their health and wellbeing - because small steps taken today can make a big difference tomorrow.