Former England footballers Jamie Carragher and Conor Coady met with Sir Keir Starmer to advocate for men’s wellbeing.
The Prime Minister revealed plans for a three-year collaboration with the Premier League to support men’s wellbeing through football.
The initiative will aim to harness “the power of football to reach men where they are” by offering support services and guidance at football matches.
This partnership forms part of broader Government efforts to address men’s health challenges announced during the first International Men’s Day reception held at No 10.
The football-based approach recognises the sport’s unique position in reaching male audiences who might otherwise be reluctant to seek help or advice through traditional channels.
The Downing Street gathering brought together prominent figures from sport and entertainment who advocate for men’s wellbeing.
Attendees include the former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher and Everton star Conor Coady, as well as England rugby international Ugo Monye.
Comedians Elis James and John Robins joined the reception alongside television personality Pete Wicks and Movember advocates Bobby and Kay Bansal.
Sir Keir Starmer with Jamie Carragher and Conor Coady
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Sir Keir hared a personal Instagram video addressed to his son earlier that day, expressing his “proud” feelings and mentioning their shared enjoyment of takeaway meals.
He reflected on the difficult relationship with his own father, emphasising his determination to forge a different connection with his son.
The PM unveiled plans for a government summit next year to address issues affecting men and boys.
Speaking at the historic reception, Sir Keir declared that challenges, including men’s mental health and online misogyny, “demand a national response”.
Jamie Carragher is a keen advocate of men’s mental health
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Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and victims minister Alex Davies-Jones will spearhead the Government’s initiatives to address these concerns.
Mr Lammy emphasised that men and boys “have to be part of this conversation”, linking the effort to Labour’s manifesto pledge to reduce violence against women and girls by half within ten years.
The Government has unveiled a comprehensive men’s health strategy alongside Wednesday’s announcements, targeting critical issues including suicide, alcohol dependency and problem gambling.
Ministers have committed £3.6million towards suicide prevention initiatives specifically designed for middle-aged men over the coming three years.
These programmes will focus on England’s most deprived areas where men face the highest risk of taking their own lives.
