Championing Men’s Health & Inclusion with Mark Brooks OBE 🎙️
In this episode of the TRUUMAN Podcast, host Lewis Hackney sits down with Mark Brooks OBE, a leading policy adviser and advocate in the fields of men’s health, inclusion, and domestic abuse. Mark is the Chair of Trustees for the ManKind Initiative, a co-founding trustee of the Men and Boys Coalition, and a national ambassador for International Men’s Day UK. His work has been instrumental in shaping policy around male suicide, men’s health strategy, and boys’ education, and he serves as a policy adviser to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Issues Affecting Men and Boys.
About the Guest: Mark’s advocacy spans decades, earning him an OBE and an honorary doctorate for his contributions to men’s health and domestic abuse policy. His expertise is sought by government bodies, public organizations, and major employers looking to improve their approach to men’s wellbeing. Through his work with the ManKind Initiative, Mark has been a leading voice in supporting male victims of domestic abuse—a subject that often goes underreported and misunderstood. He also works with businesses to implement male staff networks and create workplaces that support men’s mental and physical health. He regularly features in media discussions, bringing awareness to key issues like male suicide, the gender health gap, and the importance of education tailored to boys’ needs.
What to Expect in This Episode:
🔹 Why men’s health is often overlooked in public policy
🔹 Breaking the stigma around male victims of domestic abuse
🔹 The reality of male suicide rates and what needs to change
🔹 How workplace male networks can improve men’s wellbeing
🔹 What governments and employers can do to support men better
🔹 The role of International Men’s Day and why it matters
🔹 How the All-Party Parliamentary Group is driving real change
Key Takeaways:
✅ Men’s health policies lag behind women’s health strategies, and that needs to change.
✅ Male victims of domestic abuse exist in large numbers but are often ignored by services. ✅ The male suicide rate is alarming—preventative measures need serious focus.
✅ Employers can play a crucial role in improving men’s mental and physical health.
✅ We need more male-focused support groups in workplaces and communities.
✅ International Men’s Day is about celebrating men’s contributions and raising awareness of key challenges.
Quotes from the Episode:
“Men’s health is a crisis that isn’t talked about enough. We need a dedicated strategy.”
“Male victims of domestic abuse feel invisible—our job is to make them seen and supported.”
“Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50. That tells us something is deeply wrong.”
“Workplace male networks aren’t about division; they’re about ensuring men feel supported too.”
Resources and Links:
🔹 Visit Mark Brooks’ Website: www.mark-brooks.co.uk
🔹 Follow Mark on LinkedIn: Mark Brooks OBE
🔹 Support the ManKind Initiative: www.mankind.org.uk
🔹 Men and Boys Coalition: www.menandboyscoalition.org.uk
🔹 International Men’s Day UK: www.ukmensday.org.uk
