A Men's Health Action Plan for Scotland

That the Parliament recognises that November marks Movember, the annual campaign that raises awareness of, and funds for, men’s health; welcomes Movember’s recent report on the state of men’s health in Scotland; notes the report’s findings that male life expectancy in Scotland is lower than in any other part of the UK, that two in five Scottish men die prematurely and that the leading causes of premature mortality among men costs Scotland over £1.7 billion each year; further notes that these outcomes are closely tied to deprivation, with men living in the most deprived communities facing the greatest inequalities; commends Movember-funded programmes in Scotland, including The Changing Room and Ahead of the Game, which engage with men where they are and show what works in supporting men’s health and wellbeing; acknowledges the work of healthcare professionals, third sector organisations and community groups that support men to seek help earlier; believes that while some Scottish Government strategies address some aspects of men’s health, there is no single plan that coordinates action, sets clear accountability or tackles the gaps in data relating to different groups of men; notes the view that a dedicated men’s health action plan, supported by appropriate funding, would help to scale up proven, community-based approaches; encourages men across Scotland, including in Glasgow Baillieston and Shettleston, to take part in Movember and to talk openly about their health, and notes calls for the Scottish Government to commit to developing a men’s health action plan.