York Professor to lead regional drive to improve men's mental health

Posted on Tuesday 14 October 2025

Professor Paul Galdas, from the University's Department of Health Sciences, has been appointed Chair of the Men's Mental Health Taskforce, one of four pillars of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority's £7 million Moving Forward programme, launched by Mayor David Skaith.

The Taskforce brings together health, voluntary sector, and civic partners to tackle one of the region's most pressing health challenges: the high rates of poor mental health and suicide among men, particularly those in high-stress, isolated, or male-dominated occupations.

Urgent challenge

Speaking on BBC Politics North this week, Professor Galdas said: "Men's mental health is one of the region's most urgent challenges, with suicide the leading cause of death for men under 50 and too many still struggling in silence. This Taskforce will bring partners together to strengthen families and communities and build a healthier, more productive region with lessons that will extend nationally."

Invaluable expertise

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire said “The health and wellbeing of our communities is at the heart of everything we do and has been my priority since day one.

 "Working with Professor Paul Galdas was an obvious choice, given the invaluable expertise he has brought as the chair of the Men’s Mental Health Taskforce, and as a member of the Sports Steering Group.

 "His knowledge and contributions have helped create a campaign and funding opportunities that will support people across York and North Yorkshire to build the healthy and thriving communities they deserve”.

Flagship campaign

The Moving Forward campaign is a flagship Combined Authority initiative that aims to improve health, wellbeing, and the regional economy through four interconnected strands:

• Active travel
• Movement, activity and sport
• Men's mental health
• Green prescribing and connectedness to the outdoors

Professor Galdas also co-chairs the National Men's Health Academic Network, advising the Department of Health and Social Care on England's first Men's Health Strategy. His leadership of the regional Taskforce builds on York's growing national role in shaping men's health policy and practice.