The Men's Health and Wellbeing Forum was established through the Manbassadors programme to bring together organisations, communities and residents with a shared ambition of improving outcomes for men and boys across Wigan Borough.
Men in the borough experience significant health inequalities and are often less likely to seek support early due to stigma, isolation and barriers to engagement. Before 2025, there was no dedicated partnership bringing organisations together to coordinate action around men's health and wellbeing.
The forum brings together partners from health services, public services, employers, community organisations and people with lived experience to share insight, build relationships and develop practical solutions. By working collaboratively rather than in silos, members are able to learn from one another and identify new ways to support men in places and spaces they already trust.
What started as a meeting of 12 partners, has grown into a thriving network of 40 to 50 participants, alongside more than 80 Manbassadors sites across workplaces, community venues, sports clubs and healthcare settings. Together, they have strengthened awareness, prevention and early support around issues affecting men's health and wellbeing.
The forum has strengthened connections between organisations, communities and residents, helping to align resources, reduce duplication and build community capacity. By investing in relationships and collaboration, it is helping to create better health outcomes and stronger communities across Wigan Borough.
This case study demonstrates Progress with Unity in action. By connecting partners, sharing expertise and focusing on prevention, the forum is helping create fairer opportunities and better outcomes for men and boys across the borough.