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Movember and Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month: why money matters
Every November, Movember brings men’s health into the spotlight, with a strong focus on mental health and suicide prevention. Alongside International Men’s Day on 19 November, it’s a chance for employers to start conversations that many men find difficult to have.
At Planned Future, we look at it through a particular lens: money. Research suggests financial worries are one of the biggest pressures men face, and they sit right next to the pressures of work.
The pressures behind men’s mental health
A survey of 1,000 UK men by Priory Group asked men about the biggest pressures in their lives. The top three were:
Cause | Share of men |
|---|---|
Work | 32% |
Finances | 31% |
Health | 23% |
Finances came a close second, just one percentage point behind work. The same survey found that around four in ten men (40%) had never spoken to anyone about their mental health, with many saying they feared being a burden, felt embarrassed, or worried about stigma.
That last point matters for employers. If money worries are weighing on men and many are staying silent, those worries can follow people into the workplace without anyone realising.
Why money and mental health are so closely linked
Money worries and mental health tend to feed each other. Research from the charity Money and Mental Health found that the longer someone struggles with their mental health, the more likely they are to struggle with their finances, and the longer they struggle with their finances, the more likely they are to experience a mental health problem.
For many men, there can also be an added barrier. Pressure to provide, to cope alone or to avoid showing vulnerability can make it harder to admit when money is tight, and harder to ask for help.
How supporting wellbeing at work can help
Work and finances are the top two pressures in that survey, which means employers are in a strong position to make a difference. Here is how the pieces can fit together:
Ease pressure at work
Wellbeing workshops can help employees manage stress, build resilience and feel more supported at work. Training for managers and mental health first aiders can help teams spot when someone is struggling and have supportive conversations early.
Build financial confidence
Financial wellbeing workshops and one-to-one guidance can help employees take practical steps with their money, whether that is budgeting through rising costs, understanding pay and tax, or planning for the future.
Support overall mental health
When pressure at work eases and money feels more manageable, people often have more headspace, more confidence and a greater willingness to talk. Each can support the other.
No single workshop is a cure, and anyone struggling should be encouraged to seek professional support. But tackling two of the biggest pressures in men’s lives together, through both workplace and financial wellbeing, can make a real difference to overall mental health.
Practical steps for employers this November
- Start the conversation. Use Movember and International Men’s Day as a prompt to talk openly about mental health and money, and make clear that raising worries is welcome.
- Equip managers. Our Mental Wellbeing training includes Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Champion, resilience and line manager sessions.
- Normalise talking about money. Read how to create a workplace where employees feel comfortable talking about money, and see our Talk Money Week 2026 blog.
- Offer practical financial education. Sessions such as Cost of Living: Making Ends Meet and Money Mindset help employees feel more in control.
- Provide a private route to help. Our Money Guide Service offers impartial one-to-one guidance, and our financial wellbeing portal gives employees guides and calculators 24/7.
- Share where to get support. Make sure everyone knows the helplines below.
If you or someone you know is struggling
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. These free services can help:
- Samaritans: call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day, every day
- CALM (for men): call 0800 58 58 58, 5pm to midnight, every day
- Shout: text SHOUT to 85258, free, 24/7
- Mind: call 0300 123 3393, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
- NHS 111: call 111 and choose the mental health option for urgent help (England)
- Andy’s Man Club: free peer support groups for men across the UK (andysmanclub.co.uk)
- For money worries, MoneyHelper offers free, impartial guidance and StepChange offers free debt advice.How Planned Future can help
We provide financial and mental wellbeing workshops and one-to-one support for employers across the UK. If you’d like to support your team this Movember and beyond, see our financial wellbeing workshops and mental wellbeing workshops, take our 2-minute financial wellbeing quiz, or speak with our team.
For more key dates this month, see our November 2026 key dates for HR teams.
This article is for general information only and is not medical, financial or mental health advice. Planned Future’s services are educational and are not a substitute for professional support.
