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The RNLI Men's Health Network

The RNLI Men’s Health Network promotes positive physical and mental health for all men across the RNLI.

The network’s aim is to encourage early help-seeking, foster healthy lifestyle changes, strengthen peer support and address the specific challenges men face in our organisation. It is open to all, including those who support men and their wellbeing.

We focus on critical issues such as suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. We aim to help each other through education, collaboration and signposting to internal and external support services and specialists.

At its simplest, we encourage men to move more and talk more.

Contact the network on [email protected].

Support for you and your family

Whatever your role at the RNLI, the demands can be both physically and emotionally intense. The pressure of responsibilities at home, at work, and in volunteer roles can build over time. Feeling stressed, overwhelmed or affected by something you’ve experienced is a normal human response.

Looking after your mental health is just as vital as maintaining your skills and equipment. Talking to a mate, reaching out for support or taking time to decompress can make a real difference. A simple conversation - just asking 'are you ok?' - can help save a life.

The Men’s Health Network is also here to support families, who can be affected by the pressures, uncertainties and sacrifices that come with our lifesaving work. You’re part of a strong crew and community, and support is always there – for you and those around you – when needed.

Where to find help with men’s health

You can always speak with your manager, the RNLI’s Wellbeing Team ([email protected]) or contact the network on [email protected]. There are also a number of organisations and charities who can support and advise:

Mental fitness means keeping your brain and emotional health in good shape. Maintaining good mental fitness can help you to cope better with life’s daily stresses.

Watch out for:

  • Changes in sleep, mood or energy levels
  • Increased irritability, withdrawal or persistent worry
  • Usual coping strategies becoming less effective

When to act: If low mood lasts longer than two weeks.

What to do: Schedule an appointment with your GP

Further resources:

Physical fitness is your body's ability to function efficiently and effectively. Maintaining good physical fitness can help to protect joints, boost energy, and prevent chronic disease.

Watch out for:

  • Changes in your resting heart rate or mobility
  • Breathlessness during mild exertion or persistent joint stiffness

When to act:

  • Contact your GP immediately for unexplained, persistent pain or severe chest tightness

What to do:

Further resources:

Suicide prevention involves recognising severe emotional distress and taking action. Early conversations can save lives.

Watch out for:

  • Drastic shifts in mood, sudden withdrawal, or uncharacteristic anger
  • Increased alcohol use or reckless behaviour
  • Expressions of hopelessness, of being a burden or giving away possessions

When to act:

  • Immediately if safety is at imminent risk

What to do:

  • Find a private space and express your concerns
  • Stay with the person if they are in crisis. Safely remove any means of self-harm
  • Listen fully without judgement, lecturing or offering superficial fixes
  • Call emergency services where necessary. You can also contact Samaritans (116 123) or the Shout text line (85258).

Further resources:

Heart health refers to how effectively your cardiovascular system functions. A healthy heart can help reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke.

Watch out for:

  • Unexplained fatigue, dizzy spells, or irregular heart palpitations
  • Rises in blood pressure or cholesterol

When to act:

  • Call emergency services immediately for acute chest pain 

What to do:

  • Get your blood pressure checked at least annually
  • Reduce salt and saturated fat intake 
  • Access support to quit smoking or vaping

Further resources:

Prostate cancer is a cancer of the prostate gland and is the most common cancer affecting men.

Watch out for:

  • Frequent night time urination, weak flow, or difficulty starting

When to act:

  • If you notice blood in urine or semen

What to do:

Further resources:

Testicular cancer is an abnormal growth developing in one or both testicles. It is the most common cancer in younger men and is highly treatable if caught early.

When to act:

  • If you notice a hard lump, painless swelling, or distinct change in shape
  • A feeling of heaviness or dull ache in the scrotum

What to do:

  • Check yourself once a month
  • See your GP if you notice any new lump or change

Further resources: