Sports and fitness could be used to improve men’s mental health in York and North Yorkshire as its mayor opened up about his struggles following the death of his father.

Wednesday, 14 May 2025 13:08

By Joe Gerrard

David Skaith said he shut himself off after losing his father Bob in 2021 but speaking about his feelings, sports and socialising helped him come to terms with his loss.

The Labour mayor added York and North Yorkshire could lead the way in shifting the dial on men’s mental health which particularly affected local rural, isolated communities and male-dominated professions.

It follows a meeting between the mayor, combined authority officials, NHS and charity representatives and public health specialists to discuss plans for a new Men’s Mental Health Taskforce.

Proposals discussed on Friday, April 25 are in their early stages, with details including timescales and funding yet to be worked out.

But the meeting heard it came as the country faces a public health crisis with suicide being the biggest killer of men aged 50 and under.

It also heard an estimated four in five men will experience some form of mental health issue during their lives.

Officials also discussed the effects tackling mental health issues among men could have on the economy by helping more people get back into work.

The meeting discussed how mental health issues could be tackled particularly given the amount of men working in traditionally male dominated professions like farming and the military locally.

Ideas included using sport and pitching mental health self-care in terms of fitness to try and encourage men to become more conscious of the issue.

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