PoliticsJOE Podcast Lisa Nandy: How Labour can solve the men's mental health crisis
Nov 20, 2025
Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, dives deep into the mental health crisis facing young men. She discusses government initiatives aimed at addressing male loneliness and improving access to youth services. Nandy highlights community support through sports like rugby and football, training coaches to act as trusted figures for young men in need. She also tackles the structural challenges of housing and transport, alongside the dangers of online gambling, aiming for a comprehensive youth strategy that offers hope and opportunities.
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Episode notes
Sport As Social Glue
- Sport and local clubs act as social glue that reaches young men where clinical services don't.
- Lisa Nandy says community sport gives belonging without the stigma of mental-health services.
Wigan Pilot With Rugby League
- Nandy cites Wigan where Rugby League acts like a family and reaches places others cannot.
- She describes two pilot projects in Wigan and Wakefield funded to support more young men locally.
Reducing Stigma Through Local Delivery
- Delivering support through familiar community settings reduces stigma and increases uptake.
- Nandy argues men prefer trusted local relationships over short-term clinical referrals.