A third of British men take better care of their car than their health - but they're open to changing gears

MOVEMBER and Green Flag join forces to get England on the road to better men's health 

• New research from Movember reveals half of men in the UK (56%) find ‘car admin’ like routine maintenance, booking an MOT and renewing breakdown cover easier than opening up about their health – but they’re open to change
• As a result, the leading men’s health charity is working with breakdown provider Green Flag to help get men’s health back on the road, rallying men and those at the roadside to take their health as seriously as they take their cars
• The Rt Hon Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, says this is a unique opportunity to build a better, more responsive approach to men’s health
• Movember is encouraging people to take the Government’s recently launched survey on men’s health here

New research from Movember reveals British men are more likely to care for their vehicle than their own health, prioritising booking MOTs (83%), renewing breakdown cover (73%), checking the oil or tyre pressure (66%) and even washing the car (62%) over discussing medical problems (54%) or taking action to safeguard their future (34%).

A third (34%) say they would rather answer questions about their vehicle than their physical or mental health, and more than half believe routine car admin and maintenance is easier than opening up about their health to friends (53%), medical professionals (66%), or anonymously online (48%).

But it seems many are ready to pop the bonnet on their health. Despite a third (34%) saying they are more likely to care for their vehicle than fill in a government survey about their health, more than half (52%) said they would if they knew it could improve their own health or that of someone else. Almost two in five (37%) said they would be more motivated to do so if they knew it would help shape the future of men’s health in the UK. Nearly three quarters of men (70%) say they’d be more motivated to complete a health survey if it led to better healthcare advice from their doctor, and more than half (52%) would take part if it helped create more community-based support – like Men’s Sheds or sports programmes tailored for men.  

The time is now.

Movember is encouraging men to take action by filling in the government’s Call for Evidence survey, which will inform the first-ever Men’s Health Strategy in this country.

To mark the beginning of Men’s Health Week (9th June – 15^th June), Movember, the world’s leading men’s health charity, is working with UK breakdown experts, Green Flag, to get England on the road to better men’s health.

Green Flag’s technicians will be supporting people who have broken down at the roadside and sharing information that gets people thinking about their health. They will share materials that includes a QR code linking to the men’s health survey, which people can complete should they wish.

The input and suggestions gathered could help shape policies for men, covering everything from GP care and early cancer detection through to mental health support and community care. Men’s health affects us all and this survey is open to anyone aged 16 and over, living in England.

Josh Morgan, Policy & Advocacy at Movember said: “Movember is on a mission to change the face of men’s health – but we can’t do it alone. With input from the public, we can ensure a future of men’s health in Britain with policies and initiatives that represent all men. We’re proud to be working with our community to drive real change for men across England.

“Survey results show that many men would be motivated to take part if they knew it could lead to better care from their GP and improvements in local community services – and it absolutely can! This is a unique opportunity for men to speak up, say exactly what they want, and know that government is listening.

“Now is your chance to take action. By taking just a few minutes to complete the government’s men’s health survey, you could help shape a future where healthier men support a healthier world. Together, we can steer the conversation in the right direction.”

Mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer – Movember is taking them all on. In the UK, three in four suicides are men, one in eight men will get prostate cancer, and testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men. Movember remains committed to investing in research, real-world programme delivery, and advocacy to ensure better mental health outcomes for future generations.

The Rt Hon Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Labour MP for Ilford North said: “It is shocking yet unsurprising that so many men are more likely to service their car than check in on their own health – that’s exactly what we want to change. We’re launching the first-ever men’s health strategy because too many men are dying early from preventable causes.

“We want to tackle the real issues men face, from mental health to cancer checks. And we need to hear from men across the country – your stories, your struggles, your suggestions – so we can shape a plan that actually works. The more voices we hear, the better the outcomes will be.

“It’s time to shift gear and start treating men’s health like the priority it is.”

Damon Jowett, Director of Roadside and Network Services at Green Flag said: “Our customers see the importance of purchasing breakdown cover for their vehicle to ensure it is protected, but from the research it is clear many of them are not putting the same emphasis on their own health. We are working with Movember to raise awareness of the importance of men thinking of their own health MOTs.”

Liam Godfrey, 25, Green Flag Technician said: “As a Green Flag technician, I meet people every day who have cover in place to protect their car. This campaign highlights that many men are prioritising their car health but not putting the same focus on their own health and we are in a position to help drive change."

Nic Isfahani, 29, Green Flag customer said: “I was just expecting to get my car fixed at the roadside, but with the leaflet I was given was able to spend some time thinking about what I need to do to prioritise my health. It made me realise I’d never really thought about filling out something like the Call for Evidence survey - but knowing it could help improve care for men like me, I thought, why not? It’s 10 minutes that could make a real difference.”

Movember is making change, but it needs your help. Take the government’s survey to help better men’s health by 17^th July 2025 at: https:consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/mens-health-strategy

Top 10 Cities That Find Car Admin Easier Than Opening Up About Their Health  

Source: Movember  

Find out more at Movember.com

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For further details, contact movember@splendidcomms.com / 0207 553 7300 

Notes to editors 

*Research referenced carried out by Opinium between 23^rd May 2025 – 27^th May 2025 amongst a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults. 

For more information about Movember, visit movember.com

·        Read The Real Face of Men’s Health Report here.

·        Find more information about the UK government’s Men’s Health Strategy here

·        Take the survey here.

About Movember:

Twenty years ago, a bristly idea was born in Melbourne, Australia, igniting a movement that would transcend borders and change the face of men’s health forever. The movement, known as Movember, united people from all walks of life. Sparking billions of important conversations, raising vital funds, and shattering the silence surrounding men’s health issues. Since 2003, this trailblazing charity has challenged the status quo, shaken up men’s health research and transformed the way that health services reach and support men. Taking on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention, with unwavering determination.

They have raised over £945.8 million for men’s health, thanks to a passionate network of global Movember supporters. These critical funds have delivered more than 1,300 men’s health projects around the world. Funding hundreds of biomedical research projects and developing some of the largest prostate cancer registries in the world, based on the real-life experiences of hundreds of thousands of men. Since taking on mental health and suicide prevention in 2006, Movember has emphasised the importance of better social connections, early recognition of what men’s poor mental health looks like, and how clinicians can better respond to men in distress. So, more men know what to do when mental health issues appear, and supporters are better prepared to step in when needed.

Movember will continue championing new research, cutting-edge treatments, and healthy behaviours. Advocating for inclusive, gender-responsive healthcare systems that are tailored to the unique needs of men, women and gender-diverse people from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. In doing so, they hope to forge a future where barriers to healthy living are overcome, stigmas are removed, and where everyone has an equal opportunity to live a long healthy life. By improving men’s health, we can have a profoundly positive impact on women, families, and society. Because healthier men means a healthier world. To learn more, please visit Movember.com

About Green Flag:

With over 50 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).  

Green Flag is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  

Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.   

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com