Looking after men’s health shouldn’t only happen when something is wrong. International Men’s Day, recognised on 19 November, 2026, is an opportunity to put men’s mental and physical wellbeing on the agenda. Adopting the theme of Check In. Check Up., the focus for the drinks industry this year is on simple actions that can make a lasting difference to men’s health and wellbeing.
Why Check In. Check Up.
In Australia, half of the deaths in men under 75 were potentially avoidable. In fact, many of the biggest health issues affecting men can be prevented or better managed through regular check-ups and early action.
The 2024-2025 wave of Ten to Men data found that 40.5% of men report lacking companionship sometimes, often or always. Further, only 17.8% indicated that social support is always available to them if they need it. In 2024, men accounted for around three in four suicide deaths in Australia, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Yet, in the context of all of this, more than half of all men (53%) believe that it’s normal for men to avoid regular health check-ups, and four in five men don’t turn to professional support when they’re struggling.
“It’s quite scary to think that so many men are struggling mentally or avoiding the health checks they need,” says Georgia Lennon, CEO of the Drinks Association. “Whether it’s our colleagues, our fathers, brothers, sons or friends, we all have men in our lives. International Men’s Day is a chance to shine the spotlight on men’s health and wellbeing, and encourage the men in our workplaces, homes and social circles to give their health the priority that it deserves.”
How you can get involved
Check In. Check Up. isn’t about grand gestures. It’s the simple, subtle actions that can often make the biggest difference. Some ideas to get you started:
Check In
Take the time to connect with the men around you. Ask how they’re really doing, listen without judgement, and help create a workplace where conversations about mental wellbeing feel safe, supported and normal.
- Coffee catch-ups
- Team walks
- Walking meetings
- Breakfast discussions
- Peer check-ins
Check Up
Encourage regular health checks, promote proactive healthcare, and share information that empowers men to make healthier lifestyle choices and prioritise their long-term wellbeing.
- GP appointments
- Skin checks
- Blood pressure checks
- Mental health check-Ins
- Annual health assessments
- Preventative health resources
If you or someone you know needs further help, support is available through MensLine Australia, Beyond Blue, Movember and Lifeline.
This article was written as one in a series for International Men’s Day 2026. By recognising this day, we’re helping to put men’s health and wellbeing on the agenda.