Men’s mental health might just depend on the angle you’re standing at. According to new research by Greene King, over half (52%) of men say they feel more at ease discussing personal issues when they’re shoulder-to-shoulder—whether that’s walking with a friend, chatting over a pint, or riding in a car.
Released to mark Prostate Cancer Awareness month in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, these findings offer a revealing look at how men prefer to talk, and why the setting often makes all the difference.
The survey suggests nearly two-thirds (63%) of men are most likely to open up while out and about with friends or family, and more than half (52%) admit food and drink provide the perfect spark for conversation, especially in places like pubs. Even a walk (26%) can do the trick for sparking those frank heart-to-hearts.
Despite this encouraging data, only 34% of men say they regularly discuss personal challenges with loved ones, and 11% admit they don’t feel comfortable reaching out at all.
A particularly worrying detail is the gap between age groups: men aged 18–24 appear to struggle more, with a mere 29% willing to speak face-to-face about difficult topics, versus 47% of men over 55 who say they’re comfortable talking in the open.
To highlight why so many fellas stay silent, Greene King and Macmillan teamed up for a powerful short film inspired by real-life experiences.
It shows the reality behind men’s hesitance to speak up and how a bit of side-by-side support can pave the way for vital conversations.
This film will even appear in some Greene King pubs, turning familiar hangouts into more welcoming spots for tough discussions.
The urgency around these chats is only heightened for men living with cancer. Macmillan Cancer Support has uncovered that almost half (49%) of men with cancer in the UK are grappling with anxiety, worry, or fear about their diagnosis.
More sobering still is the one in seven (14%) currently receiving treatment who aren’t getting help for serious physical or emotional concerns.
Speaking from personal experience, Kent resident and cancer survivor, 37-year-old Nick Summerfield, said, “When I got diagnosed, everything changed overnight.
It was hard to look into the future, making it difficult to talk about. I think men often hide their feelings, trying to be ‘manly.’
But sharing your feelings shows you need support and helps loved ones understand you. Opening up relieves pressure and lightens the weight. I’m fortunate to have a great support network, but I had to be brave and express how I really felt.”
To help break that silence, Greene King is dedicating the first half of 2025 to raising funds for Macmillan’s Support Line, a confidential service for those living with cancer and their families.
Trust is key, and 60% of men surveyed say it’s essential when looking for help. The Support Line, available seven days a week, fits the bill perfectly.
Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, explains the motivation behind this push: “Pubs are places where life unfolds and where we gather to share moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between.
They offer an opportunity for people to come together, speak side by side, fostering a true sense of community. Talking about cancer or a health concern is never easy, but Macmillan’s Support Line plays a vital role in supporting people when they need it the most.
This March our fantastic pub teams across the country will be hosting a number of charity events, to support our commitment to direct the first half of this year’s fundraising to the Support Line, so that more people in our communities can access Macmillan’s help when they need it the most.”
If you or a loved one need confidential support to discuss cancer and its effects—emotional, physical, or financial—Macmillan’s Support Line is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, at 0808 808 0000.
For more on how Greene King and Macmillan Cancer Support are working together, visit https://www.greeneking.co.uk/our-company/greene-king-for-good/macmillan.