Across the UK, a number of our MAN v FAT clubs are commissioned by local authorities keen to support men in their area to improve their health and wellbeing.
Around 15% of the MAN v FAT membership has access to a funded spot, typically providing a 14 week paid for place in their local MAN v FAT club.
We are incredibly grateful to all local authorities who put their trust in MAN v FAT to reach men and help them with their health.
In this interview, we speak to Heather Skinner, Public Health Project Manager at Medway Council, to find out why they’ve supported MAN v FAT over many years.
How proud are you of your part in MAN v FAT reaching this momentous landmark?
We are incredibly proud to have had MAN v FAT helping us to reach this fantastic milestone. As a council, we’re always looking for ways to help residents improve their health and wellbeing, so it’s really rewarding to see a programme we’ve commissioned have such a positive impact.
Most importantly, though, this achievement belongs to the thousands of men who have taken that first step and committed to making changes for their health.
How does MAN v FAT fit into the council’s mix of programmes to support local health and wellbeing?
MAN v FAT plays an important role within our wider health improvement offer. We know that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to supporting people to live healthier lives, and men can sometimes be less likely to engage with traditional weight management programmes.
MAN v FAT provides a different approach, combining football, friendship and support in a way that really appeals to many men and helps us reach people who may not otherwise access our services.
How else has the council tackled engaging hard-to-reach men?
The council recognises that men can often be less likely to engage with preventative health services, so we have worked with a range of community organisations, workplaces, sports clubs and local partners to take health improvement opportunities directly into settings where men already feel comfortable.
We continue to explore approaches that reduce stigma, use peer support, and focus on practical, achievable lifestyle changes. For example, alongside our Healthy Way programme, we run dedicated men-only groups and support community-based initiatives, including the Medway Men in Sheds initiative.
Why do you think MAN v FAT works so well for guys looking to make health improvements?
One of the biggest strengths of MAN v FAT is that it doesn’t feel like a traditional weight-loss programme. The football gets people through the door, but it’s the support, camaraderie and accountability that help them stay engaged.
The programme creates a sense of belonging, where participants encourage each other and celebrate successes together. That combination of fun, friendship and healthy competition is incredibly supportive and powerful.
What has been the highlight of the council’s involvement with MAN v FAT?
The greatest highlight has been seeing the real-life impact on participants. Whether it’s someone losing weight, feeling more confident, improving their mental wellbeing or simply getting active again, those stories remind us why investing in prevention is so important.Â
How else can programmes like MAN v FAT help tackle the council’s health priorities in the future?
Programmes like MAN v FAT can play a really important role in helping us tackle some of our biggest health challenges, including obesity, physical inactivity and poor mental wellbeing. They help us reach people who may not engage with more traditional services and support them to make lasting lifestyle changes.
Just as importantly, when people trust a programme and the staff supporting them, they’re often more likely to talk about other challenges they may be facing, whether that’s mental health concerns, smoking, alcohol use, financial pressures or social isolation. This creates valuable opportunities to connect people with other council and community services that can support them.
In that way, programmes like MAN v FAT can act as a gateway to wider health and wellbeing support, helping us address issues earlier and improve outcomes for residents.
Want to support our men?
If you’re a Public Health commissioner or local authority interested in bringing MAN v FAT to your area, please drop us an e-mail to marketing@manvfat.com and we will be in touch with further details!
