Hospitality can do this by breaking down stigma, recognising signs of struggle and ensuring practical, accessible help is always available.
We work in a vibrant industry that is full of opportunity. Hospitality offers fantastic career progression and, amid over a quarter (27%) of UK adults saying they feel lonely always, often, or some of the time[1], our pubs and bars offer safe havens for people to connect.
Yet it’s also an industry that can be both physically and mentally demanding, and that’s something we need to talk about more openly, especially when it comes to topics that are less often addressed, such as men’s mental health.
This month gives us a moment to pause and reflect on how we support the men working across our sector. It’s especially important because in the lead-up to Christmas, when we often find that increased stress, long hours and pressure can take their toll. In fact, over the final quarter of last year, we received almost 1,300 calls to our 24-hour helpline compared to just 740 in Q3 – a spike of almost 75%.
Leading cause of death for under-50s
The statistics on men’s mental health are hard to ignore. Three times as many men as women die by suicide[2], and it’s the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK[3].
There are many reasons why men may find it harder to talk about their mental health. Societal expectations and traditional gender roles tend to encourage silence over vulnerability. The pressure to be strong, in control, and self-reliant can make asking for help feel impossible. But it’s not. In fact, recognising when you need support is one of the strongest things you can do.
At the LTC, we believe wellbeing support must be accessible, rooted in our industry and available to anyone in licensed hospitality whenever they need it. That means creating spaces where men feel safe to talk, where support is practical and engaging and where conversations about mental health are part of everyday culture.
It’s also important to be aware that depression can manifest differently in men compared to women. Irritability, anger, risk-taking and escapism, including throwing themselves into work, are often signs of deeper struggles. With hospitality is being so fast paced, these behaviours can easily be missed or misunderstood.
Tools to thrive
It’s essential to build a culture where vulnerability is met with compassion, not judgement, and to provide the men in our industry with the tools they need to thrive. And it’s clear that there is appetite for this. Since our LTC Wellbeing Platform launched in April, men’s mental health has consistently ranked among the most searched topics, making up 10% of overall topic searches and rising to the top spot in June at 22% of total searches.
The platform provides free access to over 6,500 wellbeing resources, including webinars, podcasts and advice tailored specifically to help men address issues they may be facing with mental wellbeing, such as common symptoms of stress in men. We also offer a free Employee Assistance Programme in partnership with CIC, and our live chat and helpline are available 24/7 for anyone who needs someone to talk to.
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is a chance to start these conversations, to listen more closely, and remind everyone in our industry that they’re not alone and that support is always available – whether it is you or a colleague who is struggling. No one in our industry should ever suffer in silence.
- LTC has been helping licensed trade people and their families for more than 200 years, providing practical advice, emotional support, and financial grants. Support is available via the website, Wellbeing Platform, 24-hour helpline and Employee Assistance Programme, empowering people to build confidence, resilience, and take action to live well. LTC’s free 24/7 helpline is available on 0808 801 0550.
Sources:
[1] Office for National Statistics, October 2025 https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/datasets/publicopinionsandsocialtrendsgreatbritainpersonalwellbeingandloneliness
[2] House of Commons Library, January 2025 https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7749/
[3] NHS England, June 2025 https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/london-assembly-press-releases/suicide-single-leading-cause-death-men-under-50
