West Leeds events mark Men’s Health Week

By Helen Fay

Just as Men’s Health Week is being launched, a Leeds Trinity University student has produced a report about the benefits of two men’s mental health groups held in West Leeds. 

Second year Psychology undergraduate Ashlee Pearson spent seven weeks observing the Man About Town Music Group and the Men on the Margins film making group.

Both groups are part of Creative Frame CIC and based at the James McKenna Community Hub in Armley. Further information can be found here.

Ashlee’s report asks how beneficial men’s mental health creative groups are, and how the group dynamics and humour “create a psychologically safe environment where members felt comfortable expressing concerns.” The report can be read in full here.

The report comes as Men’s Health Week 2026 takes place from 14 to 21 June.

In Leeds, the Northern Man Festival focuses on men and men’s health and  coincides with Men’s Health Week. The theme for 2026 is ‘What Shapes A Man’. This year’s festival launched on Thursday, 11 June and ends on Father’s Day, Sunday, 21 June. 

There is a full programme of events and activities taking place that are free to participate in. The full programme and further information can be found here.

There are a number of events in West Leeds to take part in, some of which require registration to take part: 

• F3UK Leeds run peer-led fitness sessions bring men together. All ages, abilities and fitness levels welcome. Sessions run at Bramley Park on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6.00 -6.45 am. For information search F3UK Leeds on Facebook. 
• Saturday 13 June – Powerleague MHU (Men’s Health Unlocked) football tournament, Leeds Central, Wellington Bridge Street LS3 1LW. Open football event, 16+, from 11.00 -1.30. Contact tobie.fawcett@barca-leeds.org. Registration required. 
• Monday 15 June – free Rugby Touch & Pass at Bartercard Training complex, Kirkstall LS5 3BW on artificial pitch from 6pm-7pm. Bring trainers and a water bottle. 
• Tuesday 16 June – Walk and Talk, 9.30am at Bramley Park, LS13 3JZ. A short walk open to all genders and meeting at the War Memorial. Further information: Claire 07738107012 or email bettertogetherwest@barca-leeds.org.uk.
• Wednesday 17 June – Snooker, Pool & Darts session from 3pm to 5pm at Northern Snooker Centre, Kirkstall Road, LS3 1LT. Contact: lawrenceg@space2.org.uk. Registration required. 
• Wednesday 17 June – XY Yoga class for men, 8pm to 9pm at Bramley Baths LS13 3DF. For men of all abilities. Contact: jennie@bramleybaths.com.
• Saturday, 20 June – Boxercise at Mike Tobin’s Gym, 3 Stanningley Road LS12 3AP. Open to all aged 18 and over, from 10.30am to 11.30am. 
• The link to register for the Powerleague football tournament and the snooker, pool and arts session can be found here. 

Further information on Men’s Health Week can be found here.

Sponsored content