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Men’s Health Awareness Month

01 Nov 2023

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Men's Health Awareness Month

For the month of November, we are focusing on Men’s Health Awareness. The two key campaigns that support Men’s Health Awareness month is International Men’s Day UK Sunday, 19 November and Movember. 

These campaigns aim to bring awareness to a wide range of men's health and mental health issues. The ‘Movember’ campaign takes place every November, to raise awareness and funds for men's mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.

International Men’s Day UK provides a platform to focus on the wellbeing of men and boys, support charities and hold a positive conversation around men’s health and mental health. The three core themes for International Men’s Day in the UK which are used every year to help maximise participation are:

  • Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys
  • Raising awareness and/or funds for charities supporting men and boys’ wellbeing
  • Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity

Inclusive campaign for all

National campaigns and our own university campaign has the important message to recognise individuals from the LGBTQI+ community are directly impacted by health issues including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. Our events are open to all colleagues to attend and there is further support information below.

We recognise there is a large community of individuals who will be indirectly impacted by these topics. You might have a colleague, friend or family member who is experiencing one of these health or mental health problems or might be at risk. You can play a crucial in supporting these individuals getting the help they need, such as encouraging them to book that doctors appointment or checking in on their mental health. Our events are open to all colleagues to attend. 

Why is it important?

With the very worrying continuing increase in male suicide (3,852 male suicides, 74%, 2021), prostate cancer (on average 143 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each day in the UK) and other health issues, it is crucial that we continue to raise the platform of men’s health and get people talking. The better understanding individuals have of the risks, signs and symptoms, and where to go for support, this encourages people to get the help they need sooner. Talking about health problems, life challenges and worries is not easy and research highlights that although it is improving, men are more reluctant to talk about concerns and access support. Talking about men’s health in the workplace is important as it presents more opportunity to raise awareness and to help provide support.  

Andrew Mullen, our Deputy Director of People and Organisational Development, discusses the importance of opening up about mental health:

'It is really shocking that men account for around three quarters of suicides in the UK.  Most of us are likely to know someone among our circle of friends and family who has lost their life in this tragic way. Thankfully, the stigma and social norms around talking about mental health challenges are improving, although it seems that this is much slower to shift among men.

We need to be better at seeking help and recognising when we are struggling.  As partners, parents, friends, colleagues and as role models to other men and boys, we need to show that it is okay not to be okay in order to shift traditional gender norms and as a counter to more toxic role models. I would implore any colleague to seek help if they are struggling to cope.  Nothing is more important'.

Events

Prostate Cancer UK: Tony’s Story and Prostate Cancer Awareness Talk, Thursday, 23 November, 12:00- 12:45pm, Zochonis Hub, Zochonis Building

Tony Collier, BEM, Ambassador, awareness speaker, volunteer and fundraiser for Prostate Cancer UK, Trustee of Tackle Prostate Cancer and Trustee of the Move Charity.

Tony will be joining us to talk about his journey through Prostate Cancer and deliver an awareness talk and Q&A session for staff. 

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with 1 in 8 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

This session is open to everyone, including individuals who are currently experiencing prostate cancer or could be directly impacted by prostate cancer in the future and also to individuals who may be indirectly impacted, so you may have a colleague, a family member or friend who may be at risk or currently experiencing prostate cancer.

There will be a Health Check Clinic available alongside this event in the Zochonis Hub, please see details below. 

Health Check Clinic, Thursday, 23 November, Zochonis Hub

Our Occupational Health team with our placement on campus nursing students will be running a Health Check Clinic alongside the Prostate Cancer UK talk. Health checks will include checking height, weight and blood pressure and will be available between 11:00 – 12:00 and 12:45 – 14:00pm in the Zachonis Hub, Zachonis Building. You do not need to book a health check slot, you can just turn up.

There will be a wide variety of health information handouts available to take away with you.

Andy's Man Club: Luke's story and Andy's Man Club information session, multiple dates available

Luke Tetlow-Cross, a speaker for the charity Andy's Man Club will be joining us to deliver a session to talk about his story and deliver an information session about the support available. 

The information session will involve a presentation covering the origins of the charity, support available, their goals for the future and most importantly Luke's story discussing what brought him to Andy's Man Club, what keeps him going to the weekly group and then a question-and-answer session at the end. These sessions are open to all staff, both those directly and indirectly impacted by the topics discussed. You might have a colleague, friend or family member who would benefit from the information you learn at this session and you can pass along. 

  • Monday, 20 November 10am - 10:45am, TBC (in person)
  • Thursday, 23 November 3pm - 3:45pm TBC (in person)
  • Thursday, 23 November 5pm - 5:45pm TBC (in person)

International Men’s Day: in conversation with Dan Sarginson, Former rugby league cup winner and England international, Tuesday, 21 November, 12:30 – 1:30pm, online event

Join the Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health (FBMH) for their International Men’s Day event with Dan Sarginson, a former professional rugby player and mental health advocate, who will be sharing his personal battle with mental health during his professional career.

Please be aware that potentially upsetting content may be discussed during this event.

More information 

There are many support organisations and services available for men’s health and mental health. 

  • International Men’s Day UK have an extensive list of charities that support different issues including: boys and young men’s development, health, mental health, fatherhood, domestic abuse/violence, infertility, loneliness and isolation, sexual abuse and exploitation. 

Support for LGBTQI+ Community:

  • Prostate cancer for treatments for Trans Women: Prostate Cancer UK have detailed information discussing diagnosis, treatments and support for trans women diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. 
  • Macmillan Cancer Support have detailed information for diagnosis, treatment and support for LGBTQI+ people experiencing cancer.  
  • OUTpatients (formerly 'Live Through This') exists to support and advocate for our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer communities when they are affected by cancer.