November is Men’s Health Awareness Month (also known as ‘Movember’) and Knowsley Council is helping to raise awareness of men’s health issues and the support available.
Knowsley is home to several men’s groups which provide confidential and safe spaces for men to talk to others about any health or mental health concerns.
Evolving Mindset provide a wide range of activities including men’s wellbeing clubs where men can engage in various sports such as football, circuit training, badminton, and table tennis. These sessions also provide opportunities to talk and offload. You can find out more on Evolving Mindset’s website.
Flourish and Succeed community Men’s Hive groups also provide a range of activities to support men’s mental health. The groups are held in different locations across the borough. For more information visit the Flourish and Succeed website or call 0151 245 6111.
You can find information about other local men’s groups on the Live Well website.
Additionally, the Kind to Your Mind website offers access to a range of mental health and well-being services and resources, including apps, online courses, and general advice. Users can create a personalised support plan tailored to their specific needs.
If you or someone you know are in mental health crisis and no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation and need urgent help, you can call the NHS Mental Health crisis line. NHS staff will then support you to get the help you need. Available 24/7 – for people of all ages including children and young people. Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option
Men’s cancers
In the UK, about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The three main risk factors for getting prostate cancer are getting older (it mainly affects men aged 50 or over), having a family history of prostate cancer and being black.
Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any signs or symptoms. If you do notice changes in the way you urinate, this is more likely to be a sign of a very common non-cancerous problem called an enlarged prostate, or another health problem. But it’s still a good idea to get it checked out.
If you have any concerns speak to your GP. They can talk to you about your risk, and about the tests that are used to diagnose prostate cancer.
Testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in young men. It is a highly treatable cancer if diagnosed and treated early.
Regular checks can help detect any early changes – changes in shape, or size, or a lump that wasn’t there before – and if something doesn’t seem right go and see the GP.
AAA Screening
In England, screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (also known as AAA) is offered to men during the year they turn 65. The screening consists of a painless, non-invasive ultrasound scan.
Screening can help spot a swelling in the aorta early on when it can be treated. The aorta runs from your heart down to your abdomen, it is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the abdomen. Men aged 65 or over are most at risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm which if left untreated can rupture and be life threatening. You will receive a letter inviting you to an appointment.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Health, said:
“We understand that men can find it difficult to talk about how they’re feeling or to seek advice for any health concerns. It’s important to know that you don’t need to go it alone. There’s lots of information, advice and support available including men’s groups, online resources and apps. Please take some time during Movember to find out about the support that’s available.”
Movember
Movember is an annual event which involves growing a moustache during the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues including mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
For more information about Movember including information and advice on men’s mental health and men’s cancers visit the website.