NMHW - Event Summaries

The level of activity around England and Wales during NMHW, has consistently grown over the years. As part of the evaluation process of these weeks, we asked people to send us a brief description of the activities in their own area.  Below we have collolated around two hundred such summaries, and some of these are summarised below. We are very grateful to them for taking the time to do so.

We have summarised these descriptions below; they might help you with ideas for your own activities in 2007. Obvious limitations of space mean that we have had to reduce what were, in some cases, full descriptions of quite large events, to just a few sentences - so, please accept our apologies if we have not done justice to the amount of work that you put in!

Audenshaw, Greater Manchester

Staff at the Guide Lane Clinic marked NMHW by offering clinical testing for men on a drop-in or appointment basis, as well as awareness-raising on a range of men's health issues.  A successful Men's Health Day previously been held at the Clinic in November 2001.

Thanks to: Su Morris, Health Visitor/Nurse Specialist, Sexual Health

Birkenhead, Merseyside

Wirral Healthy Communities organised two "Healthy Breakfasts”, one at a ferry terminal; the other for drivers at a council depot. 

Thanks to: Philip Baines, Community Health Worker

Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

Staff from the health clinic ran awareness-raising groups at a boys' secondary school.  Subjects covered included skin cancer, diet, smoking, sexual health, alcohol, prostate disease and testicular cancer.  The school's male staff were offered clinical testing by appointment.

Thanks to: J Wheeler

Bristol

The City's Library Service put together six displays across the city to highlight its own resources on men's health.  The local health promotion team helped by providing promotional and support materials for the displays.

Thanks to: Caroline Simpson, Neighbourhood Librarian

Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk

A PowerPoint presentation was run in the waiting room of the Occupational Health department at West Suffolk Hospital, and a display was put up in the hospital restaurant, covering issues relating to men's health.   All male staff were offered a "men's health check” during the month of June.

Thanks to: Sue Pollett, Occupational Health Nurse Adviser

Cambourne, Cambridgeshire

The Monkfield Medical Practice marked NMHW by holding a Men's Health Open Evening for its male patients.  Those who attended were able to have consultations with the GP and Nurse Practitioner, clinical tests and checks, advice from the Clinical Pharmacist and the local Weightwatchers representative as well as access to a wide range of information leaflets.  Refreshments were also provided.  Each attendee completed a simple evaluation form before leaving, and the response was 100% positive.

Thanks to: Diane Wilson, Community Health Information Officer

Cardiff

Staff on a urology ward at University Hospital of Wales created displays on noticeboards and provided leaflets on prostate and testicular cancer, erectile dysfunction and smoking for people to take away.

Thanks to: Jayne Groves, Urology Nurse

Chichester, West Sussex

Men's Health Week was taken as the theme of the Health At Work noticeboard at Chichester District Council, to raise the issue of health with male staff.  The Council regularly promotes health screening to all staff and invites a local screening charity to visit staff on site.

Thanks to: Sarah Day, Health Development Manager

Coventry

Staff at a young people's project used displays and information leaflets to promote mental health and sexual health in particular, to young men.  Other, more general, health information was also included.

Thanks to: Pam Pickard, Vibes Project Co-ordinator

Cramlington, Northumberland

The Roundhouse health information staff offered drop-in health checks in working men's clubs and pubs in Cramlington.   Information, advice and clinical testing were offered.  Men's health packs were available to take away.

Thanks to: Christine Dowden, Manager

Derbyshire

The North Derbyshire Health Promotion Service organised an event at a local livestock market on a sale day, to reach out to the farming community.  Those attending were offered blood pressure and blood sugar tests, CO monitoring, waist measurement and dietary advice.  There was also the opportunity for individuals to have  confidential discussions on issues such as alcohol, cancer, and stress.

Thanks to: Paul Bushell, Waistwatchers Programme Manager

Durham

All local GP practices and some local businesses were offered a display/information pack about men's health issues.

Thanks to: Liz Moran, Health Promotion Specialist

Fareham, Portsmouth and Havant, Hampshire

A pack about men's health was developed specifically for use with people with learning disabilities.  All men with whom the Social Care Team work were offered a health check during NMHW.  The project highlighted the need for resources relevant to this target group.  A substantial article about men's health was printed in the Portsmouth News.

Thanks to: Nicola Hepple, Service Manager, Fareham and Gosport PCT

Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

Sexual health information (posters & leaflets) was placed on noticeboards and distributed in the men's toilets of community centres.

Thanks to: Chris Woodburn, Health Development Team

Halifax and Huddersfield, West Yorkshire

The Occupational Health Team worked with support from the local Health Promotion Unit to put on NMHW displays in four hospitals and at two health centres.   Health checks were offered by appointment or on a drop-in basis.  A "Match Fit Man” football quiz was held, linking to the World Cup, with shirts for the winners.

Thanks to: Christine Bouckley, Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner

Haywards Heath, West Sussex

The local health centre arranged displays in areas that men frequent — for example,  shops, golf courses, pubs and "gents” rooms.

Thanks to: Beverley Merrington, Haywards Heath Health Centre

Hexham, Northumberland

LT Fitness offered men's "MOT health checks” including blood pressure testing, weight and body fat measurement, health information and free gym try-outs.  Due to popular demand the week was extended to a fortnight.

Thanks to: Alison Lee, Fitness Co-ordinator

Isle of Wight

The Health Promotion Unit joined with the local Trust and Yamanouchi pharmaceutical company to place "healthy beer mats” in local pubs, sports clubs and leisure centres.  The beer mats had humorous cartoon pictures of health related messages on one side and the HPU's phone number on the other.  This was followed up a week later by focus groups and questionnaires at the venues.

Thanks to: Julia Ward, Sexual Health Network Co-ordinator

Keighley, West Yorkshire

A town centre event was held, in conjunction with the annual Keighley Festival, to raise awareness of men's health issues among the general public.  Several pub quizzes were held, for which the Men's Health Team produced a booklet.  An Asian men's health event was held in a local community centre, where stalls and exhibits were set up to offer information.

Thanks to: Christopher Bradley, Men's Health Team Co-ordinator

Kingston upon Thames, Surrey

Kingston Hospital offered a range of activities, information, testing and advice to men on a drop-in basis.  Areas covered included aromatherapy, back care, nutrition, erectile dysfunction, sexual health, smoking cessation, mental health and massage.

Thanks to: Richard Simms,  Acting Senior Nurse, Occupational Health

Lincoln

A student health visitor marked NMHW by setting up a men's health information display and stall in the Waterside Shopping Centre on a Saturday morning.

Thanks to: Rachael Isaac-Pascoe, Student Health Visitor

London

A stand was set up in the main entrance of Ealing Hospital, with leaflets and posters covering men's health issues such as depression, eating problems, cancer, STDs, smoking, stress, and relaxation.  The stall was staffed by the hospital's Communications Officer and an Occupational Health Nurse.

Thanks to: Lee Balch, Communications Officer

 London

A Men's Health Day was held in the foyer of Sainsbury's at Nine Elms, offering "MOT” health checks including cholesterol, blood pressure and weight checks.  "Goodie bags” containing health information leaflets and condoms were also given out.  All men who had health checks were given an "MOT certificate” recording the results.  55 checks were carried out, with another 50 goodie bags being given out to those men who just wanted some advice and a chat.

Thanks to: Jodie O'Regan, Practice Nurse, South Lambeth Road Practice

London

A "Goldenballs” Men's Health Promotion & Screening Roadshow was held at a local police station for male police officers on a drop-in basis, offering one-to-one confidential health interviews including blood pressure checks, BMI measurement, information about prostate health and a demonstration of testicular self-examination using a plastic model.

Thanks to: Mary Russell, Community Practitioner, Westminster PCT

London

A stall was set up in the foyer of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, offering information, one-to-one advice, blood pressure checks and CO monitoring.

Thanks to: Louisa Ashford, Lead Nurse, Urology

London

A display was set up in the main foyer of Homerton Hospital, with supporting information in the Health Shop (Health & Cancer Information Centre).  Men visiting the Health Shop were encouraged to complete a questionnaire about their own health.

Thanks to: Rachel Halliday, Joint Lead, PALS

London

Ealing PCT ran a general men's health awareness campaign, using posters, email and other information sources.

Thanks to: Kieran Gallagher, Projects Officer

London

Croydon PCT organised several activities, including clinical testing, information and advice for male staff, exhibitions and noticeboard displays in Trust premises.  Advice and information was available at Croydon Walk-In Centre, and a Youth Service "Talk-Bus” in Croydon High Street offered advice and information targeted at young men.

Thanks to: Deo Jairam, Public Health Lead: Mental Health Promotion

Maidenhead, Berkshire

A display was set up on the Corporate Affairs Noticeboard at Wyeth Laboratories, to raise awareness of men's health issues.

Thanks to: Kathryn Lunn, Corporate Affairs Assistant

Malvern, Worcestershire

Health promotion staff from South Worcestershire PCT joined up with the Enigma Business Park Partnership to hold a Men's Health Day at two workplaces in the business park. Male employees were offered one-to-one confidential consultations and health checks carried out by nursing staff.  A   range of health information and advice was also available.  NMHW was also marked by a Men's Health Questionnaire carried out at a local supermarket.

Thanks to: Meryl Johnson, Health Improvement Project Manager

Manchester

A mobile service offered "instant health checks” for men in several locations.  A great success despite the original double-decker bus breaking down and having to be replaced by a minibus!  Press coverage resulted in a number of requests for the service to be offered again.

Thanks to: Naheed Akhtar, Central Manchester PCT

Much Wenlock, Shropshire

A variety of activities took place at the William Brookes School including a talk to the staff team about male cancer risk, talks to pupils about testicular cancer, work with pupils by the local Community Mental Health Team and posters in the school foyer.  Coverage of the event appeared in the local press.

Thanks to: Jo Westwood, School Nurse

Middlesborough, Cleveland

Middlesborough General Hospital is a Health Promoting Hospital.  During NMHW 2002, displays were held at four sites, aimed at male (and female) staff, patients and visitors.  A multi-agency roadshow was held on the Monday.  The roadshow, which was well attended, offered advice and information on a variety of aspects of men's health.  It also offered the chance to win a football shirt signed by the players of Middlesborough FC.

Thanks to: Joan Chapman, Superintendent Outreach Physiotherapist

Nationwide

The World Cancer Research Fund produced a leaflet which was distributed to journalists, to WCRF supporters in 240,000 UK homes, to 40,000 attendees at the Max Power Live exhibition in Birmingham, and through the WCRF website, within which a new men's section was launched.  Coverage was secured on "This Morning” TV.

Thanks to: Maebh Jennings, World Cancer Research Fund

Nationwide

The Impotence Association launched a new leaflet, "Sex & the Heart”.

Thanks to: Ann Tailor, Director

New Forest, Hampshire

The District Council highlighted NMHW in three press releases covering: a young men's sexual health website in Southampton; anti-smoking campaign successes; and health and fitness at recreation centres.   All were picked up and used either in local media or in the council newspaper.

Thanks to: Lindsey Darking, Public Relations Officer

Newton Abbot, Devon

The PCT put on a Men's Health Roadshow which moved around Teignbridge offering free health checks and health information for men, at venues including pubs, garden centres, a job centre, hospital, and farmers' market; one of the busiest days was at the District Council, where over 200 male staff took the opportunity to visit the roadshow.

Thanks to: Jo Pring, Teignbridge PCT; Michelle Kenney, Teignbridge D.C.

Northampton

The Borough Council offered health screening, in different workplaces, to all male staff as part of its ongoing health promotion activities.

Thanks to: Jacqui Morgan, Welfare Officer

Northumberland

Northumberland Health Action Zone organised the region's first ever Men's Health Week, with a particular focus on local employers — over fifty local businesses and organisations took part.  Activities included health messages on internal email systems, "Take Care of Your Tackle” bullet points on the backs of toilet doors, health and fitness checks, and free breakfasts for employees who walked or cycled to work during the week.  A Men's Health Conference was held, at which a Men's Health Forum was launched.

Thanks to: Patrick Price, Health Development Manager

Norwich, Norfolk

A local TV item featured a Consultant Urologist from Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.  The Trust's NMHW publicity campaign was shortlisted for a regional award for best low budget PR campaign.

Thanks to: Paula Layzell, Occupational Health Adviser

Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

Literature and information about men's health was displayed at the railway station and in the local college as well as GP surgeries.  Two local pubs allowed access to give out information.

Thanks to: Heather Mizen, Health Visitor, Thomas Walker Medical Centre

Plymouth, Devon

The Community Health in Keyham (CHIK) project held three events for NMHW at which there were a range of men's health information stalls, and activities including stress tests, aromatherapy hand massage, fruit tasting and blood pressure tests.  All participants received a men's health pack.

Thanks to: Rose Abbott, Project Co-ordinator

Portsmouth, Hampshire

Two workshops on young men's health issues were offered to professionals working with boys and young men, to be followed by a one-day conference. Funding came from teenage pregnancy monies.  The workshop has been written up as a training pack, and has also been delivered "in-house” for the city's youth service.

Thanks to: Gary Moase, Senior Health Promotion Specialist

Preston, Lancashire

Staff from West View Leisure Centre visited two large organisations and provided information and advice about the benefits of regular exercise. Individual, confidential health assessments were also offered on both a drop-in and appointment basis.

Thanks to: Warren Kennedy, Lifestyle Fitness Officer

St. Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex

Hastings & St. Leonards PCT put on a display with leaflets on a wide range of men's health issues.  All male staff were invited to make an appointment with a nurse for an "MOT”.

Thanks to: Ruth Archer, Health Promotion Manager

Scottish Highlands

NMHW posters were widely distributed to hospitals, health centres, doctors and leisure centres, by the Highlands Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Thanks to: Don Howarth, Chair

Sefton, Merseyside

Health promotion staff organised a poster campaign covering the subjects of prostate and testicular cancer in men's toilets in clubs, pubs, hotels, cafes and restaurants (600 in total).

Thanks to: Jo McCullagh, Health Promotion Specialist

South Norfolk

The District Council set up men's health information points to provide specific advice for men at two cancer awareness roadshows.  One took place at a large Sunday market and one in Diss town centre.  The Council also set up displays in local workplaces (e.g. Lotus Cars, builders' merchants, car repair centres etc.), and at golf clubs and leisure facilities.  Work on providing men's health clinics in GP surgeries and outreach venues was launched.

Thanks to: Martin Seymour, Health Improvement Officer

Southport, Merseyside

Health Visitors attended the largest employers in Southport for a day, offering one-to-one health checks for any men interested, as well as information leaflets to take home.  A stall was set up in the high street providing leaflets and advice on men's health to the general public.

Thanks to: Karen Sears, Health Visitor, Ainsdale Clinic

Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland

Staff from a local health centre joined forces with colleagues in health promotion and Sure Start to visit local pubs, raising awareness of men's health issues and offering screening for blood pressure and smokerlysers.

Thanks to: J.Wratten, Lead Nurse, CHD, Lawson Street Health Centre

Sunderland, Tyne & Wear

A series of roadshows was held offering information and advice, weight checks, blood pressure checks, neck & shoulder massage, self-check instruction for testicular cancer, smoking cessation advice and quizzes relating to diet and alcohol.  Prizes for the latter with included health club passes.

Thanks to: Eileen Smith, Specialist Practitioner, Sunderland Royal Hospital

Tamworth, Staffordshire

Burntwood, Lichfield & Tamworth PCT sponsored a men's health event in a pub, offering health checks to over 40 men.  The PCT was then requested to carry out similar events in a local steelworks and another local pub.

Thanks to: Sarah Harding, Janine McKnight and Alyson Jones

Teddington, Middlesex

The local PCT produced a publicity leaflet about NMHW, which was distributed widely including at station platforms, supermarkets, health clubs, police stations, post offices, libraries and job centres.  Health promotion stands and health screening were offered at a job centre, supermarket, swimming pool & fitness centre, and a community centre.  A walk-in men's health clinic was held on two evenings (6-8 p.m.) at Teddington Memorial Hospital.

Thanks to: Sally Tunna, Health Visitor, Teddington Clinic

Thetford, Norfolk

The Occupational Health Nurse at Baxter Healthcare Ltd, a large employer, advertised NMHW throughout the plant, and carried out cholesterol, blood pressure, urinalysis and BMI testing during the week.

Thanks to: Bindy Dixon, Occupational Health Nurse

Torpoint, Cornwall

The medical practitioner and occupational health visitor who work at HMS Raleigh spent NMHW touring the base, offering "MOT” health checks and advice.  More than 80 men took part during the course of the week.

Thanks to: Dr. Nick Imm, The Medical Centre, HMS Raleigh

Surrey

The West Surrey Health Promotion Service offered lunchtime events in Chertsey, Woking and Guildford, covering coronary heart disease, colorectal cancer and working fathers.  The Week ended with a one-day conference at Lightwater Leisure Centre, entitled "Working Together to Improve Men's Health”.

Thanks to: Tina Gull, Health Promotion Specialist

Warrington, Cheshire

The Borough Council ran a two-day cardiovascular screening programme by appointment, offering risk assessments for stroke/heart attack.  Information leaflets on a range of men's health issues were available at the site of the screening sessions.  The staff newsletter also carried an article about the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, and where to get help.

Thanks to: Ellie Pfaff, Employee Support Services Officer

Wigan, Greater Manchester

A NMHW display was set up in the main entrance of Wigan Hospital, with leaflets for patients and visitors to take away.

Thanks to: Kerry Harper, PR Assistant

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