Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust (LCH) and Liverpool City Council (LCC) are supporting Men’s Health Week, taking place from Monday 9th – Sunday 15th June.
As part of activities to help raise awareness of men’s health issues, LCH’s Health Promotion Team is giving away free ‘men’s health packs throughout the week at the new Health Information Centre based on Liverpool’s Hanover Street.
This year’s campaign focuses on a range of different issues that affect men’s physical and mental wellbeing, but particularly how increasing levels of stress, anxiety or depression are linked to work and unemployment.
Dr Sandra Davies, Interim Director of Public Health, Liverpool City Council says,
“The campaign also aims to highlight health inequalities amongst men in Liverpool. Currently, men from the north of the city are likely to die ten years earlier than those who live in the south.
“We know that men can often find it difficult to talk about their feelings or problems, and this can be hugely detrimental to their long-term health.”
Research from the Department of Works & Pensions (2006) highlights that male identity is strongly tied up with their work, and that work also support positive health and wellbeing and is central to an individual’s sense of esteem and identity.
Paul White, Mental Health Lead for Liverpool Community Health says:
“That’s why during men’s health week we are encouraging as many men as possible to be aware of their own health, and to feel confident to talk about how they are feeling, because it’s not good for your health to just bottle things up”
Paula Murphy, Health Information Centre Manager for Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust said:
“We can all try to live healthier, longer lives by making some small and simple changes, and Liverpool Community Health is dedicated to supporting our communities to do this.
“At our Health Information Centre, we offer a range of information and advice that can support you in building your resilience in order to help you face life’s obstacles, and can signpost you to a range of other local services that can support you to feel healthier and happier.”
For more general information or advice on healthy living, you can also drop-in to the new, interactive Health Information Centre on Hanover Street any week day between 10am – 4pm, and some weekends.
