NEWSROOM

The event forms part of the council’s commitment to men’s mental and physical health ahead of International Men’s Day on Tuesday, November, 19 and aims to highlight a few of the services men can access at any time of the year.

Male life expectancy in Telford and Wrekin is 78.2 years, that’s two and a half years lower than the national average. In addition, men living in the most deprived parts of the borough, live 7.3 years less than men living in the more affluent parts.

Health and well-being services provided by the NHS, Telford & Wrekin Council as well as partners and charities will be in attendance for free from 1pm before the match kicks off at 3pm. Men can have their blood pressure checked, access mental health support services, and learn about healthy eating and how to spot early signs of illness. 

Councillor Raj Mehta, (Lab) Cabinet Member for Inclusion, Engagement, Equalities & Civic Pride said: “Stigma around men’s mental health is changing, but not quickly enough and too many men are suffering in silence. While there are plenty of women who watch football, it’s still a place where men come together so we decided to showcase some of the services available and take them to where men are.

Ian Preece “These services are available year-round, and we hope to encourage men to use them and remember that they can access them throughout the year – not just today.

“International Men's Day is not just a day of recognition but a call to action. It reminds us of the importance of addressing the unique struggles men face and ensuring they have access to the resources they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.”

Throughout the day, participants will have the opportunity to engage with various teams who will be providing vital health services including Telford & Wrekin Council's community blood pressure project, advice on bowel screening, healthy lifestyles 

Councillor Mehta added: “We encourage every man in our community to take advantage of these services. It is crucial to understand that support is available not just today, but throughout the year. By raising awareness and fostering a culture of openness and understanding, we can help combat the stigma surrounding men's health issues.

The council is asking people to share this message, ensuring that all men are informed about the support systems in place to help them. 

ENDS

Healthy Telford

Healthy Telford is run by Telford & Wrekin Council’s Public Health team. Their website can help people to look after their physical and mental health with information, tips and stories all local to Telford and Wrekin. Help is available with how to: 

• Be active
• Stop smoking
• Eat better
• Drink less
• Lose weight
• Raise a healthy family
• Improve their mental health and wellbeing

If you live in Telford and Wrekin (or are registered with a Telford & Wrekin GP), the Healthy Lifestyles team are here to support you for free and confidentially. Use of online form to book your appointment 
Email: healthylifestyles@telford.gov.uk
Telephone: 01952 382582

Support consists of six structured one-to-one appointments over 12 weeks. We are currently booking face-to-face, telephone and video call appointments.

Shropshire Bowel Cancer Screening

Bowel screening aims to find cancer early or to find changes in your bowel that could lead to cancer, so it is important to take part in the screening programme if you are invited to do so.

A bowel cancer testing kit is sent every two years to people who can take part. You need to be registered with a GP to receive screening invitations.

Your local screening centre is currently inviting people aged between 54 and 74 but the programme is due to expand to include those aged 50 and 52 in 2025. People aged over 74 can request a screening kit every 2 years by contacting 0800 707 6060.

Cranstoun - for domestic abuse.

Cranstoun provides services and programmes for adults and young people who need support addressing domestic abuse. Visit Cranston's website for more information. 

The Community Blood Pressure Project

Telford & Wrekin Council coordinate a Community Blood Pressure project.  The aim of the project is to reduce the number of premature deaths from heart attacks and stroke by detecting high blood pressure (hypertension) earlier.  With NO signs or symptoms of high blood pressure the only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked. 

Cardiovascular disease accounts for the largest gap in healthy life expectancy. In Telford & Wrekin, the rate of premature mortality from CVD, is worse than the England rate with CVD accounting for 16% of all early mortality in the Borough with men living 4.5 years fewer years on average than women. To get your blood pressure checked, visit this website for a list of locations 

MIND (Not attending the event)

MIND is a charity that strives to ensure everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. Even though 1 in 4 people have mental health problems, most of us don’t get the help we need. This has to change.

When you're experiencing a mental health problem, supportive and reliable information can change your life. MIND empowers people to understand their mental health and the choices available to them through:

• Our Infoline, which offers confidential help for the price of a local call
• Our Legal Line, which offers information on mental health law
• Our award-winning information, available online and in print

Lingen Davies LiveLife Cancer Awareness

The LiveLife cancer awareness service is a free health-promotion service available to communities throughout Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Mid-Wales. By reaching out into the wider community Lingen Davies is working to help improve early diagnosis by actively talking to the public, helping people recognise the signs and symptoms of cancer, encouraging them to seek treatment earlier, and accept cancer screening invitations. Visit the website for information.