Stockport Council Champions Men’s Health this Movember

On average, men in Stockport are dying four years younger than women, often due to preventable causes. With prostate cancer as the most common male cancer and suicide affecting thousands nationally, this campaign highlights the urgent need for awareness and support.

Councillor Keith Holloway, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:

“The recent news of Sir Chris Hoy’s terminal cancer diagnosis has brought men’s health into sharp focus. Sir Chris Hoy’s courageous openness about his cancer has inspired many men to seek medical advice and support, highlighting the importance of early detection.”

He added:

“On average 1 in 5 men die before they reach the age of 65, 4 out of 5 suicides are men, and two thirds of men are overweight. By promoting awareness and providing accessible support, we hope to encourage men to take better care of their health, talk openly about the tough stuff and get the support they need. We want the men of Stockport to live longer, healthier and happier lives.”

There are free events and activities that men can get involved in happening across Stockport throughout the month and beyond.

Mental Health and other support:

BOOST fitness and wellbeing sessions prioritise fun and friendships, helping people to improve their mental through participating in activities they enjoy. They launched a new free non-contact Boxing Class at Marple Senior Citizens Centre this month. It will take place every Wednesday at noon. This session is the latest addition to several that run throughout the borough.

Get Onside mental health football sessions every Monday at the Stockport Sports Village (SK6 1QX). These football sessions are designed to improve physical fitness and mental wellbeing through team sports and community engagement.

Men in Sheds is a voluntary group that aims to tackle social isolation in older members of the community. Providing a setting where people can socialise, work together, learn new skills and share their skills. They are based in the four heatons but have members from all over Stockport. They meet regularly on Mondays in St Paul's Church Hall at 1 pm, the Shed at 6 pm on Thursdays, and The Moor Club twice a month on Thursday evenings.

Banter and Brews offer men a safe and relaxing space for socialising and support while having a brew and a biscuit. The group meets on Mondays from 12 noon to 2 pm at All Saints Church, Heaton Norris, and from 7 pm to 9 pm at Life Leisure, Brinnington.  They also meet on Tuesdays from 12 pm-2 pm at the Re:dish Hub (above the Re:dish charity shop).

Mentell and Andy’s Man Club provide safe and confidential spaces for men to talk, free from advice and judgment. The charities run peer-to-peer support groups open to any men (18+) who want to talk, listen and connect with other like-minded men.

Trim Down Shape Up (TDSU) with ABL’s men ’s-only Weight Management group. They meet every Wednesday at Brinnington Leisure Centre. Access to the group is available through referral for clients with a BMI between 25 and 35, so if you are in that category and seeking help and support, contact START or ABL on 0161 870 6492  to find out more and access the programme.  While weight management is the primary focus, the group is also a strong support network for men on a shared journey.

Cancer support:

Beechwood Cancer Care Stockport is a local charity supporting people living through or affected by a life-limiting illness. Their services include professional counselling, complementary therapies, discussion groups and one-to-one support. In addition to supporting the individual, they also support carers, families, and loved ones, providing a support network and helping people connect with others in similar situations.

Stockport Prostate Cancer Support Group is a local charity providing support for men with prostate cancer and their loved ones. They run awareness events and offer PSA testing throughout the year.

We invite all members of the community to support Men’s Health Awareness Month. Together, we can create a supportive environment where men feel empowered to seek help and talk openly about their mental health.

For more information on groups and activities, visit the One Stockport Local Directory.  The Movember website offers exciting ways to get involved in the month, whether taking on a physical challenge or growing a moustache (a “Mo”), for the month to raise awareness and funds for men’s health charities.