Men’s Health Awareness Month, November 2022: Let’s get involved

What is Men’s Health Awareness Month?

Men's Health Month is dedicated to bringing awareness to a wide range of men's health issues. The originating campaign ‘Movember’ takes place every November, to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide.

The campaign (and now official charity) started in Australia in 2003 by two men, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, who had the idea to 'bring back the moustache' which had gone out of fashion. They decided to turn the challenge into a fundraising event - pay 10 dollars to grow a moustache - and they donated the funds to men's health and prostate cancer charities.

Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.

 

Why is it important?

With the very worrying continuing increase in male suicide (3852 male suicides, 74%, 2021), prostate cancer (on average 143 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each day in the UK) and other health issues, it is crucial that we continue to raise the platform of men’s health and get people talking. The better understanding individuals have of the risks, signs and symptoms of health problems, and where to go for support, this encourages people to get the help they need sooner. Talking about health problems, life challenges and worries is not easy and research highlights that although it is improving, men are more reluctant to talk about concerns and access support. Talking about men’s health in the workplace is important as it presents more opportunity to raise awareness and to help provide support. 

 

I am a Line Manager; how can I help?

Line managers are typically the first point of contact if someone needs to discuss their health concerns or needs a change or adjustment to their work. They are also responsible for managing absence and keeping in touch if someone is off work ill and supporting an effective return to work. As a line manager, you can be made directly aware that a team member is experiencing a difficulty because they speak to you about this. But sometimes individuals will not discuss problems they may be facing, it is therefore important that you are aware of signs and triggers to look out for.

Signs that a team member may be struggling could be (this list is not exhaustive, but it offers some useful pointers): being withdrawn, more anxious, tearfulness, loss of motivation, increased irritability or aggression, increase in smoking or drinking, uncharacteristic errors, increase in short term absences, or a change in performance at work.

Physical signs could be fatigue, visible signs of tension and trembling, changes in appearance that indicate they may not be looking after themselves.

It is also important to be aware of potential triggers (an action or situation that affects your emotional and/or physical state) that may impact an individual’s wellbeing.

Workplace triggers could include: working long hours and not taking breaks or annual leave, setting unrealistic expectations or deadlines, unmanageable workloads or lack of control over work, negative workplace relationships, an unsupportive workplace culture or lack of management support, job insecurity or poor change management.

External or ‘personal’ triggers could include: social isolation or loneliness, financial concerns and debt, relationship difficulties or breakdowns, bereavement, severe or long-term stress, having a long-term physical health condition, losing your job, homelessness or poor housing, being a long-term carer, drug and alcohol misuse and domestic violence.

If you pick up on signs that a team member may be struggling or become aware of a trigger, invite them to have a confidential conversation and ask how they are doing. These conversations are a safe, confidential space to listen and discuss practical steps forward which can include appropriate signposting to support services and adjustments to work if required.

 

Key tips for having a confidential conversation discussing health and wellbeing

• Conversations must take place in a confidential and safe environment, so they feel at ease to talk. This can be helped by:

1. Turning phones on silent
2. Ensuring other colleagues cannot walk in and interrupt
3. Being mindful of your responses and avoid being judgemental or patronising
4. Giving them ample opportunity to explain the situation in their own words
5. Being prepared for some silences and be patient.

• Do not make assumptions about someone’s health: allow the individual to disclose any particular problems or health issues they are experiencing.
• If the individual does not initially talk about their concerns, ask them more open questions about their wellbeing and how they are feeling, both personally and also here in the workplace.
• Be empathetic and advise the individual that there is support the workplace can provide and you will work together to help them.

 

How can you get involved in Men’s Health Awareness Month?

There are many ways you can get involved in Men’s Health Awareness Month. To start, give this article a good read and tell your colleagues about it: word of mouth recommendations go a long way and help to get more people engaged. We have a month full of opportunities to learn more about men’s health topics:

 

Staff personal stories

We have had three excellent personal stories shared by staff members, discussing a range of different men’s health topics. Keep an eye out on the staff notices as blogs are released weekly and you can find our blogs page here.

 

Men’s Health Stand, Wednesday 9^th November, 11:30am – 1pm, Schwann Building Atrium

The Staff Wellbeing Team will be hosting a men’s health focused stand to provide lots of helpful information on different health topics including:

• Health conditions such as prostate cancer
• Smoking and alcohol awareness
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Stress
• Sleep
• Diet and exercise

 

Andy’s Man Club, Wednesday 16th November (12:30 - 13:15 in OA6/07)

Local volunteers from the charity Andy's Man Club will be joining us to deliver an information session.

Andy's Man Club are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. They have 100+ free support groups nationwide, running every Monday from 7PM except bank holidays.

The information session will involve a presentation covering the origins of the charity and their goals for the future, some information from one of the volunteers regarding what brought them to Andy's Man Club and what keeps them going to the weekly group and then a question-and-answer session at the end.

Register for this event by clicking here

You can find information about Andy's Man Club groups local to the Huddersfield area via this link: Find your nearest group | Andy's Man Club (andysmanclub.co.uk)

 

Prostate Cancer Awareness Talk and Q&A session, Wednesday 23rd November (12- 12:45pm in OA7/30)

Prostate Cancer UK will be joining us to deliver an awareness talk and Q&A session for staff.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with 1 in 8 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

In this awareness session hosted by Prostate Cancer UK Charity, it will take you through key information about prostate cancer including:

• What is a prostate
• What is prostate cancer
• What signs and symptoms to look out for
• Who are in a higher risk group
• How to get help and support

This session is open to everyone, including individuals who are currently experiencing prostate cancer or could be directly impacted by prostate cancer in the future and also to individuals who may be indirectly impacted by prostate cancer, so you may have a colleague, a family member or friend who may be at risk or currently experiencing prostate cancer.

Register for this event by clicking here