Archive News

 

THE BRAVE PROJECT -"MANALIVE" BOYS AND MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH FORUM

16th December 2008

The above Forum is to be held on 16th December, 10am-12.00, at The Gateway Community Centre, Thackeray Rd, Ravenscliffe, Bradford, BD10 0JR.

Key note Presentation by Lee Stagles - Rosalie Ryrie Foundation - A.D.A.P.T Men's Group

Are you concerned about the mental/emotional health and well being of Men and Boys? Do you worry about problems such as: Male suicide, risky behaviour, gun/knife crime, drugs & alcohol, violence & aggression?

If so, then visit the above Forum for support, raising awareness of the emotional/psychological distress of Boys and Men, developing male focussed/strengths based interventions, sharing 'best practice' and networking.

For more information email: the braveproject@hotmail.com

 

• Interviews with all the members of the HOM team.
• One-to-one interviews and focus groups with the men and boys using the services.
• Fieldwork during the delivery of services
• Case studies of seven of the services provided
• Interviews with key stakeholders

 

H.O.M HIGHLIGHTED IN BRADFORD COUNCIL'S BEACON STATUS BID

November, 2007

In 2001, as part of a grant application to the National Lottery for funding as a Healthy Living Centre, HOM was established as a partnership organisation with Bradford Metropolitan District Council. Although principally staffed by NHS employees the administrative and co-ordinating office of HOM is based within the Council, who also provide management accounting for the project.  

 

This partnership has been acknowledged in the Council's recent Beacon Status application. This has now passed through two stages of vetting and the third and final stage will take place in London in January 2008. The Common Criteria of Assessment for the scheme are:- Leadership, Partnership, Community & Voluntary sector Involvement, User Involvement, and Diversity. 

The National Beacon Scheme exists to recognise disseminate and share excellence within the public sector. Successful Beacons receive funding to assist with the dissemination of good practice and innovation in cooperation with the Improvement and Development Agency (IDEA), the Government and other partners; to help improve services nationally. Bradford Council felt that the Authority was well placed to present with partners, examples of good practice under the theme of 'Reducing Health Inequalities'.

One of the key aspects of the HOM project has been the planning of new ideas and programmes for the delivery of men's health services in the workplace. These have been pioneered with Bradford MDC and then rolled out to other employers in the private sector. HOM has also contributed to the Bradford Local Area Agreement  in relation to Floor Targets for health and the ‘Children and Young People' and ‘Healthier Communities and Older People' Themes. 

 

In another key part of HOM's delivery, its Health MOT's, these have evolved from general health discussions to much more specific health assessments involving checks e.g. on blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar etc. In these programmes most of the developmental work was piloted with Bradford Council employees i.e targeted at older manual workers on shifts who were less likely than other employees to visit their GP; Please follow the link on the right of the‘Research & Evaluation' page, to view Leeds Metropolitan University 's ‘1st Phase Report 2005' which discusses this work.

 

PUBLICATION of a unique manual by THE HEALTH OF MEN TEAM

- 'MEN'S HEALTH, HOW TO DO IT 

 

 June 7, 2007

   

A new book is being launched to help health professionals provide the best possible service for men. ‘Men's Health, How to do it', by Radcliffe Publishers, will be unveiled by Alan White, who is professor of Men's Health at Leeds Metropolitan University and chair of the Mens Health Forum. Amongst the guests at the event will be Erick Savoye, director of the European's Men's Health Forum.  

 

The launch will take place during national Men's Health Week on Monday 11 June, between 12 – 2pm at the banqueting suite, City Hall Bradford. The book has been edited by professor Alan White and David Conrad, and the foreword is by Dr Ian Banks - president of the Men's Health Forum - who has written many advice leaflets for the Department of Health and books about male health conditions.  

 

The book features illnesses and conditions common to men such as prostate cancer, advice on healthy lifestyles, and public health information on issues such as smoking, and obesity. It also covers topics such as how best to set up health improvement programmes specifically aimed at men, what approaches to take when targeting men and how to persuade them to take better care of their health. 

 

Nigel Hughes, of Bradford and Airedale Teaching Primary Care Trust, chair of the HOM project said:

“For the past five years, the Bradford and Airedale Health of Men project has been providing innovative and flexible services to the male population of the district. There have been many successes and much has been learnt." 

 

Professor Alan White said: “ Bradford 's Health of Men team are unique, the city should be proud to have a service that is being envied across the world. This is a medical textbook full of simple but practical advice for health professionals so they can learn from us about what works well when providing health care for men.”

  

 'Men's Health - How To Do It' ed. by David Conrad and Alan White

 

(ISBN 9781846191923) is available to purchase from all good highstreet and on-line retailers.

 

 

Leeds Metropolitan University Lecture - 'the sick man of europe '

 

Tuesday 12 June 2007

 

Ian Banks, Visiting Professor of European Men's Health, is giving his inaugural lecture on Tuesday 12th June at Leeds Metropolitan University , entitled 'The Sick Man of Europe'. The lecture is being given to mark the occassion of the official launch of the University's new Centre for Men's Health and will describe the activity that has been undertaken in getting the problems of men's health recognised at national and European levels. This includes the thorny debate about the relationship between voluntary organisations and the pharmaceutical industry - It will also give a vision of where we need to be going over the next ten years to move the Men's health agenda on into its next phase. 

  

After the lecture a buffet reception will be held afterwards for the official launch of the University's Centre for Men's Health. The new Centre is located within the Faculty of Health - its aim is to improve the health of men through research, education, networking, consultancy and dissemination.

 

 The Centre has three key research areas: gendered health epidemiology; examination of men's experience of service use (and provision); and examination of men's experience of illness (and diagnosis). It will run both individual modules and a full course on men's health (at diploma, undergraduate and masters level) designed for all those working with men in the acute and primary care settings.

  

 

MEN'S HEALTH WEEK 2007 - 'MEN SITTING ON LONG-TERM HEALTH TIME BOMB'

  

June 10th, 2007

 

New research for Men's Health Week reveals extent to which men suffer in silence. Men are suffering from a range of serious but preventable disabling and potentially life threatening long term health conditions because of their reluctance to seek professional help as well as their unhealthy lifestyles, according to a new report out today.

 

Launching National Men's Health Week on long term health conditions, the Men's Health Forum says that men are more likely than women to develop conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease and diabetes and to develop them at an earlier age.

 

According to a survey by The Men's Health Forum in association with Royal Mail**, one in ten men admits to avoiding seeking help from a health professional because they are scared it might end in a hospital visit. Moreover, an additional ten per cent would rather stick their head in the sand to avoid the embarrassment of discussing their health issues with a doctor.

 

The research suggests that nearly seven million men in the UK (29 per cent) risk not being checked out for a health problem because they find getting in to see their GP too difficult, because of limited opening hours and problems with making an appointment.

 

The report says the most effective way of tackling this health ‘time bomb' would be for health serviceproviders to implement the new Gender Equality Duty to ensure that services are used by men and women in proportion to need. This would reduce the health gap between men and women by ensuring that services are designed, delivered and marketed to appear to both men and women.

 

Dr Ian Banks, President of Men's Health Forum said: “This research supports the day-to-day experience of many health professionals that men in particular, for any number of reasons, tend to delay seeking medical help after the development of symptoms...

 

“If men were encouraged to take control and present for treatment earlier, they would avoid the inevitable health time bomb they currently face. Delaying treatment and ignoring symptoms allows serious conditionsto develop and increases the likelihood of an emergency trip to A&E.'

 

Backed by over 30 other organisations, National Men's Health Week, the annual event organised by the Men's Health Forum to raise awareness of – and tackle – the issues affecting the health of men in England and Wales , runs from 11th-17th June. The aim is to develop effective ways of reaching men with long-term health conditions and encourage them to get the necessary health advice and treatment.

 

Men seeking additional advice can visit the Men's Health Forum's consumer website www.malehealth.co.uk for health guidance and links to further help.

 

 **Ciao surveyed 905 UK adult men from 2nd – 15th May 2007

Article sourced from Men's Health Forum 

 

 

CANCER PREVENTION POLICIES ARE FAILING MEN, SAYS NEW REPORT

 

Monday, 21 May 2007

 

‘Tackling the excess incidence of cancer in men', a new report from The Men's Health Forum, Cancerbackup, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Centre for Men's Health at Leeds Metropolitan University, documents an expert symposium held last year to discuss why the incidence of cancer and mortality are so much higher in men than women.

 

Although there are potential biological and lifestyle (smoking, alcohol and diet) explanations for the gap between the sexes for some cancers, for others there are only partial or no explanations at all.

 

The report calls for an urgent review of the existing evidence about men and cancer and in particular, whether men delay seeking help and guidance when presented with cancer symptoms. It says there should be a study of how men understand and respond to the “vocabulary” of cancer with particular attention paid to the need for “male sensitive” communication strategies.

 

There is also significant scope to extend the range of settings in which men are offered advice, information, routine health checks and even, potentially, basic treatment.

 

The report has been sent to Patricia Hewitt, the Secretary of State for Health, and to Professor Mike Richards, the cancer ‘tsar'.

 

The Department of Health is currently reviewing its cancer policy through the Cancer Reform Strategy and this may provide an ideal platform in which to address specific men's issues. The new GenderEquality Duty, in force since April 2007, also requires action to tackle gender inequities in health.

 

 To access the full text of the report go to: http://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/userpage1.cfm?item_id=216Want to improve your Health?

 

Have you heard about your local Health Trainer

April 2006

 

The new Health Trainers have been made possible thanks to an award from the Department of Health, with Bradford and Airedale being one of the first areas in the country to trial the scheme.

 

 The Health Trainers provide a  support from next door approach as opposed to  advice from on high. Health Trainers will work with people on a one to one basis, offering coaching and support on defining the health changes the person wants to make, such as eating healthily, losing weight, stopping smoking, reducing stress etc. The Health Trainer and client will meet weekly for up to 6 weeks and at each of the sessions will review the progress towards the health goal and achievement of the health action plan, working through any obstacles or barriers the client might be experiencing.

 

The Health Trainers have each attended an accredited training programme, and are working from a number of venues across Bradford and Airedale to support and encourage people to lead healthier lives. Some of the venues are Windhill Green Medical Centre, Ashcroft Surgery, Cafe West, Barkerend Medical Centre, Hale in Shipley, Versa in Keighley, Mayfield Centre, Ling House Medical Centre etc. To find out where your local Health Trainer is based call the helpline number below.

 

This service is free, confidential and people can refer themselves. For more information or to make an appointment telephone the Health Trainer helpline on (01274) 223926 or e-mail: healthtrainers@bradford.nhs.uk

 

 

Bradford & Airedale - Prostate Awareness Week

 

19-25th March 2007

Health workers are joining forces with local police in a campaign to raise awareness of prostate cancer across the Bradford district. To launch this health drive a photo shoot will take place at Keighley police station on Monday 19 March - amongst those present will be Merv Pemberton , health of men adviser; Ali Orhan, Community Involvement Manager for The Prostate Cancer Charity and The Mayor of Keighley Cllr Graham Mitchell.

 

 Police chiefs in Bradford and Airedale are backing the campaign following the tragic death of former Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn last December from the disease, at the age of 50.

 

Merv Pemberton , men's health adviser for Bradford and Airedale PCT said: “Public awareness of prostate cancer is still very low – 90% of adults do not know what the prostate gland does.

 

We hope that this campaign will help both the large numbers of men employed in the Police and men throughout Bradford and Airedale to understand more about this disease. The hope is it will prompt them, if necessary, to get any medical problems checked out straight away - as this is the best way to ensure successful treatment.

 

It is equally important that we get our messages across to women so that they will encourage their partners, who are traditionally reluctant to visit their GP for help.”

 

Ali Orhan, Community Involvement Manager at The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: " We are very grateful to all the support that the Health of Men team have given us over the last three years and who have persuaded others to come on board."

 

For further information about the national Prostate Cancer campaign and prostate health contact: - http://www.prostate-cancer.org.uk/

 

Events planned across the Bradford district during Prostate Cancer week are:-Monday 19 March - photo shoot at Keighley police station, Keighley

 

Tuesday 20 March - Talk at F.A.C.E (Federation African Caribbean Elders) in BradfordTuesday 20 March – A talk at Branshaw Golf Club in Keighley

 

Thursday 22 March – A talk at the Sangat centre in Keighley

 (a community centre used by the Asian community)

 

Thursday 22 March - 8.30pm pub quiz at Brown Cow, West Lane , Keighley

 Friday 23 March - Prostate cancer leaflets available

 

MHF patron demands mental health enquiry 

Monday, 04 December 2006

 

Men's Health Forum Patron Lord Kamlesh Patel has resigned from a key Department of Health role to push for an enquiry into the treatment of black patients by the mental health system.

 

Described by Community Care magazine as ‘the architect of the government's mental health race equality initiative', Lord Patel said he was shocked by the findings of a survey by the Mental Health Act Commission, of which he is the chair, that highlighted different experiences of mental healthcare by ethnic groups. He has now stood down as director of the Department of Health's black and minority ethnic mental health programme to campaign for a national enquiry into a why so many people from ethnic minorities not only end up in the mental health system but have an experience of care that is bad.

 

In an interview with the magazine 'Community Care', he also criticised the implementation of Delivering Race Equality (DRE), a five-year plan to tackle inequalities in the mental health system that was overseen by the black and minority ethnic mental health programme. Lord Patel, who devised the plan, said he was proud of DRE but it is unfortunate it was introduced last year during the current NHS funding crisis. His view was that race equality and mental health tended to drop off the agenda when ‘the money runs out'.

 

(article sourced from www.menshealthforum.org.uk)

 

 

Counselling Conference – Educating Young Men And Boys: Transforming Anger and Violence into ‘Soft Power' and Emotional Intelligence

 

Friday 24 th November 2006

The Carriageworks, Leeds

 

Leeds Metropolitan University Counselling Service and the B.R.A.V.E Project are presenting the 3rd Violence Prevention Conference as part of the international campaign – '16 days of activism against gender violence'. The keynote Speakers will be Professor Alan White and the broadcaster and author Elie Godsi. The day will also contain workshops, and is aimed at workers and activists from across the helping professions and anyone interested in the education of young men and boys.

Click on the 'Events' tab above for a pdf booking form

 

(please return booking forms to s.dewey@leedsmet.ac.uk -

the deadline to book a place is 20th October).

 

 

MEN AND WELLBEING - A CONFERENCE ABOUT MEN AND THEIR MENTAL HEALTH

Wednesday October 11 th 2006 - 10am-4.30pm

Bradford City FC ground

 

The above conference on men and their mental health, is a joint event by Health of Men and Mind in Bradford (Menzone). The focus is on how men display (or conceal, or displace) their mental health problems and how they can be encouraged to seek help for them before they become too entrenched or complicated to be dealt with easily or hurt other people.

 

The event is free with an interactive dramatisation by ACT Forum Theatre and a full programme of national and local speakers, plus an open question and answer session with the speakers panel.

 

Click on the 'Events' tab above for full details and a booking form to book your place.

 

 

MEN SUFFERING IN SILENCE FROM COMMON MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS - men's health week survey

 

12th June 2006

 

A plea to health professionals to make their services more male-friendly comes this week from the Men's Health Forum to mark the fifth National Men's Health Week, which this year focuses on men and mental well being (12-18th June).

 

Research commissioned by the Forum for the week and published today suggests that more than 18 million men in the UK could be affected by mental health problems, with nearly a fifth of men (17%) admitting to suffering in silence and not turning to anyone for help.

 

The research, based on a survey of more than 2,500 men and women, finds that 76 per cent of men have experienced depression or anxiety in their lives, with 90 per cent admitting to suffering stress in varying degrees every single week. Work or study is the key trigger for mental health problems (blamed by 48% of men), with financial worries the second most common cause (44%). Fast paced living (27%) and relationship problems (25%) come in third and fourth place respectively in terms of the reason for feeling stressed, depressed or down.

 

Stress levels of UK men are very high, with nearly half (46%) suffering from moderate or extreme stress in a normal week. Fifty one per cent say they feel down, stressed, depressed or anxious at least once a month and one in 10 men (11%) feels this way a few times a week or every day.

 

Pete r Baker, chief executive of the Men's Health Forum, said: ‘There is a feeling that if you are a man you have to be strong and tough and cope with whatever life throws at you. But this research proves that for many men common mental health problems are impacting on their lives.... One in three of the men in our study said that if they had a problem they would feel they should just “get on with it”. Of those who have felt down, just one man in three visited a doctor for help compared to almost half of women. Men were also much less likely than women to see a counsellor or therapist.'

The Men's Health Forum is calling on the government to create a national initiative to help men achieve improved mental well-being. This will involve looking at key public policy issues affecting the mental health of men, such as long working hours, the involvement of fathers in family life, and men's access to health services. The Men's Health Forum also believes health professionals require training and support to ensure that the symptoms indicative of emotional distress specific to men are recognised.

 

Men seeking additional advice can visit the Men's Health Forum's consumer website www.malehealth.co.uk for health guidance and links to further help.

Pete r Baker said: ‘One of the most worrying statistics is that for more than one in ten men they simply do not know where to get help and that is something we are keen to tackle during National Men's Health Week.'

 

 

 

MALE CANCERS ON ITV news

w/c 24th April 2006

Commencing Monday 24th April ITN News will be featuring male cancers as part of a special 'supplement'. The best times to look out for these will be during their mid-day and also possibly evening UK networked news bulletins - 12.30 p.m. and 10.30 p.m. (These broadcasts are subject to there being no last minute breaking major news story).

The planned schedule is:-

Monday - Testicular cancer

Tuesday - Prostate cancer

Wednesday - male Breast cancer

Thursday  General men's cancer issues

Friday  General men's cancer issues

 

It is quite a breakthrough for this to be covered on a major news station and such a platform will help to raise public awareness. The Yorkshire Cancer Network commented that  The Institute for CancerResearch (UK) and their 'Everyman' campaign have worked very hard to get these subjects 'aired' .

For more information on the Yorkshire Cancer Network please contact Martin Child - Tel: 0113 39 27557, or visit their website www.ycn.nhs.uk .

 

BRADFORD DISTRICT:

PILOTING THE HEALTH TRAINERS IDEA

December 2005

 

Building on the initiatives put forward in the Public Health White Paper, 'Choosing Health' (published November 2004), the Department of Health has asked 12 districts across the country to pilot a Health Trainers initiative. As an "early adopter"of the idea Bradford District Health Trainers Partnership have devised a 15 day training course to prepare people for undettaking this role. After initial training from November to December 2005, findings from this local pilot will help the Department of Health decide how this Health Trainer idea could be developed.

 

It is envisaged Health Trainers will be working with people in some of the most disadvantaged areas and groups in Bradford ; they will be able to offer people a health "stock take", assess how their way of life might be impacting on their health, and the sorts of changes that could be benefitial to them. It is envisaged they will be based in community venues such as schools, community centres and healthy living centres with a small caseload of one to one work, although this will vary according to the needs of the individual. They will also help people access other support , both from their local community and from specialised services such as NHS Stop Smoking Services or sexual health services.

 

Free Study Day and Talk by Jane de Ville Almond

on Erectile Dysfunction

 

22 nd April at Kadugli House, Steeton from 10.30 to 2.00pm

 

Airedale PCT have arranged for a well respected independent practitioner in the ED field to provide a study day funded by a major pharmaceutical company. I hope we can get sufficient attendance to make this a worthwhile and rewarding visit.

 

This FREE study day about Erectile Dysfunction will be on 22 nd April at Kadugli House, Steeton from 10.30 to 2.00pm and will be provided by Jane de Ville Almond.

 

It will be of interest to anyone who is involved in ED assessments or clinics, or anyone providing services accessed by men or their partners.

 

It should also be of interest to community nursing staff or anyone who may be the first contact for sufferers; they may only identify themselves if you know what and how to ask. Is it part of your holistic assessment? Do you know the conditions associated with ED or who the high risk groups are? This condition can be devastating for men and their partners, it is time we removed some of the myths, the fear and the secrecy surrounding this condition.

 

To secure a place and directions to venue please contact Rowena Mitchell on

 

01535 338754.

 

WORLD AIDS DAY - DECEMBER 1st 2005

 Bradford Human ribbon & Petition

 

"Keep the Promise" is this year's World AIDS Day Theme. It is an appeal to governments and policy makers to ensure they meet the targets they have agreed to in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

 

 All who support the day's objectives are invited on December 1st to be part of a human ribbon to surround Bradford City Hall ; just come down to the City Hall front steps at 11.55am and wear something red. At noon everyone will link up in the shape of a human red ribbon to show support for those living with HIV and to graphically highlight this years message of "Keep the Promise".

 

In terms of 'keeping the promise' there are a number of Government targets set or commitments made for 2005 which are not going to be achieved.

The targets include the 3 by 5 initiative to provide access to antiretroviral (ARV) drug treatment to 3 million people living with HIV in the poorest countries by the end of 2005. By June 2005, fewer than 1 million people had received the promised treatment- far short of the 3 million target, less than a sixth of all those who are needing it.

 

- The UNGASS Declaration of Commitment was signed by all 189 members of the UN. The governments of these countries committed themselves to taking action on HIV and AIDS in the fields of leadership, prevention, care and support, treatment, reducing vulnerability, and human rights. - This commitment has not been met.

 

Please sign the Petition attached to the right to put pressure on the Prime Minister Tony Blair and Her Majesty's Government to keep their promises.

 

This campaign will last until December 5th 2005 .

 After this date the petition will then be sent to both local and national government.

 

Who To Contact

 

Bradford District Health Development Partnerships, Bradford

 owen.brigstock-barron@bradford.nhs.uk

 www.worldaidsday.com

 

 

Dads United 5-a-side Football Tournament

Sunday July 10th 2005

 

This fiercely contested but good natured competition took place on a scorching hot day at Woodside Community Centre, Woodside, Bradford. Run in conjunction with Royds Community Association and supported by Health of Men, the day was the second in a series of football events that Dads United have promoted in an effort to attract dads and their children to participate in healthy fun activities. The football competition attracted 10 teams, representing various Bradford , Keighley & Huddersfield community projects. The winners of this years coveted Dads United (DUN) trophy and the title ‘Dads United 2005' were 'Links 4' part of Sure Start Huddersfield, with Sure Start West Bowling, a close runner up.

 

Braving soaring temperatures, the DUN Trophy and medals were presented by the Lord Mayor of Bradford Valerie Binney and the Lord Mayors Consort Donald Binney. The day also included children's activity workshops, football coaching, health advice for men, and information regarding how fathers can help support their children with their school work.

 

Charlie Watson – Health of Men Worker for the Royds Community Association & host of this years Foot ball Tournament said, “This event went better than expected. We had glorious weather and a fantastic bunch of people taking part. I have had many positive comments since the event and cannot wait until we run it again - most importantly we aim to win the trophy next time, we are in training 3 times a week to ensure that we do! On a positive note we are seeing more and more fathers and their children playing in the multi-games area since the event, we hope this continues”.

 

Members of the Dad's United Network include Gingerbread, Dads Matters, Sure Start West Bowling, Sure Start Manningham, Sure Start Barkerend, Sure Start Shipley, The Children's Society and Bradford Sure Start Plus, Ripple Ed. and the Royds Healthy Living Project. Recently they have been joined by Fathers workers who travel from Kirklees to be part of the network.

 

 

HEALTH OF MEN 'REFUSE SCHEME' WINS AWARD

 

January 2005

Men's Public Health Facilitator Andrew Harrison, based in Bradford North PCT's Eccleshill Clinic, has won a National Award sponsored by the Men's Health Forum and Queen's Nursing Institute. As the first winner of the new award for innovation and creative practice he receives £6000, which will go towards funding his work with Bradford City 's refuse collectors. He will also attend a year-long series of professional development workshops at the Institute's London headquarters.

 

His creation of a support group for the refuse collectors grew from his observation that when promoted to the higher-paid post of wagon driver, physical activity was substantially reduced and weight, almost inevitably, rose. A support group for the men coupled with a six-week programme to assist the men to lose weight has proved very popular and successful. With the boost of this prestigious award Andrew can go on to teach members of the group how to run their own weight management programmes.

 

Andrew said he was delighted to win the award: 'It will allow us to buy scales for the group. They cost £300 each, as they have to be able to weigh someone up to 30 stone,' he explained. Money will also go towards the resource of height measurement equipment.

 

DOMINOES TOURNAMENT HAS KNOCK-ON EFFECT IN SAVING MEN'S LIVES

 

30th October 2004

Health of Men,  working in partnership with The Prostate Cancer Charity and other local Bradford organisations, have taken part in a charity dominoes tournament. The tournament was aimed at increasing awareness of Prostate Cancer among the African Caribbean community in Bradford , West Yorkshire .

 

Latest research has revealed that African Caribbean men are three times more likely to develop the disease than other races. In total, nearly 27,000 men are diagnosed each year from prostate cancer in the UK and 10,000 die from the disease.

 

This inaugural tournament was fiercely contested by teams drawn from local associations  after a battle royal, a 'Prostate Cancer Charity Cup' was presented by Keighley Cougars players, Shane Walton and Jordan Ross, to a packed Dominica Association in Worthington Street , Bradford . The event also included an open day in support of Black History Month, featuring the island of Dominica and its culture. There was a popular steel band to entertain, and a wide selection of Caribbean cooking.

 

Ali Orhan, Community Involvement Manager for The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: We hope that this tournament will help encourage African Caribbean men to understand more about the disease and motivate them, if necessary, to seek medical advice before it's too late.

 

We are already making plans for another tournament next year and hope it will eventually be adopted as a nationwide event , he added.

 

The event was organised by The Bradford Prostate Cancer advisory Group, which consists of The Health of Men (HOM) Project: the Dominica Association: The Federation of African and Caribbean Elderly Ltd: Bradford Teaching Hospital; Bradford NHS Trust and Airedale Primary Care Trust's Five a Day project.

 

For further information about Prostate Cancer please call the Prostate Cancer Charity's confidential helpline (0845 300 8383) which is staffed by trained nurses. It operates from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and Wednesdays from 7pm to 9pm .

 

 

World Mental Health Day

10 October 2004

 

The theme for this year's day will emphasize a holistic approach to health and wellbeing and the relationship between physical and mental health. Building on previous year's successes, a whole raft of events and activities are being provided in the Bradford and Airedale District. These have been organised to reflect the World Health Organisation's definition of Health as "the complete state of physical, mental, nd social well-being...not merely the abscence of disease".

A week of activities to celebrate World Mental Health Day aims to enable people to relax and enjoy themselves. There will be maximum opportunities to learn about Mental Health - all will be fun, informative and for all ages. As well as exercises there are stands, stalls and even an open entry basketball challenge...

 

 

 

WMHD Events - In Bradford And Airedale

 

Friday 8th October

Information Stand in Kirkgate Shopping Centre (outside Argos )

 

Saturday 9th October

Information Stand in Keighley Bus Station

Activities at Manningham Sports Centre

Morning - EXTEND exercise classes for women (10am to 12 noon ) and a variety of activities for girls

Afternoon - Basketball Challenge for everyone ( 1pm to 3pm ) and various games for young people

 

Sunday 10th October

Open Day at MIND in Bradford ( 10am to 4pm )

Health bus and face painting and head massage at Cannon Mills ( 10am to 2pm )

 

Monday 11th October

1.00pm to 3.00pm movement and music for relaxation. Run by a qualified trainer from "EXTEND" with the Health of Men Project. Bangladeshi Community Association, Shurma Building , Kensington Street , Keighley, West Yorkshire . BD21 1PW.

 

Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th October

Information Stand at Ilkley Literary Festival at Kings Hall, Station Road , Ilkley.

 

Monday 18th October

Bradford District Care Trust Patients' Forum

meeting, 5.30pm at Shipley Library

 

Men's Health Walks

It doesn't matter whether you are 16 or 60, stroller or strider everyone will be made most welcome at a new Health of Men walking group in Keighley. Health of Men in Airedale are leading a series of walks based on easy to moderate terrain in the Keighley area - walks should last no longer than two hours. Please bring appropriate footwear (and of course the ubiquitous waterproof).

The meeting point for free transport to the start of the walk is outside the steps of Keighley Library 10am, each Monday - The walks are scheduled to take place from 6th September to 11th October 2004.

If you would like to participate then just turn up at the above times and dates. For further information, please contact the Walk Health Support Worker WALKing for ALL in Keighley on: 01535 338713

Health of Men success in Health and Social Care Award

The Health of Men Healthy Living Initiative were the regional (North) winners of the Reducing Health Inequalities Award for the Health and Social Care awards 2004 which are run by the Department of Health (DoH) to recognise excellence in the provision of care at the frontline. This amazing achievement has subsequently led to the national finals, which are to be held in London on the 7th of July.

This year there was a record entry of 1200 applications for the awards from throughout the country.There are 14 categories to the awards which are jointly funded by this year by the DoH and the NHS Modernisation Agency.

Mike Worden, business coordinator for the HOM project said:
"We are absolutely delighted to receive this award. It is a tribute not only to the hard work and dedication of our team but also the support of our partners who are vital to the success of the project.".

For more information on the Health and Social Care awards click on the following link: modern.nhs.uk/healthandsocialcareawards

Health & Social Care Awards Photos

Health & Social Care Awards Ceremony 2004, Manchester:		National Awards Excel Conference Centre London, July 2004
North Winners	All the winning entries	National Finalists with Sir Nigel Crisp and the Secretary of State