Men’s Health Week 2024
Why is Men's Health Week important?
This year, Men’s Health Week, run by Men’s Health Forum, is taking place from Monday 10th to Sunday 16th June. We want to use this opportunity to remind men that they can confidentially share their feedback and have their say about health and social care services in Kensington and Chelsea.
We know that men’s health needs to be a priority in our local areas. For instance, in Kensington and Chelsea local data shows that a baby boy born in the most deprived areas of the borough is expected to die 17 years sooner than a boy born in the least deprived areas.
The shocking statistics regarding the mental health of workers in our key sectors tell us why Men’s Health Week is so important:
- One man in five dies before the age of 65.
- Four in five suicides are by men, with suicide the biggest cause of death for men under 35.
- In 2021, there were 6,319 suicides registered in the UK, of which 507 were in construction alone.
- Drivers of work lift trucks had a suicide rate 85% higher than the national average, van drivers were noted to have a rate 25% higher, and drivers of large goods vehicles 20% higher than the national average.
- Virtually all UK farmers (95%) under the age of 40 rank poor mental health as one of the biggest hidden problems facing the industry today.
Prostate Cancer
1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer, making it the most common cancer in men in the UK. If you’re over 50, or you’re black, or you have a family history of prostate cancer, you’re at an even higher risk. Prostate cancer is not always life-threatening. But when it is, the earlier you catch it the more likely it is to be cured.
Currently, there is no screening test for prostate cancer. However, Prostate Cancer UK has created a useful tool to help men quickly check their risk – regardless of whether they have any symptoms or not – by asking about three key factors: age, ethnicity and family history. In addition, their Specialist Nurses are available to help people navigate their prostate cancer journey in a confidential way. They are also running a webinar on 26th June to shed light on the barriers preventing early diagnosis.
If you have symptoms that could be caused by prostate cancer, you should visit a GP. They will be able to do a free, simple blood test and if anything suspicious is found, patients will be referred for an MRI scan for further tests.
Mental Health
With social barriers such as societal stigma and fear of judgment, we know it can be difficult for men to talk about their feelings. However, you are not alone and there is a lot of support available:
- Future Men: is a local charity that work with boys and men to provide support by delivering structured school programmes, youth hubs, individual one-to-one sessions and outreach work.
- Andy’s Man Club: are a men’s suicide prevention charity that run free weekly peer-to-peer support groups for men aged over 18 across the UK and online.
- Talk Club: is a UK mental health charity for men that offers talking therapy sessions, sports groups and peer to peer talking groups.
- ManKind initiative: offers a confidential helpline and signposting service for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers.
- UK Men's Sheds Association: is a charity that focuses on building connections and friendships in community spaces, enabling men to enjoy practical hobbies together such as woodworking, metalworking, and more.
Sexual Health
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides a wide range of sexual health services that do not require referral from the GP.
