Mind & Body: Men’s Health

November is Men’s Health Awareness Month, also known as Movember.

This month shines a spotlight on men’s physical and mental health, encouraging men to take charge of their wellbeing and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

Men die, on average, nearly five years earlier than women, and men in Southend live around three years less than the national average. Many of these deaths are preventable. Increased awareness is already making a difference as seen in the rising prostate cancer diagnoses which shows that more men are getting tested.

Prostate cancer affects one in eight men, and Black men are twice as likely to develop it. Unlike breast and bowel cancer, there is currently no NHS screening programme for prostate cancer, so men must be proactive in checking for symptoms and visiting their GP if they notice changes.

However, many men avoid going to the doctor and often wait until symptoms become serious. To address this, the NHS is planning to introduce a Men’s Health Strategy by the end of 2025 to promote regular health checks and early intervention.

Mental health is equally important. Social pressure to “stay strong” often stops men from talking about stress, anxiety, or depression. Fear of judgement and outdated stereotypes about masculinity can make it harder for men to seek help, leaving many to cope alone.

Movember is more than a chance to grow a moustache, it’s time to start conversations, break down stigma, and help men to live longer, healthier lives.

Movember

Useful local groups and services:

O5BM (Over 50's Black Men's forum): Run a weekly session to socialise and play table tennis at the Haven community hub, every Wednesday from 7pm. They also run sessions giving advice on health and wellbeing.

O5BM

Andyman's club is a national charity with a group that runs weekly in Southend on a Monday at 7pm. They aim to help prevent suicide by supporting men's mental health, more info is available on their website.

Andymans club

Wellbeing at Garon park offers a range of regular activities to help support a healthy lifestyle and promote positive mental wellbeing including a community shed for woodwork crafting.

Wellbeing at Garon park

Trustlinks mental wellbeing support offer activities including garden projects and healthy minds hubs, you can be referred or self refer for membership. See link below for more info

Trust links

If you would like to speak to us about your experience of health & social care services or need help accessing health and social care services in Southend, get in touch. Email us info@healthwatchsouthend.co.uk or call 01702 416320