November 2022 - Men's Health Awareness November brings us Men’s Health Awareness Month, Movember and International Men’s Day on 19 November. To raise awareness of some of the biggest health issues faced by men, and in support of those tackling prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide, this month we are promoting men’s health.
Men's mental health It is so important for us to talk, stop the stigma surrounding mental health, and work together to support one another. Men’s mental health charity, Andy’s Man Club, are leading the charge on this with their weekly face-to-face and virtual support groups, and their #ITSOKTOTALK slogan. You can find out more about the importance of talking and the impact it can have by joining a webinar with Kenny Armour from Andy’s Man Club on Thursday 17 November 12:00-13:00. You can access the session via Microsoft Teams on the day by clicking here. You can also add this to your diary by clicking here, or by contacting grouphr@barrattplc.co.uk who will forward you the calendar invite. Andy’s Man Club offer free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online. They meet every Monday at 7pm (except bank holidays) and now have over 120 groups. To find a group near you click here: https://andysmanclub.co.uk/find-your-nearestgroup/. You can also check out this video to learn a bit more.
Movember Tackle important conversations
Starting conversations with men who are struggling may seem daunting, but getting them to open up can be easier with practice. Check out Movember for more on this: https://conversations.movember.com/en-gb/. Heard of ALEC? Learn how to use ALEC to reach out to a man who’s going through tough times: Ask now Listen actively Encourage more Checking in Click here for more on ALEC: https://conversations.movember.com/en-gb/ALEC/#ask. Remember: If a colleague says they’re fine, please just bear in mind they might not be. A second ‘how are you?’ or ‘how are you really’ can make all the difference.
We have a network of Mental Health First Aiders throughout the business. Take time out to look at your Health and Wellbeing notice board to find out who your local MHFA is or visit the link on Our Place here.
You can also access support and counselling through your Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), provided by Unum Lifeworks. You can call their FREE & CONFIDENTIAL HELPLINE 24/7/365 on 0800 048 2702.
Top five things to know, and do 1. Talk, more - being there for someone, listening and giving your time can be life-saving. 2. Know the numbers: Prostate cancer - At 50, talk to your doctor/GP about prostate cancer and whether it’s right for you to have a PSA test. If you are of African or Caribbean descent or have a father or brother with prostate cancer you should be having this conversation at 45. Know your numbers, know your risk, talk to your doctor. Learn more about prostate cancer. Did you know: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK. Prostate cancer often grows slowly and symptoms may not develop for many years. 3. Know thy nuts: Testicular cancer - Get to know what's normal for your testicles. Give them a check regularly and go to the doctor if something doesn't feel right. Did you know: Every year around 2,300 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer, which is the most common cancer in men aged 25-49. The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump in a testicle. 4. Move, more - Add more activity to your day. Do more of what makes you feel good. 5. Spend time with people who make you feel good - Stay connected! Your mates are important and spending time with them is good for you. Catch-up regularly (even virtually), check in and make time.
For information, tools and links on many areas of health and wellbeing please click here to visit our My Barratt Benefits website. For any queries or suggestions, please contact handw@barrattplc.co.uk.
November 2022 - Men's Health Awareness Seeking Support Evidence suggests that men with health concerns are less likely to consult a doctor than women. This reluctance can mean that men often do not seek help until a disease has progressed, which may have serious consequences. Remember, many cancers are curable if treated in the early stages. Should you have any health and wellbeing concerns you can speak in confidence with your own NHS GP or speak with a Virtual GP, or access the 24/7 GP Advice Line via Vitality. For more information access your Vitality Member Zone.
Globally, men die on average five years earlier than women, and for reasons that are largely preventable. Which means that it doesn’t have to be that way: we can all take action to live healthier, happier and longer lives.
NHS health check
Don’t forget, a great way to spot potential health problems and get help avoiding them is attending for your NHS health check when you are invited by your GP. You may be eligible for a FREE CHECK via the NHS if you’re aged 40 to 74. If you’re not sure, contact your GP and check out: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/nhs-health-check/.
Health assessment & cancer checks
All employees are entitled to an annual health assessment paid for by the business. Through My Barratt Benefits, all employees have access to a number of cancer checks via salary sacrifice. These include bowel check, lung check, PSA (prostate screening) and skin check. Also available are My Breast Risk, Mammogram and HPV Check (Cervical Screening). Visit your My Barratt Benefits platform here for further information on health assessments and cancer checks. For more information and tips on looking after your physical health and wellbeing then check out our October physical health newsletter.
Taking the challenge this Movember Whether you fancy growing a mo, moving for Movember or setting your own challenge, anyone can get involved and support men’s health projects. Interested in learning more and getting involved then why not join Movember by downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play, or check out how to sign-up by Facebook or email. Why not let us know how, if you get involved: Contact the Employee Communications team employee.communication@barrattplc.co.uk or Phil Hargreaves, Health & Wellbeing Manager.
Webinars Our health and wellbeing partner, Vitality, are hosting the following webinars across November. Please click on the titles to book in advance. Men’s health: Thursday 3 November 09:30-10:30 Men’s cancer awareness with Check4Cancer: Friday 11 November, 1-2pm Andy's Man Club Webinar: Thursday 17 November, 12-1pm Discussing men’s mental health: Friday 18 November, 1-2pm Type II Diabetes: Prevention and management: Wednesday 23 November, 1-2pm Men’s health with England cricketer Joe Root: Friday 25 November, 1-2pm
What's coming in December? During December we will be talking about the importance of taking a break and connecting.
For information, tools and links on many areas of health and wellbeing please click here to visit our My Barratt Benefits website. For any queries or suggestions, please contact handw@barrattplc.co.uk.