Making a difference

As part of National Men’s Health Week 2009, 15-21 June, Carlisle and Eden CDRP and partners are hosting a Men’s Health event in the Lanes Shopping Centre Carlisle, by the Otter Pool, on Saturday 20 June, between 12 - 3pm.

A photo opportunity has been arranged at 1pm - 1.15pm in the Lanes Shopping Centre as part of a partnership event designed to raise the awareness about men’s health issues. Cumbria Constabulary North Cumbria Area Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson and Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service North Cumbria Locality Manager Simon Kelly will be available to be photographed as they work alongside colleagues in giving out information about men’s health issues.

Additionally Simon Kelly will be available to be photographed alongside Fire Officers and Police Officers going head to head as part of a demonstration of fitness techniques using a static rower and spinning bike to illustrate the fitness levels required by officers in their day to day work.

This year the campaign has two main objectives:

• To improve men’s awareness of the range of health and related services and how to use them effectively.
• To improve the understanding of health professionals about how to develop and deliver services that men will use.

There will be lots of fun events and activities to get men to think about their health as a well as a prize draw for a Wii Fit, kindly donated by the Lanes Shopping Centre.

The event opens at noon with Fire and Police Officers demonstrating fitness techniques, finishing with a cycling and rowing head to head.

Carlisle Heroes Cheerleaders will be on hand to test peoples dancing skills in ‘Dance Like Your Dad Dance Mat Challenge’ throughout the afternoon.

The beauticians’ from Carlisle College will be offering a variety of relaxation techniques and male grooming treatments throughout the event.

Carlisle Leisure Ltd is offering a discount on the cost of their Leisure Card Membership to anyone that signs up on the day.

Julian Graves the Health Food specialists will be offering shoppers the chance to try some of their healthy drinks options, Holland and Barratt the Health and Vitamin specialists are providing men’s healthy lifestyle magazines and Clarins at Debenhams are kindly providing samples of men's grooming products, all of which will be given out on the day.

As well as all of this health and fitness advice will be available from the Fire and Rescue Service Occupational Health Nurse, the Stop Smoking Service, Sexual Health Service, Carlisle Leisure Limited, the Mental Health Team, Cumbria County Council Community Unit Carlisle, Carlisle City Council, Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service and Public Health Team from NHS Cumbria.

Jane Muller, Associate Director of Public Health North Cumbria said:

‘’this event highlights the health issues that affect men. NHS Cumbria is vey keen to ensure that men access healthcare services, to improve the understanding of healthcare professionals, to develop and deliver services that men will use and to promote healthy lifestyles.’’

Steve Johnson, Chief Superintendent for North Cumbria and Vice Chair of Carlisle & Eden CDRP Steve Johnson said:

‘’the Men’s Health Week event is designed to highlight the need for men to be more aware of their health and any issues that could affect them. Participating in sport and physical activity will assist them to help themselves. This event is another great example of agencies getting together to highlight issues that affect our officers and staff and ultimately the wider community.’’

Simon Kelly, North Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service Locality Manager said:

‘’we are pleased to be working with the other partner agencies to raise awareness of men’s health issues during this event, some of our Physical Training Advisors will be available to discuss these issues with members of the public on the day and hopefully make a difference.”

Dominic Harrison Chief Fire Officer for Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service added:

“Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service has developed an Occupational Health Department that is the envy of many. The team are supported by a network of highly trained Physical Training Advisors throughout the County and I am delighted that the service can offer this expertise to the benefit of the local community.’’

Janet Murray, Marketing Manager, for the Lanes Shopping Centre said:

‘‘the Lanes are delighted to support this event designed to raise awareness of men's health and fitness in the community. The day promises to be informative and entertaining; a fantastic stop off point for men when they are shopping in the centre.’’