It was all about men and their mental health at a special event organised by Wisbech Primary Care Network and held in Leverington.
The event brought together a number of service providers to talk about what is on offer locally.
Around 14 men attended the morning, which was held at Leverington Sports and Social Club, and attended by Wisbech mayor Sidney Imafidon and Conservative party candidate and incumbent local MP Steve Barclay.
It was organised by Tracey Else, a social prescriber with the PCN, which covers GP surgeries in and around Wisbech, together with the network’s manager Matt Warren.
The event showcased the wide range of services available to the community. Most of them are available via self-referral or through other providers such as GP practices.
Among those present was HAYFenland.co.uk which brings together activities and things that are good for general wellbeing.
Healthy You was also present. This is a free service for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough residents who are looking to make changes to their lifestyles.
So, whether you want help to stop smoking, lead a more active lifestyle, lose some weight, or simply take advantage of the NHS Health Checks on offer, Healthy You – funded by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council – can help..
The eating disorder support group PEDsupport was also present, along with King’s Lynn-based 8:56 Foundation, which offers mental health support for all ages and aims to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health through sport.
It also encourages men to talk to help reduce the risk of loneliness and isolation.
Councillor Imafidon said: “This event was very special to me because I believe that men’s mental health isn’t talked about enough. The methods of tackling men’s mental health issues used today included walking football, tug of war, a blindfolded obstacle course, and walking. I look forward to attending more of these events in the future.”
Matt said: “The day ended with an open session, which was really informative. It was a very good day and we shall definitely be holding similar events in the future, possibly quarterly.
“We did have some women sign up to attend and we had to point out it was men only, so we may look at providing something for women and children/young people in the future.”
Matt, who also runs Matt Warren’s Performance, led the walking football which he said went down well with those present.
Three Counties Running Club also led some activities and there was food provided by the Leverington Club’s Food Hut.
Matt concluded: “We wanted it to be quite an informal event, and the sports helped with that. The feedback from the men who came along was very positive and they all seemed to have enjoyed it.”
