Today is International Men’s Day, which also co-incides with November being known as Men’s Health Month.
During the month, organisations provide a concentrated effort to highlight key men’s health issues, share education, raise awareness, and ultimately initiate an action – whether that be starting a conversation for men’s wellbeing, or getting checked out by health professionals early.
On Saturday 16th November, over fifty Watford FC supporters attended a men’s physical and mental health event, benefitting from free health and wellbeing checks, informative talks, and stalls from local organisations and support networks. The event was delivered by Watford FC’s Community Sports and Education Trust (the Trust) in partnership with Three Rivers District Council, as part of Hornets Together – an initiative supported by Premier League Fans Fund.
Hosted in a hospitality lounge at Vicarage Road Stadium, The View, the event had a range of topics discussed and represented, from prostate cancer and domestic abuse to suicide and depression. Firstly, the attendees listened and learned from talks from Jacques Roux, a Urologist at Spire Bushey Hospital, Chris Sibley, Co-Founder of The OLLIE Foundation, and Thomas Hosier, Health and Wellbeing Project Officer (Adults) at the Trust.
Stallholders present included CoppaFeel, Everyone Active, Hertfordshire ISVA Service/ Beacon Domestic Abuse Support Hub (One YMCA), Imatter, Mend, The OLLIE foundation, One Vision, Three Rivers District Council Healthy Hub, Watford Borough Council Healthy Hub, West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, and the Trust itself. Throughout the event, Hertfordshire County Council’s Better Health Bus was also parked up outside the stadium offering free health and/or wellbeing checks for those in attendance. Following the health-focussed engagement, and lunch, of course, the Hornets Together event ended with a stadium tour.
Three Rivers District Councillor Steve Drury said:
“Three Rivers District Council’s partnership with Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust has resulted in a well-attended and successful event for people to learn more about men’s health. The three speakers, talking about prostate cancer, mental health, and physical activity were engaging and provided in-depth information about these topics and where to get support. We’re proud to be part of the Hornets Together project, where local organisations have a platform to engage with our wider community on men’s health.”
The club’s EDI Lead, Dave Messenger said:
“International Men’s Day is an important date in our calendar, and it was great to see so many of our supporters engaging with the ‘Hornets Together’ programme at the weekend. We share the vision of the Trust and hope that many more men will come to these events in the future, and continue the important conversations around men’s mental health and wellbeing”.
In addition to this event, the Trust delivers regular services that benefit adult’s health and wellbeing:
- Man On! is an early intervention and prevention service, suitable for individuals with low to moderate mental health doubts, issues and/or conditions. The programme brings together a group of men who share the same interest in sport and have similar struggles, helping to build positive relationships, build new support networks and improve their wellbeing together. Contact: ross.dommett@watfordfc.com
- Shape Up is a free 12-week weight management course. The course is aimed at those aged 18 to 65 years old. Participants meet up weekly for a ninety-minute session comprising a forty-five-minute educational segment and a forty-five-minute physical activity session. Contact: shapeup@watfordfc.com
- Extra-Time sees the Trust invite over 55 year olds to partake in a weekly club that makes sure for a casual atmosphere and encourages members to socialise and enjoy the sessions put on by the friendly staff.
- Golden Memories is a reminiscence programme aimed at those living with mild to moderate dementia.
For more information on Hornets Together or the event hosted at Vicarage Road Stadium on Saturday 16th November, please contact thomas.hosier@watfordfc.com.
