Since 2003, the global charity Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.
Health and Care Portsmouth is supporting Movember this year by raising awareness of issues relevant to men’s health and wellbeing and promoting local initiatives, groups and activities for men here in Portsmouth.
A group where men aged 18 and above can speak openly about their mental health in a judgment-free, non-clinical environment. Groups operate nationwide and are completely volunteer-led. Meet on Mondays at 7pm at Pompey in the Community, Anson Road, Southsea, PO4 8TB.
A free podcast from Solent Mind, where the team are joined by local people to discuss topics around mental health. They have recently discussed loneliness, the mental health effects of money and debt, and self-esteem.
The podcast can be found on Spotify and YouTube, where you can catch up on previous episodes and subscribe to Solent Mind.
Whether you’re having a bad day, worrying more than usual or struggling with a mental health issue such as depression – remember you are not alone and there’s lots of free support available.
There’s a range of services across the city which offer different kinds of support. Some services offer anonymous support via text, and there’s also the option of getting support in person, over the phone or via Zoom.
Visit www.mentalhealthinportsmouth.co.uk to learn more about different services in the city, and the free support you can get.
There is free support available 24/7 from:
A team of specialist money advisers on hand to advise and support money and debt queries. To speak with a specialist money adviser call 023 9400 6600 or email contactus@caportsmouth.org.uk.
Can help anyone who lives or works in Portsmouth, offering free, confidential and local advice on bills, benefits, debt, housing and employment issues. Call 023 9279 4340, text 07789 550593 or email advice.portsmouth@theyoutrust.org.uk. Visit adviceportsmouth.org.uk to learn more.
Provide information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms. The National Gambling HelpLine is free to call on 0808 8020 133. On the website, you can chat to an adviser online or access forums and chatrooms to speak with others affected by gambling. You can also make an appointment for face-to-face support locally. Treatment is free and confidential.
If you or someone you know is a Veteran who may be finding it difficult to adjust to life after military service, local support is available. Forgotten Veterans UK is a charity that commemorates, celebrates, and assists the Service Veteran community and supports the Armed Services.
They are a support service for Veterans looking for assistance with issues including financial hardship, housing, and health, and can also point you towards other local services if needed.
The Veterans’ Mental Health High Intensity Service (HIS) provides help for Veterans and their families in need of urgent mental health support or at a high risk of a mental health crisis.
The service works in partnership with charitable and voluntary organisations and alongside specialist Mental Health services to jointly provide urgent support to those Veterans who are struggling to keep themselves safe or finding their experiences overwhelming and exceeding their ability to cope. The service provides care and treatment to support veterans, as well as help in accessing other services, and support for family and loved ones.
ABoB is a mentoring organisation that seeks to provide troubled young men with the tools to achieve for themselves a life of meaning, connection and purpose. Find out more by visiting abandofbrothers.org.uk.
ABoB hold a monthly ‘Men Speak’ open evening at the Scout Hall, The Ridings, Gatcombe Park, Hilsea, PO2 0UF. This is a confidential space for men to talk about what’s going on for them. The next of these is Wednesday 2 November, at 7pm.
Exploring all things dad, the highs and the lows, Dadzclub is building a supportive community of like-minded fathers both online and through weekly in person social meet ups.
Dadzclub seeks to bring together father figures and their children through engaging, creative, and playful weekend and midweek groups aimed at providing a friendly environment where dads can chat with other dads whilst spending quality time with their children. Find out more by visiting www.dadzclub.com
Dadzclub are hosting Portsmouth’s first International Men’s Day event on Saturday 19 November. The free event will raise awareness of issues affecting men and boys and shine a light on deserving role models in Portsmouth. Book here.
A cookery group for men aged 50 and above who have a want or need to learn how to cook. This includes men that may be recently bereaved, be carers, been diagnosed with a health condition or be socially isolated. The group provides not only cookery skills, but a place to talk and friends to share a meal with. For information contact Jayne Gentle on jayne.gentle@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or 023 9284 1762.
The Healthy Walks programme is a great way to stay active and make new friends at the same time. Volunteers lead a range of walk routes and distances catering for all abilities. A list of the walks is available online at – Ramblers Wellbeing Walks – Ramblers. If you have any queries, please contact Charlie on 02392841762 or Charlie.johnson@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Pompey Fit Fans is a 12-week programme run by Pompey in the Community for both men and women aged 35-65 who want to tackle their weight and lead a more active life. The programme provides access to 24/7 support, advice, tips, and live home workouts. Find out more by visiting: www.pompeyitc.co.uk/fit-fans/
A group welcome to people aged 50+ to walk and play football whilst having a laugh. You don’t need to be a pro or have previous experience playing football. There’s a small charge of £5 per game. Find out more by visting thewfa.co.uk/directory/pompey-itc.
To find more local groups and activities, search the HIVE Portsmouth directory. You can also visit the HIVE Community Helpdesk located on the ground floor of Central Library, Guildhall Square between 9.30 am-4pm Monday- Friday, or phone 023 9400 7124.
It’s important to know your body and what feels normal for you, so that you’re more aware of any changes which might need attention or investigating.
Get to know your body and how it feels. This includes checking your testicles. The early signs of testicular cancer are easy to spot and finding cancer early may mean it is easier to treat, so it’s a good idea to check on a regular basis. Look out for one or more of the following signs:
If you notice any of these signs, or any changes or anything unusual that won’t go away, contact your GP Practice.
Find out more about what to look out for on the NHS website. A useful guide on checking your testicles is available on the Macmillan website.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It does not usually cause any symptoms in the early stages. Signs of prostate cancer can include:
These symptoms do not always mean you have prostate cancer, but they should not be ignored. If you have any concerns or if you are experiencing symptoms that won’t go away, contact your GP Practice.
Find out more on the NHS website.
Portsmouth Wellbeing Service helps local people stop smoking, drink less alcohol and get to a healthy weight.
Free support can be provided via telephone or at a suitable venue.
Visit the website for more information: www.wellbeingportsmouth.co.uk or call 023 9229 4001.