Following the conclusion of Men’s Health Awareness Month, Gillingham North Councillor Adam Price has praised the good work of local organisation Men in Sheds in his community.

Men’s Health Awareness Month is an annual event every November that focuses on getting men to open up and raise awareness about various health issues, including mental health issues and physical illnesses.

Cllr Adam Price, Member for Gillingham North said:

“Men in Sheds is a great scheme for raising men’s health awareness and promoting camaraderie. Most sessions they put on are creative and practical with a strong social element. It is a great place to capture and pass on skills, build networks, get out of the house and do something of value.

“We men tend not to be as good as women when it comes to discussing how we are feeling, but arrange some practical activities and we open up, working side by side.

“The countless testimonies of local people whose lives have been improved by this scheme goes to show the true benefit it’s providing our community.”

To read more information about Men in Sheds, and to read testimonials of those who have been on the scheme, please follow this link

Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Labour and Co-operative Group Spokesperson for Regeneration, Culture and the Environment said:

“Men’s mental health is a topic that ultimately affects all individuals living in Medway. If you’re not a man yourself, it could be your father, brother, or son that is affected.”

“Suicide rates in Medway are tragically higher than the national average, so this is a serious topic that needs to be discussed. We are grateful for organisations like Men in Sheds that provide an outlet for men in our community, and also welcome the increased discussion and awareness of these issues in Men’s Health Awareness month.”

Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of the Medway Labour and Co-operative Group said:

“As Men’s Health Awareness Month draws to a close, I’m glad that these important issues have been put in the spotlight over the past few weeks.

“In Britain alone, thousands of men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer this year. Awareness needs to be raised to allow the best possible chances at identifying it early and treating it as soon as possible.

“I would encourage everyone to visit movember.co.uk to find out more information on how they can often identify these conditions before they worsen.”