Concerns about men’s health were raised by the network of men’s groups in east Belfast through a pilot evening Men’s Clinic at Woodstock Lodge in 2007 and the indicators were that men would attend a free thirty minute check-up consultation. From 2012 thanks to the Belfast Health Trust and East Belfast Community Development Agency the resources were put in place at Holywood Arches Health Centre for two consultation rooms to be used for the Men’s Clinic. Since then the service has recruited over 250 men for a free MOT health check up with a 99% satisfaction level rate. The aim of the Men’s Clinic is to provide a Health Check to help men and their GPs or health professional to identify health risks earlier and for men to take action to lower their risks and improve their chances of a healthier life.
Representatives from the Wise Men Network of groups meet every Tuesday morning at Carew Family Centre on Tamar Street where they welcome all men over fifty years of age to take part in walking, cycling, social history and arts projects and are the backbone to making the Men’s Clinic a success.
With renewed funding from the Department of Social Development the Men’s Clinic will continue operating for another year with two experienced consulting District Nurses based at the new East Belfast Network Centre on Templemore Avenue providing free private and confidential assessments. The clinic operates on a fortnightly basis on a Tuesday evening from 6.00pm to 8.00pm on the following future dates; 26 August, 9 & 23 September, 7 & 21 October, 4 & 18 November, 2 December. Anyone attending receives free man manual health information booklets.
The Men’s Clinic offers check-ups for weight, height and BMI; Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Urinalysis, a general health and wellbeing assessment of lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol and physical activity including mental health.
To make an appointment please simply contact: Jean Higginson, Project Administrator, East Belfast Community Development Agency, on Telephone 028 9045 1512 or Email jean@ebcda.org
Alan McIlhagger, Chair of the Wise Men of the East Network explained the thinking behind the service; “We found that men need encouragement and often a kick up the backside to look after themselves. The Men’s Clinic is an ideal informal service that is easily accessible and Glentoran FC can help us to reach men throughout Belfast before it’s too late”.