Young men get an MOT as part of health and well-being day
Watersports, inflatable Sumo wrestling, climbing, and football coaching were just some of the action-packed activities on offer for young men at a special ‘Men Only Time’ (MOT) event held in Nottinghamshire recently.
The event, took place across two sites in Mansfield -The Mill Adventure Centre, and West Notts College, with sports activities, and workshops for over 70 young men between the ages of 13 and 19. The workshops allowed the young men to explore and discuss a range of issues, including: healthy eating; emotional health and wellbeing; drugs and alcohol; and sexual health.
The day was designed to encourage young men to look after their health, and access the services available to them across the County. Health workers were also on hand to carry out health checks, and answer questions on all aspects of health.
Nick Romilly of Connexions Nottinghamshire, who helped organise the event together with partners from the Teenage Pregnancy Partnership, PCTs, Youth Service, the DAAT, and WAM said: “Research has shown that young men can often find it more difficult to talk about health issues than young women. That is why it is important that health services are available in a relaxed, informal setting where young men feel comfortable talking about their health and asking for advice.”
Sue Jablonskas of the Nottinghamshire County Teenage Pregnancy Partnership said: “As well as promoting some serious messages, around health issues, the event was a perfect opportunity for young men to get together, and have a go at something new. We are delighted with how many young men came along on the day, and showed a real interest in the issues.”
