engaging men in physical activity, sandra gordon, cancer focus northern ireland. ewac 2013

Engaging Men in Physical Activity

Sandra Gordon

ManAlive Project Co-ordinator

Copyright © Cancer Focus Northern Ireland 2013 All rights reserved

ManAlive - a key part of Cancer Focus’Cancer Prevention Strategy

is funded by Big Lottery Fund


Overview

ManAlive Project

Physical Activity input

Key Factors to engaging with men:• ‘Windows’ and ‘Hooks’ • Holding on to your men• Approach• The men’s voices


ManAlive Project

Aim: The ManAlive Project aims to improve the physical and mental health of disadvantaged men living in one of the most deprived rural areas in Northern Ireland.

• Health checks • Health awareness sessions• Self-development courses• Retailers health information sharing• Information Sharing seminars• Volunteering


Partnership Working

• Existing partnership• GAA New Social Initiative 2010 – ‘To use the

GAA Club network as a vehicle to engage older men who are not currently participating in local community life’

• Networking / exploring further development

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland / Gaelic Athletic Association


Engaging Men in Physical Activity

Aim: To introduce a group of older men to physical activity in order to support improved physical and mental health and social interaction.

Self-development courses:


Marketing and Making Contact

• Use ‘gatekeepers’ to encourage other men to attend.

• Contact via one-to-one. • Word-of-mouth recruitment.• Local newspapers, existing local networks.• Opportunistic conversational ways to engage

men.• Use positive images of men.• Clear outline of the service and programme and

details of outcomes.


Finding ‘Hooks’

• Take an opportunistic approach - find the best ‘window’.

• Use incentives e.g. provision of lunch / breakfast.• The ManAlive health check is a service in itself but it

is also a ‘hook’ to engage men in other services. • Issue an invitation and set a challenge.• Presenting issues in terms of fitness and good

health. • Appeal to men’s desire to feel useful.


‘Hook’ - Health Checks

• Blood pressure

• Pulse• Blood sugar (random sample)

• Cholesterol (random sample)

• BMI

• Body composition ………

• Height / weight

• Lifestyle assessment / advice


Consult with Men in Programme Development and Delivery

• Involve men in shaping and determining the most effective strategies to achieve outcomes.

• The manner in which activity programmes are delivered - determined by the men.

• Men should be included in all aspects of service delivery.• Gain agreement: what is expected of the men at the

outset, regularly review achievements, and get feedback from users.

• Give a clear focus on what will be gained.


Create Male-Friendly Environments

• Creation of an open, friendly environment - overcome any discomfort, mistrust or suspicions, create safety, and enable men to relax.

• Use positive images and attitude.• Ensuring anonymity and privacy.• Provide a skilled facilitator to promote inclusiveness,

create a safe environment and helps to sustain participation.


Access

• Try to have easy access (car parking and local venue).

• Outside normal working hours or a choice of times if possible.

• Bring the programme to the men.• Make referral and participation easy and flexible

- avoids frustration and stay away.• Remove cost barriers or keep costs to a

minimum.


Plan Small and Realistically

• Expect to start small, think short term and build slowly.

• Focus on quality.

• Don’t be put off by small numbers.

• Where possible, provide options.

• Develop strategic partnerships.


ManAlive: A positive Approach To Men’s Health Work

• Men work best with those who believe they are

people of worth rather than a problem to be

solved.• Adopt solution focused activities that develop

a non-deficit approach.• NO deficit NO blame – perfect as you are!


engaging men in physical activity, sandra gordon, cancer focus northern ireland. ewac 2013

Documents

clear focus

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ordinatorcopyright cancer

voicescopyright cancer

positive images of men

manalive health check

opportunistic approach