Movember

November 2019

Movember is a campaign aimed at tackling prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention in men. It helps to raise awareness of the importance of getting health checks and to get men talking about their mental health to reduce the stigma.

Movember’s aim ‘BY 2030, WE AIM TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF MEN DYING PREMATURELY BY 25%.”

Why not join in with the Movember movement and grow a moustache to raise awareness this November? It’s a fun way to raise money and awareness for this amazing charity. Find out more on their website: uk.movember.com.

If you are worried about someone or need some advice yourself, take a look at these helpful websites:

• Samaritans – call them on 116 123 for free, any time.
• Mind
• Macmillan
• Cancer Research UK

Can reading improve your mental health?

Statistics shown by The Reading Agency say:

• Non-readers are 28% more likely to report feelings of depression, and about 1.3 million people in the UK say they rarely read because of depression. (27)
• Proven power of reading. An online poll of over 4000 people from a representative sample in the UK revealed that regular readers for pleasure reported fewer feelings of stress & depression than non-readers, and stronger feelings of relaxation from reading than from watching television or engaging with technology intensive activities. (28)
• Studies have shown that those who read for pleasure have higher levels of self esteem & a greater ability to cope with difficult situations. Reading for pleasure was also associated with better sleeping patterns. (29)
• Adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction. (30)

(2015) Reading between the Lines: the Benefits of Reading for Pleasure Quick Reads, University of Liverpool p. 5-6]↩28 [Billington, J,
(2015) Reading between the Lines: the Benefits of Reading for Pleasure Quick Reads, University of Liverpool]↩29 [Billington, J,
(2015) Reading between the Lines: the Benefits of Reading for Pleasure Quick Reads, University of Liverpool]↩30 [Billington, J,
(2015) Reading between the Lines: the Benefits of Reading for Pleasure Quick Reads, University of Liverpool p. 7]↩

Libraries have a wealth of material on many topics and can be a great way to get started in talking about men’s health. You can even read books from home using the BorrowBox app. This is free to use using your library card number and PIN. Find out more about Borrowbox here: Hampshire Libraries BorrowBox

Libraries also host different groups such as knit and natter, reading groups and many others. Most you can drop in to, just ask at your local library to find out what is on offer.

Books On Prescription: The Reading Well books on prescription is a national scheme by The Reading Agency. This has recommended books from a range of self-help books which have proven value in helping people who suffer from common mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, anger and panic attacks. Find the list here: Books on Prescription List

Hampshire Library Movember Booklist

The essential guide to prostate cancer / David Loshak

This text provides straightforward information on prostate cancer: from what the prostate is and how to recognise the symptoms of the condition, to what happens during screening and diagnosis, and the treatments available. All the medical issues are covered with sections that deal with the emotional effects of the disease.

This book could help : the men’s head space manual / Rotimi Akinsete.

Your body needs maintaining to keep it healthy. So does your mind. Sounds simple, but tired and outdated ideas that tell men how they ought to be, mean the message gets lost. And the results speak for themselves: suicide is the biggest killer of men under fifty. ‘This Book Could Help’ is filled with straightforward expert advice and simple techniques to help you shake off what other people say you ought to be, prioritize yourself, meet challenges and develop new strengths, in areas such as dealing with stress, motivation, work and life goals.

The essential guide to testicular cancer

This title has been written with the average reader in mind, all the information compiled is easy to understand and directed to a public that may be diagnosed with or fear the diagnosis of testicular cancer.

Suicide prevention techniques : how a suicide crisis centre saves lives / Joy Hibbins.

Focusing on the methods used at a ground-breaking Suicide Crisis Centre which has a zero suicide achievement, this guide offers strategies to help people in suicidal crisis. Founded after the author’s own suicidal experience, it challenges the established ways of working in mental health and sets out a new way to provide crisis care.

Reasons to stay alive / Matt Haig.

Aged 24, Matt Haig’s world caved in. He could see no way to go on living. This is the true story of how he came through crisis, triumphed over an illness that almost destroyed him and learned to live again. A moving, funny and joyous exploration of how to live better, love better and feel more alive, this is more than a memoir: it is a book about making the most of your time on Earth.