ManAlive!

Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF, Jarlath Burns, Sports Commentator, GAA, Michelle Cherry, Deputy Head of Programmes, Big Lottery Fund and Jim Wells MLA South Down and Chair of the Health Committee

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has launched a new ManAlive project to bring life saving messages and health checks to men in the Southern Trust area.

At the launch UCF unveiled the ManAlive vehicle ‘The Man Van’– a mobile unit which can accommodate one-to-one health awareness sessions and health checks for men on their doorstep.  Staffed by a UCF Health Promotion Nurse and Senior Cancer Prevention Staff the vehicle will aid early detection, provide on-the-spot cancer prevention information and referral and sign posting opportunities to reduce men’s risk of cancer and to improve their overall health. Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service is supporting this project and will also provide secure parking for the vehicle overnight at Newry Fire Station throughout the 3 year period of the project.

November and December saw ManAlive out and about visiting local farmer’s marts in Armagh and Dungannon Councils. The aim was to directly target men within rural communities to raise awareness on a number of issues directly affecting them