NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Public Health team brought together local partners, healthcare teams, and community organisations to support a men’s wellbeing event at Fullerton Connexions in Irvine last week.
The event, focused on men’s health and wellbeing, provided an opportunity for men in Ayrshire to come along for a free health check, which included blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, BMI and heart rhythm checks.
The afternoon saw more than 37 health checks completed, with a combination of booked appointments and drop‑in attendees taking part. In addition, colleagues from Healthcare Public Health and the Stroke Team carried out an Atrial Fibrillation (AF) screening pilot, with more than 35 screening tests being completed during the event.
Some of the men who attended the event commented,
- “Getting a free MOT was great!”
- “It has been educational and everyone is really friendly. Being after hours is great as I couldn’t make it otherwise due to work.”
- “I’m here with my brother and son – we shared it on our family WhatsApp and encouraged each other to come along.”
- “I wanted a health check due to a family history of heart problems – it was really good to be able to do that today.”
- “An event like this helps to rebuild trust in the NHS. Lots of people in recovery don’t access healthcare routinely and have often lost trust. Coming to where people are is great – this can only be a good thing.”
Specialty Registrar in Public Health for NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Lucy Brennan said,
“The event has been a great success. I want to extend my thanks for all our partner organisations such as Oral Health Team, Weight Reduction Team, Quit Your Way, Men’s Sheds, Community Link Workers, Sexual Health Services, Terrence Higgins Trust, KA Leisure and Community Addictions teams who provided advice and support to patients throughout the day.”
“It is a fantastic example for accessible, community‑based health support really benefiting local men and highlighted the positive impact of bringing services together in one place.