MEN... IF IN DOUBT, CHECK IT OUT!' Is the message from Albion in the Community about helping yourself to be aware of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of bowel, lung and prostate cancer.
In partnership with the Football Foundation, the Department of Health and the Men's Health Forum, AITC will help men aged 55 years and over living in the Brighton & Hove area to become more vigilant against one of the biggest threats to male health in this country.
AITC is using its considerable profile and expertise to head an innovative programme which involves the best of local practises, the Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, its supporters and the local community to combat the dangers of the targeted issue.
Using the club's brand, AITC will make it easier to access professional information, support and screening programmes to keep you one step ahead of the game.
The 'MEN...IF IN DOUBT CHECK IT OUT!' brand is at the forefront of the programme launched across the city and it comprises of:
• The launch of a poster and flyer campaign that takes the 'MEN...IF IN DOUBT CHECK IT OUT!' brand into the club stadium, local pubs, social clubs, supermarkets and GP surgeries.
• The distribution of beer mats around the local pub and social club scene with the BHAFC and campaign brands on in order to raise the awareness of the programme.
• The creation of pocket-sized information booklets that offer information including a DIY checklist regarding symptoms of the targeted cancers. They also show how to reduce your risk of contracting cancer and where to seek information, advice and support from trained health professionals in Brighton and Hove.
• The launch of a new dedicated website; www.ifindoubt.info, that offers information, guidance and support regarding bowel, lung and prostate cancer. The site also allows users to complete a simple home DIY symptoms test and has an online quiz where you can download a voucher for two free Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club tickets.
• Dedicated cancer awareness events prior to selected first team matches at; Asda supermarkets, mosques and with refugees and the homeless. There are data collecting questionnaires, information booklets and health professionals on offer to give practical workshops, health checks and advice.
• Finally, ex-club captain Charlie Oatway delivers an awareness session with the support of health professionals at Lewes prison, offering health checks and advice.
The programme, which has been rolled out in partnership with AITC's Health Department, uses AITC staff, NHS Health Trainers and other professionals to take the service out to the people of Brighton and Hove. The programme works strategically to target specific locations and venues for the over 55 male population where we can hold awareness events at:
Withdean Stadium
Albion hold dedicated cancer awareness events prior to selected first team home matches. Albion staff distribute the pocket-sized information booklets to arriving fans, while trained professionals from NHS Brighton and Hove are on hand to offer information and the chance to take part in practical workshops and 'Health Checks' alongside partner agencies like the Stop Smoking Services, Sussex Cancer Network and Sussex Bowel Cancer Screening.
On selected days, the club's hospitality suites and boardroom will display all the promotional material with health promotion staff on hand to offer extra information and support. The match day programme also features a double-page spread with links and contacts to the relevant support and information agencies.
Pubs and Social Clubs
Selected pubs and social clubs around Brighton and Hove were supplied with campaign posters, beer mats and handbooks to put on plastic display units on their bars which provided customers with information regarding the symptoms and risks of cancer.
Local Radio star, Jack the Lad, ran various pub quizzes at selected venues for the chance to win prizes such as free match tickets, signed merchandise and training ground visits. The questions included some about cancer awareness.
Coop Supermarkets
Brighton stores hosted awareness events attended by Albion staff, the club mascot and trained professionals from NHS Brighton and Hove. They were able to offer on-the-spot 'Health Checks' while campaign posters and handbooks were available throughout the store for added information.
GP Surgeries
The BHAFC branded booklets, flyers and posters were supplied to GP surgeries in selected wards to display in their waiting rooms. The aim was to get the target group thinking about the potential symptoms and risks of cancer while visiting the surgery.
Outreach
In addition to the events, outreach targets males over 55, individuals and groups in the community who suffer from health inequalities that may not be directly engaged in the awareness campaign. The outreach sessions include 'Health Checks'.
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