Northampton Borough Council will be marking International Men’s Day on Friday 18 November by raising awareness of men’s health.

To do this the Council will be holding a health awareness event on the market square between 11am and 2pm. The event aims to encourage men to have regular health checks and if needed, to access the range of health services that are available to support them.

The Lowdown will be providing information about the support they offer to young people aged between 12 and 25 years old. Northampton Leisure Trust will be offering health checks and Changing Minds IAPT service will be on site to offer advice and guidance on accessing mental health support.

Visitors to the market square will also be kept entertained with performances by male choirs The Male Voice Choir and Singing for Breathing, and by taking part in some fun football sessions held by Northampton Football Club.

Cabinet member for Community Engagement, Cllr Anna King, said: “We’re pleased to be working with a number of local organisations to deliver an important event, raising awareness of men’s health.

“With men often experiencing worse long-term health than women, this event is a great way to encourage men to go to their GP for health checks and to access the many services that are available to assist them with any health or mental health issues. We hope people come along and take advantage of the information on offer.”