Older Men’s Network holds national conference

The very first National Conference for Older Men’s Health and Well-Being at Liverpool F.C ‘s Anfield Stadium proved to be a great success.

In the small premises of ‘The Reds Lounge’ 85 delegates from all over the British Isles and some from the Netherlands got together for a day to share the good practice learnt from the Age UK National Older Men’s Fit as a Fiddle project funded by The BIG Lottery.

Speakers included representatives from Institute of Diabetes, Sporting Memories Network, Mental Health Foundation, Liverpool John Moore’s University, British Heart Foundation, Age Concern Central Lancashire, Age Scotland, Orchard Care Homes and the MSWM Society for former seafarers.

The presentations gave an insight into the important work done by the Older Men’s Network and the day was completed by a special guest appearance from former England and Liverpool footballer Phil Neal (pictured top with, on the right, event organiser Roger Jones of the Older Men's network) and a burst of comedy from award winning men’s health comedian John Ryan (pictured below).

Phil commented: ‘It’s great to see that there are organisations concentrating on older men’s health, It was at an event like this where I found out I had blood pressure issues and went to my doctor. Men don’t visit their GP enough but it is vital that this type of work continues to save men’s lives and make their lives better.’

Roger said: 'The Network goes from strength to strength and is constantly reaching out to work in partnership with organisations who want to make a difference to older men’s health and well-being.'