HEALTH issues are being brought out into the arena in the first major local conference of its kind - as it's subject is strictly men only.

The conference, It's Not Just Another Ball Game, will feature speakers, workshops and information stalls on all aspects of men's health, and is organised by the Chorley and South Ribble Men's Health Focus Group.

The Focus Group was set up in January by Health Promotion health visitor Jenny Kretz and youth worker Jim Rowe.

Jenny Kretz explained: "The conference will bring together people from industry, education, leisure services, the police, the prison service and social services to raise awareness, explore related issues and bring them out into the open.

"Our aims are to put men's health issues firmly on everybody's agenda, and not just keep it related to the health service.

"Health relates to a much wider field than just being physically well, such as the mental and social aspects.

"Matters such as fitness, drugs, alcohol and sexual issues have come up from youth work.

"Men's support doesn't go as deep as women's. For example with fitness, men will help each other out in the gym but this can turn into competitiveness and stress.

"Men find it more difficult to talk about their true feelings, and may not seek help from the various health services available. They find it more difficult to form support networks like women do.

"Men's health crops up in women's magazines so women become the gateway to men's health issues."

The conference takes place on October 31 at Wellington Park Conference Centre, Leyland.

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