Big news is rolling into town, and it’s fuelled by the moustache. We are proud to present… the ManVan.

Big news is rolling into town, and it’s fuelled by the moustache. We are proud to present… the ManVan.

Did you know 2,600 men are diagnosed with prostate or testicular cancer every year in Wales? The incidence rate of prostate cancer is 25% higher in Wales compared to the UK overall*.

Working with our men’s health partner Prostate Cancer UK and leading Welsh cancer charity Tenovus, we’ve been able to bring the first ‘ManVan’ to the roads of Wales. We’re immensely proud to say that the funds raised by the thousands of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas in the UK are fuelling this project, and will provide this dedicated support service specifically for men with prostate and testicular cancer in Wales.

But what is the ManVan?

• It is a 38-foot reconditioned Recreational Vehicle (RV). It looks ace
• It has expandable side sections to accommodate lots of people inside
• It’s been kitted out with all the mod cons, so people can kick back on a sofa, and have a chat over a cuppa with those in the know
• It’s been given a slick lick of paint, so you’ll see it coming and won’t forget it anytime soon

There aren’t always the services needed to support men or their families following diagnosis and treatment, and the services that are available can vary between Local Health Boards, especially in the more rural areas. This is where the ManVan comes in. It will be driving the length and breadth of the country, providing men living in more deprived or hard-to-reach rural areas in the following:

• One-to-one counselling
• Couples’ counselling
• Group support
• Welfare rights advice
• A range of educational talks – also available for local health care professionals
• Lots of information for them and their families to take away

One of the fastest Mo Bros on two legs, Welsh rugby icon George North adds: “After joining the Movember journey and growing a Mo in 2013 I am really pleased to hear about this significant investment into men’s health in Wales. Whilst Movember is a bit of fun growing daft moustaches, it’s great to also know that our efforts are making a real difference. I encourage the men of Wales to make use of the 'ManVan' service and to continue supporting Movember’s vision to change the face of men’s health.'’

The ManVan will travel all over Wales, bringing its services to rugby clubs, football stadiums, leisure centres, pubs, factories, offices and anywhere else the services may be needed in the towns, cities and rural communities of Wales. In its first month the ManVan will be visiting:

• Llandudno
• Llangollen
• Kidwelly
• Carmarthen
• Burry Port
• Port Talbot
• Barry
• Bridgend
• Cardiff
• Merthyr Tydfil
• Newport
• Swansea
• Maesteg
• Newtown
• Aberystwyth
• Rhayader
• Brecon

If you have a suggestion for somewhere you would like the ManVan to visit, call our friends at Tenovus on their Freephone Support Line 0808 808 1010 or visit tenovus.org.uk/manvan

 

* Crude prostate cancer incidence rate per head of population