Working in partnership with the Chestnut Appeal for men’s health

The Alliance is committed to working in partnership with the many great community organisations across Devon who do so much to support people facing challenges around their mental wellbeing, even if this isn’t their explicit aim. A great example of this is the Chestnut Appeal, an organisation founded in 1999 at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth which has gone on to be at the forefront of prostate cancer care across the region, providing a vital space for men to talk about their health.

David Squires, Events & Campaigns Manager, provides further information about the charity:

“The Chestnut Appeal supports the very latest in treatments and technology that wouldn’t be available without community fundraising, and we rely on donations from the public.

The core of our work is to raise awareness of prostate cancer and funds for prostate cancer patients. We also raise awareness of testicular cancer and penile cancer. We believe it is vital to get more men talking about their health and taking action when they feel like something could be wrong.

We run a support group for prostate cancer patients, the aim of which is to support each other and provide a safe space to talk through shared experiences. The group is patient-led and is a great opportunity for men and their partners to meet other people from across the region who are going through, or have gone through, the same procedures.

The group aims to get out and about, and recent trips to the Box museum and the Devonshire Health Club have proved very popular. We were also delighted to be able to offer the group a stadium tour at Plymouth Argyle.”

Some of the group’s members on the Plymouth Argyle stadium tour

Although the organisation’s work is primarily focused on physical health conditions, David and his colleagues see mental health and wellbeing as a central component of the support they provide to local men:

“Men often find it difficult to talk about their health, but within the support group there is the opportunity to chat over a coffee with those who are in a great position to help and offer support.

Despite not being able to meet in person during the pandemic, an opportunity arose to hook up with a number of guest speakers from across the UK, who talked about a variety of issues from the latest prostate cancer treatments, patient-led initiatives, and wellbeing when receiving a cancer diagnosis.

Men’s health in the region needs to be continually talked about. We need to make sure that the South West corner of the UK isn’t forgotten and that we’re able to attract the very best technologies to the area.”

The Chestnut Appeal recently organised a PSA testing evening at the Green Taverners Suite in Plymouth, aimed at men who might be most at risk of prostate cancer, including those aged 45–60 years. 220 people attended.

Several of the Alliance’s members have collaborated with the Chestnut Appeal over recent months, and the Alliance is looking forward to challenging the team in a football match organised to raise vital funds for men’s health.

For further information on the Chestnut Appeal, including the amazing programme of fundraising events they run, visit chestnutappeal.org.uk.