Voluntary and community organisations are being offered free health checks for men with the aim of improving the health and wellbeing of their volunteers. 

 The GO Men’s Health programme is run by the NHS across Halton and St Helens and targets local men.  Experienced people from the team would be offering men a short health check which lasts between 30-45 minutes. The health check includes a lifestyle questionnaire, tests for weight, height, Body Mass Index, Pulse, Blood Pressure and Total Cholesterol. These results will be explained to the individual and suggestions made to help improve their lifestyle. Referrals can then be provided into services dealing with exercise, diet, smoking, alcohol and mental health.

If you would like to know more about this opportunity, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

Free Town Centre Space

Voluntary sector groups are being offered free room hire for events, activities and courses in St Helens town centre. A social enterprise based in London which hires out empty commercial properties to the voluntary sector free of charge is about to take over and manage the former JJB store.

The property will be available on a short term basis until a new paying tenant is found.

 If you are interested in making use of this space, please contact Mark Swift at the Wellbeing Project on 01744 26444 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it who will pass on your details.

A self-help group to support people affected by suicide in St Helens, Halton and Warrington will launch this Spring.

Research shows that more than 50 local people lost their lives through suicide during 2009 and 2010 and the group will help support people who are affected by the loss of a loved one in this way. It is a partnership between the NHS, the Health Improvement Team and the charity 'Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS).'

The group will meet monthly for practical and emotional support. In the next few weeks, volunteers will be identified and trained to run the group. If anyone is interested in this opportunity, contact Andrew Perkins, Health Improvement Specialist on 01744 457297 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide nationally offer a confidential telephone helpline, support information, help by email and residential events. Further details can be found on their website www.uk-sobs.org.uk

If you have suicidal thoughts, contact your GP as soon as you can. Your GP will be able to give you details of local support and information. If your GP surgery is closed, you will be given the details of an out of hours doctor.  You can also ring the Samaritans 24 hours a day on 08457 90 90 90. Details of other helplines can be found at http://www.rethink.org/living_with_mental_illness/coping_in_a_crisis/crisis_and_emotional.html

St Helens LINk is holding an event to tell people about our work, and to celebrate Burns Night and Chinese New Year.

The event will be a chance to learn about what LINk does, what its transition to HealthWatch will mean and also take part in health sessions and find out about services locally. It will take place between 10pm - 4pm on 25 January 2012 at St Helens Parish Church Hall, St Helens. As this day will also be Burns Night and the start of the Chinese New Year, there will also be food, music and entertainment on a Scottish and Chinese theme. 

For more information, download the flyer below or contact LINk on 01744 457119 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

 25 Jan event (704 kB)