The object of the project was to raise awareness of health issues for men of all ages living in areas of social deprivation. The need was identified following the recognition by the local Primary Care NHS Trust that men are reluctant to seek medical help, ignoring symptoms that, if left unchecked, can lead to the development of serious medical conditions.

The project also sought to raise awareness amongst mainstream health organisations of the value of working with arts organisations and the potential of using comedy and the arts as a means of informing people about important health issues.

This case study describes how a partnership of health and arts organisations successfully used film and comedy to address men’s health issues in an urban area of high multiple deprivation

First phase: targeted young men between 14 - 19 years old and covered alcohol abuse, contraception, sexually transmitted disease. Messages were delivered through a short film and an education pack. Information was gathered through workshops, and consultation with teachers and youth workers.

The second phase targeted older men. Two stand up comedians led research workshops to understand men’s perceptions of doctors, illnesses and reluctance to visit their GP.

Their research informed the content of ‘Hurt Until it Laughs’, a stand up comedy performance which toured Leicestershire, sometimes with a nurse who held clinics. Jackson Consultancy independently evaluated the audience reaction.

Learning points:

Using comedy to put across an important health message was successful in many ways. It enabled the PCT to reach a notoriously difficult client group and hold their attention to communicate difficult issues effectively. The project successfully involved local people to identify local health issues.

The community.

A project worker was recruited to lead the project.

Leicester City Council
Mary Louise Harrison (Senior Regeneration Officer)

/10/2002

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Health