Glasshouse targets Government on men's health

Kate Magee 08-May-08

The Glasshouse Partnership is working with two charities to urge the Government to review how sport can better aid public health strategy.

The sports specialist agency has been handed an account with the Men's Health Forum and the Federation for Stadium Communities.

It will work with the charities to put pressure on the Government, the sports industry and public health policymakers to develop a national strategy to use sport to improve men's health.

The charities believe that more than 120,000 British men are dying prematurely each year, and that more can be done to use the influence of sports and sports stadia to improve men's health.

The agency is handling an online consumer consultation to collect men's views on health issues. It is advertising the consultation in stadia and will manage blogging outreach to fans on club forums.

In September, when the football season kicks off, the agency will lobby MPs, senior policymakers and civil servants.

The charities are holding a symposium on 30 October to discuss men's mental, sexual and physical health and diet. The objective of the symposium will be to identify areas for further research, policy and practice development.

The Glasshouse Partnership was established by former Edelman CEO James Thellusson.