It’s a way to reach men where they're already socialising, tell them about Men United - our movement for everyone who believes men are worth fighting for - and get them to have fun and raise a few quid while doing so.
The Men United Arms concept was born out of the realisation that we're more likely to engage men at risk of prostate cancer, and anyone who wants to support us, in social environments. We know pubs aren’t the only places we'll find groups of friends, but they’re a pretty good start.
We also know that many a new friendship has started in a pub. And we know men talk to each other in the pub. And you never know, once in a while, that could lead to a life-saving conversation about health.
Friendship
Back in January The Anchor Bankside, courtesy of Mike Tye, trustee at Prostate Cancer UK and chief executive at Spirit Pub Company, became the first incarnation of the Men United Arms for two weeks.
Here, we launched the latest phase of our campaign: ‘Men United: keeping friendships alive’ - which celebrates the uniqueness of male friendship and encourages men to do something great together to help beat prostate cancer.
Over the fortnight, events in the bar attracted supporters, new and old, to come and find out what Men United is all about. From comedy and music nights, a Q&A with scientists, a live broadcast from TalkSPORT and a good old pub quiz, we transformed the pub into a space where men gathered to have fun but with the purpose of fighting a disease that kills one man every hour in the UK.
Important
The London watering hole was quickly followed by pop-up Men United Arms in Widnes, Bristol, Exmouth, Ipswich and Newcastle. We are hoping that loads more pubs will follow their lead.
Our primary aim is to work with licensees across the UK to reach men on their own turf with an important health message – at the same time, driving new customers to pubs and providing them with entertainment they wouldn’t usually see.
We will send a range of materials, including beer mats, drip trays, posters and a ready made quiz to all licensees hosting a Men United Arms, and our PR team will support you in generating a buzz to promote your Men United Arms in the local media.
We know what starts with a quick 'hello', a chat in the pub or a barbecue with mates can end with a nationwide movement of men - ready to fight for their friends, themselves and men everywhere.
Support Prostate Cancer UK by hosting your own Men United Arms. Visit prostatecanceruk.org/menunitedarms for more information and to get involved.
Owen Sharp is chief executive at Prostate Cancer UK