Stephen Bunting has encouraged men to be more open about their physical and mental health during a visit to the Men’s Shed Govan.
The popular darts star was speaking in Glasgow ahead of the BetMGM Premier League’s visit to the city, which will take place at the OVO Hydro on Thursday.
Every year, tens of thousands of men in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) put off getting the care they need until it is urgent, either because they don’t know where to go or because they’re reluctant or embarrassed to reach out.
It also comes as NHSGGC figures show that men are nearly 15% more likely than women to attend A&E as their first port of call rather than accessing the right care in the right place.
“It was really interesting to visit the Men’s Shed – it’s a great concept and is promoting the importance of health and wellbeing in men,” said Bunting.
“The Men’s Sheds can really help men to feel part of a community and that in itself is really important. If that can help to improve their lives as a result, it’s even more valuable.”
Stephen has spoken openly in the past about his mental health and how he nearly quit darts. Since seeking help, he has reached his highest-ever PDC ranking at world number five, won the 2024 Masters event and returned to the elite Premier League for the first time in a decade.
Stephen said: “For a long time I was reluctant to do anything about my own mental health but since I took the first step to get help my life is better and I’ve been able to turn around my career. Now, I’m in a great place and I’ve got all the support I need – and I’d encourage anyone to get help if they need it.”
Martin Haddow, Chair of the Men’s Shed, is a survivor of prostate cancer and, given the aggressive nature of the cancer, knows the importance of acting fast.
“It all started when I noticed I needed to pee more often than usual, and when I needed to go, it was quite urgent,” he said. “I also experience a slight weight loss and a few other things associated with prostate cancer, so rather than leave it, I sought immediate help from my doctor.
“I was referred to the urology department at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where I did the work – scans, blood tests, etc. When the results came back, I was told I had cancer, and it was aggressive. The urologist told me I needed to get my prostate removed, and if I didn’t, I would maybe live five or six years.”
For Martin, there really was no choice to make, and he opted to go ahead with the surgery.
“It ultimately saved my life,” he said – and because of that life-saving decision, Martin is encouraging all other men not to wait and to get checked out if they have any doubts about their health.
“Don’t put it off because you never know when it will be too late. Your health can’t wait. It’s as simple as that.”
Scott Davidson, NHSGGC Medical Director, said: "The Men's Shed in Govan is a really important resource for men to receive support and encouragement with issues affecting their health and wellbeing.
"Our data tells us that men are more likely to put off taking action about their health, and when they do, they often go straight to A&E without utilising the healthcare options within their community.
"That's why we want men to talk about their health and get the right care in the right place.
"Availability of easily accessible facilities such as the Men's Shed are also important in tackling isolation and loneliness and providing a sense of belonging within communities."
For more information about the Men's Sheds Association, click here.