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With National Men’s Health Week taking place from June 15-21, the focus this year is naturally on the global Coronavirus pandemic and the impact this is having on men in particular.

Our health and wellbeing partners Paycare have passed on the following advice to help improve your health and wellbeing during this week and beyond.

It’s a well-established fact that men have traditionally been more reluctant than women to access professional healthcare support and are more impacted by conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

The rise of suicide rates has also been of particular concern year on year, and of course the spread of Covid-19 throughout the globe in 2020 has sadly seen more male lives lost.

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Life is stressful, busy and pressurised at the best of times. Throw in a global pandemic, a UK-wide lockdown, mass redundancies and company closures, childcare juggles, and the fear of catching Covid-19, and for many this will be the most stressful time they’ve ever been through.

And yet there’s a worry that men could be shouldering these extra burdens silently. Traditional gender roles which saw men portrayed as strong and not emotional sadly still resonate in some people’s minds and are thought to be one of the causes behind fewer males asking for mental health support.

Less than a third of the people accessing certain talking therapies are male, and yet men are three times more likely to take their own lives, with those in their late 40s are particularly at risk. In 2018, there was a significant increase for the first time in a few years and it would be heart-breaking to see Covid-19 claim even more lives through suicide in addition to those who have died from the virus itself.

That’s why it’s imperative anyone feeling stressed, depressed, or anxious reaches out and talks to someone – whether that’s phoning Samaritans, letting your family know, or setting up a video call to talk with your best friend. By discussing feelings and emotions more, we can work together to normalise more of these conversations — a potential game changer for the road to recovery.

Get to the doctor

While all non-essential outings are currently restricted, booking a doctor’s appointment if needed is absolutely essential and shouldn’t be avoided. This applies whether the issue is a mental health problem or a physical one. Research shows men visit their doctor on average four times a year – compared to six for women – and the pharmacy four times too – compared to 18 for women. Nine out of ten men also said they wouldn’t call their GP unless they thought it was a serious problem.

A good alternative, if getting to the doctor is an issue, is organising a video or phone call with a GP app service, which may be provided as part of your company’s health cash plan or plan policy. But if you haven’t got access to one, then looking after yourself by getting symptoms checked out by a professional face-to-face is of paramount importance.

Use your exercise time

We’ve been lucky that so far in the UK, we’ve been able to get outside and exercise as long as we’ve stuck to social distancing guidelines. A 30-minute walk can do the power of good to mental wellbeing, by boosting our mood, increasing self-perception and reducing stress by producing feel-good hormones.

You might not be running or cycling a marathon each night – and it’s absolutely fine if that doesn’t appeal to you – but if you’re able to get out and about for fresh air, even if it’s just once or twice a week, this will do wonders for your wellbeing and all-round health.

There are endless benefits to walking, including: it’s lower impact so kinder on your joints especially for those who have problems with their knees, hips or ankles; it boosts your mood and can even improve fatigue and depression; it prevents weight gain (and can help those looking to lose weight if done regularly enough); and it can improve your circulation and posture too.

Plus, it’s free, you can pop some music or a podcast on while you do it, and it can be a welcome break if you’ve been sat at a computer all day working.

Watch your waistline

Lockdown has not been the time that people want to think about dropping a few pounds or toning up for holidays that might not even happen – but lying on the sofa every evening eating and drinking to your heart’s content is bound to have a negative impact on your health and wellbeing, especially if the situation continues for an extended period.

We’re not at all suggesting that the occasional treat should be off the menu, but it’s worth noting that men are slightly more likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes (56%) and one of the best ways to avoid the condition is to manage your weight and eat a balanced diet.

Many heart conditions are also more prevalent in males. For example, abdominal aortic aneurysms (where the main blood vessel from your heart down your chest and abdomen swells) are six times more likely to happen to men than women, and again a balanced diet and healthy weight are recommended to reduce your chances7 of suffering with that condition.

Talk to your employer

If you’re working through the pandemic, either at work or your regular workplace, please open up to your boss about anything that they can do to support you. Is there a Mental Health First Aider in your workplace who you could talk to?

Employee Assistance Programmes are another popular service which can provide access to confidential help about a range of issues including financial, mental, and relationship worries, if speaking to your boss directly isn’t an option you’re comfortable with (plus it’s done over the phone so you might find it easier than talking face-to-face).

Fighting the urge to tell your boss you’re ‘fine’ when they ask and telling them truthfully about any work-related problems you’re coming up against during the lockdown can have a really positive impact, and ensure your organisation is aware of the challenges you’re facing – and most importantly, what they can do to reduce them.

Our first qualifying round match in the 2020/21 UEFA Europa League will be played on 27 August.

UEFA have announced that all qualifying round matches in the competition will be played in a single leg.

The draw for the round will determine whether our game will be played at Fir Park or at the opposition’s venue.

A date for the draw will be announced in due course. Once an opponent is confirmed, we will update supporters on arrangements.

Should the Steelmen progress, the second qualifying round will be played on 17 September, with the third qualifying round a week later on 24 September.

The play-off follows on 1 October, before the commencement of the group stage on 22 October.

Barry Maguire, Yusuf Hussain, PJ Morrison and Harry Robinson have signed new deals with the club.

The young quartet have agreed to stay for the 2020/21 campaign, extending their stays at Fir Park.

Maguire has played 14 times for the Steelmen, having made his debut against St Johnstone in April 2018.

The 22-year-old, together with Hussain and Morrison, are products of the club’s youth academy. Robinson signed earlier in 2020, having left Oldham Athletic.

“We have secured the four young players on contracts and I feel they will boost our squad,” said manager Stephen Robinson.

“Players know if they are good enough, they will get chances here, no matter what age they are.

“All of them have good attributes to hopefully keep improving, as well as pushing the players in front of them.”

Nathan McGinley is our third signing for the 2020/21 season.

The left-sided defender, who can play at centre back and left back, has signed a two-year deal with the club.

“Nathan is a boy I’ve wanted for a long time,” said manager Stephen Robinson.

“I feel he gives us real pace and athleticism in the back line. He is also very versatile and can play at left back and centre back.

“He is very composed on the ball and has real pace. He’s someone I feel that, if he can continue to improve, he can play at a high level.

“At 23 years old, he is a good age and already has good experience.”

McGinley, 23, was last with Forest Green Rovers in England’s League Two.

The Middlesbrough-born player made 47 appearances across the 2019/20 season, having made a further 45 on loan with the club in the campaign previous.

A graduate of Boro’s youth academy, the pacy player made one appearance for the club, and also played 11 times on loan with Wycombe Wanderers in 2018.

“I can’t wait to get started,” said McGinley.

“I’ve been up the last few days and got myself settled ahead of training with the boys for the first time, and I’m ready to get going.

“It’s a chance for me to come and develop my game further, and work with a coach in Stephen Robinson who has a track record of making players better.

“Obviously it’s my first experience of playing in Scotland. But I’ve heard so many good things about Motherwell and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Jordan White is our second summer recruit ahead of the 2020/21 season.

The forward, who was last with Inverness CT, adds to our striking options heading towards the new campaign.

“Jordan adds to our front line and brings a new dimension to what we have already,” said manager Stephen Robinson.

“He adds competition, gives us options and something we didn’t have last season.

“I’ve watched Jordan on numerous occasions and he is more than just a target man.

“He can run in behind and cause defenders problems throughout, as well as bringing others into play.”

White, who will wear the number 18 jersey, started out professionally with Dunfermline Athletic, making his debut aged 17 in 2009.

After early spells with Drogheda United, Clyde and Falkirk, his career took off with a move to Stirling Albion in 2012.

It was with the Binos in the Third Division where, after 36 goals in in 77 games, he earned a move to the second tier with Livingston.

His goal scoring continued, netting a further 31 in 86 before switching to Wrexham.

Illness curtailed his time with the club and, after a short spell at Barrow, he returned to Scotland to re-establish himself at Inverness, where he scored 25 goals over a two-year spell.

“I’m buzzing to get started and looking forward to the challenge ahead,” said the 28-year-old, who has signed a two-year deal.

“I’ve had to wait a while to get the opportunity to play in the Premiership and I couldn’t think of a better place to start.

“It’s a club that really excites me in the way they go about their business on and off the park, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.

“I’ve scored over 100 goals in Scottish football, and I’m determined to add many Premiership goals to that list and be a success.”

Our home kit for the 2020/21 season is here.

You can pre-order yours now online.

The classic claret and amber kit goes back to its retro simplicity and is based on the strip worn by the League Cup winning side in 1950.

As we approach the 70th anniversary of that victory, the claret band extends on to the sleeves once again.

Flashes of white on the collar and sleeves go with our white shorts, while we’ve also given a nod to an older style amber band near the top of the claret socks.

It’s a modern take on a moment in our history.

A sponsor for the 2020/21 season is still to be confirmed but will be added to the shirts prior to launch.

Ricki Lamie is our first new signing for the 2020/21 season.

The left-sided defender joins after two successful years in the Premiership with Livingston.

“Ricki is someone I’ve followed since watching him at Morton,” manager Stephen Robinson said.

“I believe he will add to our defence and can play in numerous positions, including centre back and left back.

“He gives us balance to the left side and has very good Premiership experience. He’s also a good age, with great enthusiasm to keep improving, which impressed me.”

Lamie is reunited with Declan Gallagher, his former defensive partner at Livingston.

The 26-year-old was previously with Morton in the Championship, having started his professional career with Airdrieonians.

He stepped up to the top flight in 2018 and made 60 appearances for Livi, scoring four times.

Lamie will wear the number four jersey in the 2020/21 campaign. His contract will run until the summer of 2022.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started and being part of the continued success of the club, on and off the pitch,” said the player.

“It will be a bit strange coming in to a new club given the present circumstances. But I’m excited at being able to meet up with the boys in training soon.”

We are offering partial refunds to 2019/20 season ticket holders who missed out on games through the curtailment of the campaign.

Four Ladbrokes Premiership home matches – two before and two after the split – were not played.

Supporters, if they wish, will now be able to claim back the outstanding value of their season ticket. This also applies to Flexi Ticket purchases.

A message from our chairman, Jim McMahon

“We have a duty to all of our supporters and season ticket holders. There will be no judgment on anyone asking for a refund. If individuals or families need this money, then they should apply and get it back.

“But we must be open about the financial impact offering refunds may have on the club.

“Should every season ticket holder claim a refund, the cost to the club will be north of £130,000.

“For that reason, we ask you please to consider leaving your money with us.

“As a fan-owned club, we are all aware of the realities that face us even in normal times. We do not have a rich benefactor. We are reliant on being well run and, ultimately, on ourselves as custodians of Motherwell FC to maintain its good health.

“We have introduced as many ways as we could think of in recent weeks to offer value for our 2020/21 season ticket. It is important to us that we do everything possible for you, the supporter, to thank you for your commitment.

“Having frozen our prices from the previous year, anyone who buys will be guaranteed the value of 19 home league matches, whether these are possible in the coming season or the one following. This will be applied as a credit to a 2021/22 season ticket, or given as match tickets for games in that campaign.

“Everyone who buys a season ticket will also get free live streaming of our home league games until Fir Park is fully open again. And we’re also giving every 2020/21 season ticket holder a free ticket to our first home UEFA Europa League match, should fans be permitted to enter.

“We have asked you only to buy a season ticket if you feel you can at this time. And we repeat that message with our refund offer.

“If you feel the incentives we have offered are good compensation, and can leave your money with the club, it will really help us plan for and cope with the difficult times ahead.”

Leaving your remaining value as a donation

Should you choose to leave your remaining value with the club, we have been made aware that we may be able to recover the VAT of any refunds not claimed, providing us with further necessary funds.

If you do not claim a refund before Wednesday 17 June, we will deem that you have given us your permission to attempt to claim the VAT back on your unclaimed amount, which may allow us to claim back around £22,000 to assist the club.

Claiming a refund

If you would like a refund, please email the following details to tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk and clearly mark in the subject line that you are requesting a refund.

The details required to verify your identity, in order for us to refund you, are as follows:

Name, customer number, address, seat details (stand, section, row and seat number).

Alternatively, please write to us with the same details and post your letter to Season Ticket Refund, Fir Park Stadium, Firpark Street, Motherwell, ML1 2QN.

We will then contact you as soon as possible after 17 June to verify your request and make payment.

The amount refunded will be 4/19ths of the total price you paid for your season ticket – or the proportional amount of Flexi Ticket games – and will be refunded to the card or bank you paid from.

Cash refunds will be administered in person where required when the ticket office is able to reopen in line with government guidelines.