Visit a doctor’s waiting room and it is likely to be full of women.

Men are renowned for their reluctance to confront their health. Even when they believe they may have a problem, they are hesitant in making an appointment with their GP and may not appear at the surgery until they are in significant discomfort.

This is being addressed during Men’s Health Week, which runs until Sunday.

During the week, males across the Bradford district are being given the chance to get their health checked out at mobile drop-in sessions.

Here, they will be able to chat informally about their health, as well as having a health MoT, with checks including blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index.

They can confidentially discuss aspects of life such as smoking, diet and exercise, as well as their emotional health.

Bradford District Care Trust is the only NHS Trust in the country to have a team dedicated to and specialising in the health of men and boys.

The seven-strong team, which includes nurses, community health professionals and a counsellor, offers advice and support, and encourages men to seek further help if necessary. In some cases, treatment can be given.

“There are many statistics backing up the fact that men don’t tend to go to the doctors, and when they do go they are in and out as quickly as possible, says team leader Andrew Harrison. “Often their partner will have encouraged them to go, rather than them going under their own steam.

“Men take for granted how essential an annual test of safety and road worthiness is for their car – we hope that in a similar vein men will look after their bodies, be proactive and not ignore any health symptoms they might be experiencing.”

Adds Merv Pemberton, the team’s community health improvement practitioner: “Historically, men have tended to bottle up their feelings. It is linked with being more macho, not showing weakness. We want men to take their health more seriously.

“Men shy away from mainstream health services like going to their GP, so we try to reach them wherever they are. They may have had a problem for a while but not felt able to talk about it.”

Over the past 12 months, the team has reached 10,000 men and boys in venues including community centres, sports clubs, workplaces, schools, even on the street. They work outside traditional health settings in an effort to make health less daunting. Services include a one-to-one full health MoT, which last between 30 and 45 minutes, or a mini version depending on the needs of the individual.

Workplaces have been extremely receptive, with 100 per cent take-up of the service at companies who promote it.

“The enthusiasm of the company is vital,” says Andrew. Bradford Council, HM Revenue & Customs, Incommunities and the motorcycle dealership Colin Appleyard are among local companies that have used it.

“It is an uninterrupted session, when the men do not feel pressured by time,” says Andrew, a qualified nurse. “It is about keeping men healthy, not only at work but at home too.”

“Some men will say: ‘I’ve got this, and is it okay for me to go to the doctors? They think they will be wasting their time.”

He adds: We don’t pressure anyone to go, but if they come for the check they must have a health interest.”

Adds Merv: “We sometimes make appointments for them, and we follow up sessions.”

The team visit both primary and secondary schools, working one-to-one with boys from age ten upwards, covering a range of issues.

“It could be around anger management, or bullying, raising awareness of steroid or drug use, healthy eating, exercise or family problems.”

‘Nomadic nursing’ involves the team hitting the streets to chat to men about health issues.

“On one occasion we came across a man with an eye infection who had moved here from abroad and was not registered with a GP,” says Andrew.

“We had a chat with him and arranged an appointment.”

Adds Merv: “We have spoken to taxi drivers and others who work long hours and don’t get the chance to go to their GP.”

Drop-in sessions organised by the team target different ethnic communities in Bradford and Keighley. “We have been to mosques after Friday prayers,” says Merv.

He adds: “We hope people will come along and talk to us this week.”

The men’s health checks are tomorrow in Asda car park in Shipley and on Thursday at Asda in Rooley Lane. Both run from 10am to 1pm. For more information, visit bdct.nhs.uk/ healthofmen, or ring (01274) 256075.