Strong Support for Men’s Health Week Events Across the District

Men’s health was firmly in the spotlight during a series of events organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District’s Council’s District Electoral Area (DEA) Forums.

The events were supported by the Council’s Health Improvement Team and various statutory community agencies, with the focus on encouraging men to have regular health checkups and look after themselves.

Organised as part of Men’s Health Week, the Slieve Gullion, Newry and Crotlieve DEAs organised a series of health checks at Newry, Leisure Centre on 10 and 11 June. Advice on how to stay healthy and eat healthily was also available at the Men’s Fest event which provided an opportunity for people to connect, learn, take part in activities and have positive conversations about health and wellbeing.

The Men’s Fest brought together a wide range of organisations, community groups and service providers to promote wellbeing, social connection and support for men across the district, with invaluable help from Council partners, exhibitors, volunteers and funders. The collaboration helped create a welcoming and engaging space where people could access information, try new activities and build valuable connections.

The Downpatrick, Mournes, Rowallane and Slieve Croob DEAs, working alongside the County Down Rural Community Network (CDRCN), organised an event at Castlewellan Castle on June 11, while Downpatrick DEA organised free health checks for men over 40 who work for Creative Construction at its Ballynoe Road base in the town.

Delamont Country Park outside Killyleagh was the venue for health checks and other activities organised by Rowallane DEA on 18 June, with the Mournes DEA hosting free health checks and an information session at the Fishermen’s Mission in Kilkeel on 16 June at Newry Street Unite in the town on June 19.

Around 120 people who were at Castlewellan Castle were encouraged to take positive, practical steps towards improving their physical and mental wellbeing, with the event organised by CDRCN in partnership with the Council which also provided funding, alongside The National Lottery Community Fund and A.R.N. Foundation.

The event brought together local organisations, health professionals and community partners to provide accessible interactive advice, support and signposting, with Friends of the Cancer Centre delivering their “Talking Balls” session at the Castlewellan event helping raise awareness in an open and direct way, with participants taking part in a series of sessions focusing on drugs and alcohol awareness, mental health and wellbeing, nutrition advice and physical activity.

The strong attendance and positive engagement demonstrated the value of community-based events that place men’s health firmly in the spotlight during Men’s Health Week. CDRCN’s Jenny Laverty said, “it was positive to see so many men at the event and hopes it has encouraged them to continue making use of local support services and prioritise their health in the future.”

The Delamont event was hosted in partnership with multi-disciplinary health teams from Crossgar, Killyleagh and Saintfield and CDRCN, with participants taking part in a wide range of activities designed to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage conversations around men's health, with free health checks provided by a local district nurse who also offered practical advice.

The Rowallane multi-disciplinary team delivered men's health talks and introduced participants to Chi Me, encouraging gentle movement and highlighting the importance of maintaining both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Creativity and social connection were fostered through a willow-making workshop facilitated by Ballynahinch Men's Shed, while attendees also enjoyed a hands-on make your own pizza session delivered by Unit T, which proved to be a particular highlight.

The Delamont event provided an opportunity for men of all ages to come together in an informal setting, share experiences and access valuable information and support, with the simple message at the heart of the event - small changes, one step at a time.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, has thanked the DEAs and partner agencies for their support.

“The number of men attending all the events across the district demonstrated that they recognise the importance of looking after their health and wellbeing. Free health checks and advice on keeping well can make a meaningful difference. Men are often reluctant to visit their GP, but it is important that if they believe they have health issues that concern them, they need to seek medical advice. Diagnosing a condition at an early stage could make all the difference,” he added.