HSE Health and Wellbeing, together with a range of partners, hosted a Men’s Health Webinar this week titled Minding Yourself and Others, with special guest Keith Donald, who has famously played with Moving Hearts, Van Morrison, Sinead O’Connor, Mary Coughlan, Christy Moore, and loads more. Lorcan Brennan from the Men’s Development Network was the host, and all speakers gave valuable inputs on the theme.
Fergal Fox from HSE Health and Wellbeing spoke about the work underway in the HSE and by partners to deliver on the National Men’s Health Action Plan, Healthy Ireland – Men (HI-M) 2024 – 2028, with new Programme Manager Dr Shane O’Donnell now on board and the recent convening of the Healthy Ireland Men Implementation Group. Fergal highlighted a growing momentum behind men’s health with new partners like Movember making a big impact with their publication in September of the Real Face of Men’s Health Report. He also highlighted some of the work that took place during the year, including Men’s Health Week, some of the podcasts that focused on men’s health, including farmers’ health, healthy masculinities, and one with Cliona Fitzpatrick from Movember.
New and increased HSE mental health supports for men were outlined in detail by Derek Chambers from HSE Mental Health. Derek encouraged attendees to share the HSE yourmentalhealth.ie/men website on relevant WhatsApp groups to support the dissemination of useful links and information. Derek highlighted the damning statistics around men and suicide in Ireland and outlined that their campaign targets men as they are less likely to seek help or speak to a friend or family member when in distress.
Special guest Keith Donald reflected on a challenging life in which alcohol had played a difficult part. Keith shared how he turned away from drinking and used creativity and writing, and music to support his recovery.
The panel discussion included Joseph Morning from SpunOut and Rebecca McLaughlin from the Irish Men’s Sheds Association. They shared some insights into their work and how they support men to look after themselves and others. Joseph outlined the Find Yourself programme that SpunOut has developed in the area of fostering healthier masculinities and their Navigator tool for finding the appropriate mental health information. Rebecca spoke about how the Men’s Sheds can be a very supportive environment, but that men need to take the first step of engaging with that support system.
The key takeaways from the discussion panel could be summarised as follows:
- Encourage men to check in on their friends and family and create a supportive environment for open conversation.
- Encourage men to acknowledge their feelings without judgment, rather than suppressing them. Showing vulnerability can allow others to show theirs.
- Set a good example by practicing self-care and encouraging others to do the same. Reach out to your friends and neighbours whom you may have lost touch with or with whom you could strengthen relationships.
You can watch it back here: https://youtu.be/Ta-X-Tabirc