Men’s Health

Men’s Health

“A men’s health issue is a disease or condition unique to men, more prevalent in men, more serious among men, for which risk factors are different for men, or for which different interventions are required for men” (Fletcher 1996)

Men, in Northern Ireland, experience a disproportionate burden of ill-health.

Many of the major health risks that men face can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle: regular exercise, a healthy diet, not smoking, stress reduction, and alcohol consumption in the moderate range – if at all. Regular checkups and screening tests can spot disease early, when it is easiest to treat.

So don’t be an average man — below are some useful resources and websites that we hope will be of benefit to you.

The Health Improvement Team manage the Belfast Men’s Health Group website and chair the Belfast Men’s Health Group.  This group is made up of staff from a wide range of organisations in the community, voluntary and statutory sector across Belfast who all have an interest in supporting the health and wellbeing of men and boys. Fun,lighthearted podcasts with important health and wellbeing messages are added regularly to this site with speakers such as Dr Angela Atalla (Consultant in Sleep and Respiratory Medicine) Vinny Hurrel (BBCNI TV producer and Presenter) and Finion Murray (Men’s Health Forum Ireland) to name a few.

Each year, Men’s Health Week (in June) and International Men’s Day (in November) is celebrated and we work in partnership with other organisations throughout the year to further raise awareness of the key issues. ​​​​​​​

E-Male Matters – Men’s Health Week 2024

Click for more information:  Men’s Health Week 2024 edition of ‘E-Male Matters’ – the newsletter of the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI)

We’re now only a few weeks away from International Men’s Health Week (MHW), which will take place from Monday 10th – Sunday 16th June 2024.  This week offers an ideal opportunity for everyone to do their bit to improve the health of men and boys.  The theme for the island of Ireland this year is ‘Know Your Numbers’ and everyone is being reminded that men’s health counts.  Full details on MHW 2024 can be found at: https://www.mhfi.org/mhw/mhw-2024.html

 

This edition of ‘E-Male Matters’ contains a lot of information about the week and the free resource materials which are available.  However, we only have limited quantities of these materials and they will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis.

 

Even at this late stage, there are many simple, free, and extremely easy ways to promote and celebrate the week.  For practical ideas, check out ‘What Can I Do To Mark This Week’.  Any and all support that you can offer will be gratefully received!

 

Please note that supplies of hard copy MHW resources are already running low due to high demand and, when they’re gone, they’re gone!

Local Champions from Northern Visions NvTv on Vimeo.                                       To celebrate International Men’s Day this year the Belfast Trust Health Improvement Team along with the Belfast Men’s Health Group have teamed up with Northern Visions TV to record LOCAL CHAMPIONS. This is a collection of stories about local men, how they have overcome adversity in their lives and are now giving back to their local communities. Enjoy these inspiring stories of Champions and remember regardless of gender, it is important to prioritise your health and seek help if you need it.

Interview with Prof Joe O’Sullivan, Cancer Centre, BHSCT, about his interests in men’s health, and also playing some music.

Our Podbean Channel is https://belfastmenshealthgroup.podbean.com/

 

Mens Cancer Group

                            

Macmillan Move More Belfast in partnership with Connected Community Care for Cancer and East Belfast Community Development Agency are delighted to introduce a new Men-Only programme.

This Men’s-only programme will be an opportunity for Men who have or have had a cancer diagnosis to participate in physical activity sessions led by trained cancer rehab and exercise professionals in a supportive environment with other men who are going through their own cancer journey.

At the end of each session there will be tea and coffee provided and time to sit and chat. There will also be additional cancer support and information provided from external partners who can assist with, sign post or refer for any financial, emotional or practical support following a cancer diagnosis. There will also be an opportunity to find out about other programmes and groups available within the local community.

Anyone who participates will be able to avail of 12 weeks free membership to the Better Belfast Leisure centers with unlimited and inclusive access to all 14 Better Leisure centers followed by significantly subsidized memberships.

This programme will commence on Thursday 24^th March and will take place in Avoniel Leisure Centre from 12-2pm and will run every Thursday  thereafter.

Referrals can be made from any HCP or self-referral at any point following a cancer diagnosis.

 

For more information or to make a referral please contact:

Claire Murphy

Macmillan Move More Coordinator, Belfast

Tel: 07788 421987

Email: Claire.murphy2@gll.org

 

July Update P.A.C.E Programme Group Flyer