Men's health in focus across the district

Men's health was the focus of a series of events organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's District Electoral Area Forums for Men's Health Week. The Slieve Gullion, Newry and Crotlieve DEAs organised health checks at Newry Leisure Centre earlier this month, alongside a Men's Fest event offering advice on staying healthy and eating well.

The events were supported by the Council's Health Improvement Team and a number of statutory and community agencies, with the aim of encouraging men to attend regular health checkups and look after themselves. The Men's Fest brought together a range of organisations, community groups and service providers to promote wellbeing, social connection and support for men in the district, with help from Council partners, exhibitors, volunteers and funders. The event created a space where people could access information, try new activities and build connections.

Other events took place across the wider district during the week. The Downpatrick, Mournes, Rowallane and Slieve Croob DEAs, working alongside the County Down Rural Community Network, organised an event at Castlewellan Castle, while the Downpatrick DEA organised free health checks for men over 40 working for Creative Construction at its Ballynoe Road base. Delamont Country Park outside Killyleagh hosted health checks and other activities organised by the Rowallane DEA while the Mournes DEA held free health checks and an information session at the Fishermen's Mission in Kilkeel and at Newry Street Unite in the town.

Around 120 people attended the Castlewellan Castle event, which was organised by the County Down Rural Community Network in partnership with the Council, with funding also provided by the National Lottery Community Fund and the A.R.N. Foundation. The event brought together local organisations, health professionals and community partners to provide accessible advice, support and signposting. Friends of the Cancer Centre delivered their Talking Balls session at the event, while participants took part in sessions on drugs and alcohol awareness, mental health and wellbeing, nutrition advice and physical activity.

Jenny Laverty of the County Down Rural Community Network said it was encouraging to see the level of attendance. "It was positive to see so many men at the event," and said she hoped it would encourage them to continue making use of local support services and prioritise their health in the future.

The Delamont event was hosted in partnership with multidisciplinary health teams from Crossgar, Killyleagh and Saintfield and the County Down Rural Community Network, with free health checks provided by a local district nurse who also offered practical advice. The Rowallane multidisciplinary team delivered men's health talks and introduced participants to Chi Me, encouraging gentle movement and highlighting the importance of physical and emotional wellbeing. Attendees also took part in a willow making workshop facilitated by Ballynahinch Men's Shed, while a hands on make your own pizza session delivered by Unit T proved to be a particular highlight.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna, 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."