Southern Area Men’s Health Group Showcases Its Services

The Southern Area Men’s Health Group in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council brought its annual health and services education event to Kilkeel on Saturday 30 March.

Professor Ian Banks, former GP and European Men’s Health Forum President, was the main speaker at the Kilmorey Arms Hotel, which also hosted 21 stand holders providing information on their services. The event was compered by broadcaster, Kevin McAllister.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin, who also attended, said, “I am delighted that Kilkeel got to host such a great event for the whole of the Southern Area. Thank you to the Southern Area Men’s Health Group for providing an opportunity for men to learn about the supporting services that are available to them to engage in healthier lifestyle choices, raising awareness of preventable health problems and giving a platform for men to come together and to talk.”

Sinead Hughes, from the Southern Area Men’s Health Group, said, “In Northern Ireland there is a growing awareness and concern about the gender inequalities in health experienced by men.  The Southern Area Men’s Health Group aims to support the development of new approaches to engage with and inform men about health issues and is delighted to support this event in Kilkeel in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. 

“To mark International Men’s Health Week (10-16 June 2019) everyone is asked to ‘Make the time. Take the time’. The aim is to do something realistic and practical that will make a positive difference to the health of men and boys. The big question is, are you up for the challenge? If so, find out more at: www.mhfi.org/mhw/mhw-2019.html .”

The Southern Area Men’s Health Steering Group was established in 2012. This group supports new approaches to engage with men about health issues, provides a forum for sharing information on local initiatives and identifies need in the local Southern Health and Social Care Trust area.