To mark Men’s Health Week, the Streamers Men’s Wellbeing Group in the Downshire Hospital downed tools and took valuable time out to focus on their mental health and wellbeing.
The group took part in a thought-provoking and practical workshop facilitated by South Eastern Trust, Health Development Specialist, Ed Sipler. The session explored the importance of men prioritising their mental and physical wellbeing and introduced strategies to help maintain positive mental health. The workshop was based on Ed’s work around self-compassion and the ‘Bend Don’t Break’ resilience-building approach.
Several group members reflected positively on the workshop, with one man commenting, “As men, we do not talk about our feelings enough, today was helpful to challenge this barrier.”
Another participant said, “I found it helpful taking time out to think about my wellbeing,” while others noted how accessible the content was “Ed simplified strategies to work on my wellbeing to ensure they were easy to follow and maintain.
“I found the workshop very useful, with tactics I can use every day in my own life.”
Senior Social Worker, Niall Rotherham, who supports the group, praised the initiative and added, ““The workshop gave the men a real opportunity to pause, reflect and think about what wellbeing means to them. It opened the door to honest conversations, which are often missing when it comes to men’s health. Supporting men to take ownership of their mental wellbeing is crucial and this session was a great step in that direction.”
The Streamers Men’s Wellbeing Group meets every Monday at the Downshire Hospital from 10am-12noon, all are welcome. For more information contact Niall on (07971) 334 537.