Born out from Stream Street in Downpatrick, Downshire Hospital’s ‘Streamers’ Men’s Wellbeing Group were putting their shoulders to the wheel on Monday morning, as festive prep including woodwork, painting and spraying was well under way for their annual Christmas Fair showcase in December.
The men’s group, which meets every Monday, provides a safe space for craft, chat and connection amongst its members.
South Eastern Trust Senior Social Work Practitioner Niall Rotherham helped to establish the Streamers in 2022 and explained how much being a part of it means to the men that attend. “We were seeing a lot of guys coming through the doors of the GP surgeries presenting with social isolation and mental health difficulties and bereavement. We thought that this need could be met collectively via group work in a community setting, to address social isolation, therefore we co-produced The Streamers with some of our male patients.
“We started off in a community hall in the town and gradually moved up to the Hospital site as the guys had an interest in horticulture and crafts so that worked really well. It’s those skills in arts and crafts that have enabled us to make items to sell at seasonal craft sales.”
Niall added how the Monday meet up was a chance for members to celebrate International Men’s Day which falls on Tuesday November 19th. “This is a great group of guys and the Wellbeing Group provides that space for them to meet up, chat and talk to each other.”
Niall continued, “Statistics around male mental health are quite shocking in that 14 men complete suicide per day in the UK. One in five don’t reach the age of 65 and a lot of that is down to men feeling that they can’t reach out or express their emotions. That in itself can lead to deterioration in mental and physical health. The guys who attend know that this is a confidential space, that they can talk to us, to one another and we will do our best to help each other.”
Member of the Wellbeing Group Hugh Quinn shared how attending is of great benefit to him as it is, “About being around other people and being part of a team.”
“I’ve been coming to the Group for the past two years now, it’s great and I come on the Monday when I can. We go out as a group and we are in the middle of making Christmas crafts for our fair in December. I really enjoy coming.”
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