Men's Forum

Wednesday night the 20^th the M.E.N. (Men’s Engagement Network) held the forum  ‘The Next Step A New Focus On Men’  at the Gospel Centre on George main road.

In spite of the appalling weather 18 people attended and were treated to a range of interesting and entertaining speakers who spoke about the need for the Southern Fleurieu to step up its support of men’s health.

The two speakers who are men that attend the fortnightly Men’s Get Together spoke passionately about how this group has provided a space for them to engage with other men on a personal level where they have been supported to share their stories, their dramas and thier achievements. They delivered hearfelt stories of the need to engage with other men and their community.

Mark Miller GP from Goolwa delivered a brilliant, easy to understand view of men as whole beings and clearly identified aspects of men’s health that need to be addressed. This covers such areas as preventative health (addressing young men about lifestyle and media pressures) to , of course prostate health and prostate examinations.

One of the outcomes of this evening were the clear links of support being developed across the region for men. From the Men’s Shed currently operating out of the Encounter Centre, to the Dad and Kids group in Goolwa, the reforming mens carer group and many others. It was also a great pleasure to have Victor Harbor Mayor  …….. give a spontaneous talk about his own personal journey through some health issues and his ideas about the positive outcomes of men’s engagement and the roll that council might be able to play in supporting new initiatives.

The forum finished with the presentation of a constitution (and registrations of interest to be a member) for incorporating the M.E.N. into a body able to provide links and supports to all initiatives on the Southern Fleurieu that support the furthering of Men’s Health.

If you would like and information regarding the forum, or would like to be a member of the M.E.N or need any information regarding men.s health initiatives on the Southern Fleurieu contact the Southern Fleurieu Men’s Health worker on ….