Men’s Health Week – What’s your Picture of Health?
What is Men’s Health Week (MHW)?
Did you know that International Men’s Health Week always begins on the Monday before Father’s Day?
This year, MHW runs from Monday, 12 June, until Father’s Day on Sunday, 18 June. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is supporting Men’s Health Week by promoting men’s health relating to financial well-being.
What is the aim of Men’s Health Week?
Men’s Health Week aims to increase the awareness of preventable health problems for men – no matter their age. To encourage the early discovery and treatment of health difficulties.
This year the MHW theme for Ireland is ‘The Picture of Health’. The organisation has called to men (and those who support the health of men) to ask the question, what does that look like to you?
We often set unrealistic or impractical targets. However, this year, everyone is being asked to set themselves a simple goal to improve the health of men.
The celebration of Men’s Health Week in Ireland in 2023 is being funded by the Health Service Executive Health and Wellbeing and the Public Health Agency.
With the increase in the cost of living, most of us feel pressure on our budget. It may even be that we cannot meet our bills and loan repayments, and the struggle to pay our mortgage or rent is causing tremendous stress. We may have had to borrow to make ends meet.
The anxiety that these financial pressures cause can have a devastating toll on men’s lives. The good news, however, is that help is available.
Statistics
Although males make up about 50% of Ireland’s population, in 2021, just under 44% of those, who contacted MABS identified as male.  Figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicate that of those who died by suicide in 2019, 77% were male.  In the Traveller community, suicide rates are seven times higher for Traveller men than in the general population.
These figures demonstrate that it is vitally important for men, particularly vulnerable men, to talk about their health and social and financial well-being. These figures clearly demonstrate that it is vitally important for men, and in particular vulnerable men, to talk about their health, social and financial well-being. With continuous support and care, MHW has been running for 18 years, and we are hoping for it to run for many, many more.
Where can I seek help?
If you can speak to family and friends about your money worries, great. If you need to talk to someone who will listen to you in a non-judgmental and confidential manner, then MABS could be the service for you.
Maybe a man in your life is worried about their money situation. Reach out to them and tell them about the services that MABS offer. You do not have to be in debt to contact MABS or attend a MABS office. We can help you with your money management concerns and assist you with budgeting and planning.
Take this Men’s Health Week to support those men in your life who needs extra support.
Next Steps
If you would like some support, advice or help, please reach out.
You can reach MABS by calling our National Helpline on 0818 07 2000, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 8 pm.
You can find details of your local office near you by visiting Find a MABS office.
Disclaimer: While every effort is made to make sure this information is accurate and correct, we strongly recommend that you do your own research and make your own informed decision.
Note: We welcome references to and use of the content in this blog. However, please reference MABS and link said content if you choose to do so.
Other Supports available:
www.mentalhealthireland.ie/your-mental-health
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