East Belfast Community Development Agency

Each year activities have taken place in east Belfast to promote men’s health during health week.  Collaboration between the Health Development and Connections Programme, the Wise Men of the East Network and Willowfield Parish ensured that there was a great variety of events for men to participate in.

Older men can sometimes become isolated and inactive but you wouldn’t think that when they come together in groups to enjoy conversations reminisce and take part in some gentle physical activity.  The Network was able to draw on the support of eight older men’s groups and with over 50 men taking part in physical activities from Short Strand, Newtownards Road, Woodstock, Cregagh, Tullycarnet and Ballybeen and the week was a great success. 

The support of Men’s Health Forum, Public Health Agency and Belfast Trust to fund some of the events meant that there was bottled water, fruit and refreshments at each venue.  Connswater Community Centre provided Tai Chi session to promote movement and breathing.  Comber Greenway provided a walk for Tullycarnet Wisecrackers in glorious sunshine.  Willowfield Parish provided a whole week of activities including a BBQ and Walk as well as a Health Fair where there was advice and information about dental care, drugs and alcohol, cancer, volunteering as well as hair cuts, Turkish shaves and massage.  A number of men were successful in winning prize draws and won pedometer equipment, caps, books and vouchers.