East Belfast Community Development Agency

EBCDA's Health Development and Connections Programme collaborated with the Wise Men of the East Network (WMEN) to facilitate a workshop on the 'Making of Men' in Dee Street Community Centre on Thursday 25 March 2010.

Men's role in the community is often defined in very negative terms but as the contributions from local men's groups showed there is now an increase in the number of men prepared to also highlight their shared positive work.  Collaborations  between  local community men's groups, the voluntary and academic sector, to dialogue over health issues and improve access to services is going on at an impressive level in east Belfast.

Dr Ken Harland from the University of Ulster outlined how the way society is structured around the economic value of individuals has disadvantaged men with the disappearance a community 'rites of passage' so necessary for men to grow and development as emotionally mature members of society.   He posed a number of reflective questions and facilitated discussions, providing examples of how the mortality and morbidity of men is in freefall.  Men clearly enjoyed reflecting on images of Belfast heroes and villains describing as it did the ever changing and shifting role men have played in the past and the present.

Evaluations of the session demonstrated a need to the WMEN to continue this dialogue and to provide opportunities for groups to be supported effectively to become mentors in their community.

Visit www.wise-men.org.uk/ for more information.