Each week the Men Care Too Monday email highlights different topics or services relevant for men with a focus on sharing ideas or information for men in unpaid, informal caring roles. It is aimed at encouraging blokes to be more proactive, to stay informed, connected and active.
It is also aimed at showing organisations, service providers and groups that men will get involved, they will use services and they do want help and support at certain times of their lives but it needs to be done a little differently than how the majority of social supports are currently offered and delivered.
A look over the 2019 Men's Health Report Card produced by the Australian Men's Health Forum highlights a range of issues where health and social support services could work to improve the health and well being of Australian Men and Boys. The National Men's Health Strategy 2020-2030 also highlights the need for more male friendly services and initiatives across a range of population groups.
Men Care Too are calling on organisations, service providers and community groups around Australia to mark their calendars and start planning, with help from men in their community, events that are male friendly which will encourage blokes to learn about, and connect with their local services and supports.
This call also goes out to services that currently work with men, asking you to rethink how your programs and services are delivered to identify where, if any, improvements can be made.
The most prominent dates for male specific events to work towards are Men's Health Week (June 15th-21st), Fathers Day on September 6th, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month during September, Movember and International Men's Day (November 19th).
Plenty of other opportunities exist throughout the year to engage with men in the community through health awareness days and months by looking at the experience of men either with a condition/disability or those blokes who care for someone living with an illness or disability.
With an aim to educate and provide awareness of services or programs available your organisation or group can also get creative by hosting an activity to coincide with a significant sporting event such as the NRL State Of Origin, Supercars or AFL Grand Final.
For ideas and information about planning events aimed at men visit Men's Health Week and check out the variety of publications from the Men's Health Information and Resource Centre at Western Sydney University.