Young men’s mental health promoted by seminar on self-esteem

Research shows that mental health problems are among the most common forms of ill health in Northern Ireland with one in four suicide deaths occurring among those aged under 25 years.¹

These statistics were highlighted today at a seminar focusing on promoting young men’s mental health and self-esteem at the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Aldergrove, organised by the HPA in association with Action Mental Health and the Youth Council for Northern Ireland through the Design for Living Partnership.

The seminar was facilitated by Trefor Lloyd, Working with Men project, London, and attended by delegates from a range of backgrounds including health professionals, community workers, peer educators, social workers, and the voluntary sector. It aimed to provide a chance for these people to come together and share examples and practical ideas for promoting young men’s mental and emotional wellbeing.

Dr Brian Gaffney, Chief Executive of the HPA, said: “Mental health issues among young people, especially young men, have come under the spotlight with the recent increase in the number of suicides among this group. Underlying this and other health issues concerning young men is the need to ensure that they have access to information so they are enabled to make healthy decisions about their own health and wellbeing.

“This event aims to provide those who may well be the first port of call for young people with the opportunity to gain further skills in dealing with the experiences young people have to face as well as giving them the chance to share examples of good practice.”

Opening the seminar, Ian Walters, Chief Executive of Action Mental Health, further emphasised the point and said: “Young men, particularly those who feel marginalised and vulnerable, need to develop positive levels of self esteem and self confidence. This is imperative given the worrying trend of the increased suicide rate amongst this group. Research has shown that men with a mental health problem are particularly at risk."

He continued: “Action Mental Health endeavours to create an environment where young male clients can develop self-esteem and confidence. We appreciate and recognise the importance of the work and research carried out by today’s facilitator, Trefor Lloyd.”

Discrimination, conflict and violence can impact negatively on our mental wellbeing in the form of low self-esteem, social isolation, depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol misuse and suicidal feelings. Therefore, equipping young men with the skills necessary for survival in today’s world is incredibly important for their overall good health.

Dr Gaffney concluded: “It has been estimated that around one in five young people will experience mental health problems during their adolescence, many of which continue into adulthood."

Young men and self esteem is the last in a series of seminars focusing on self-esteem organised by the Health Promotion Agency in association with Action Mental Health and the Youth Council for Northern Ireland in response to evaluations from previous events delivered as part of the Design for Living Partnership’s programme of support for those who work with young people.

END

Notes to the editor

There will be a media facility on Tuesday 9 March at Fitzwilliam International Hotel between 11:00 – 11:30am when Trefor Lloyd, Working with Men, London, and Ian Walters, Chief Executive, Action Mental Health will be available for interview. There will also be an opportunity for photographs.

The Youth Council is the statutory youth body for Northern Ireland, its key functions are:

• To advise the Department of Education, Education and Library Boards and other bodies on the development of youth services
• To provide core funding and grant funding to regional voluntary youth organisations;
• To encourage cross-community work by the youth service;
• Advise government and others on the training of full & part time youth workers;
• Encourage European and International opportunities for young people and for those who work with them;
• To promote the benefits of the youth service and advocate on its behalf;
• Due to demand this seminar will also run on Wednesday 10 March at St Columb’s Park House, Londonderry.

1. Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. The Health of the Public in Northern Ireland. Taking Care of the Next Generation: Report of the Chief Medical Officer 1999. Belfast: DHSSPS, 1999.