"This has been a wonderful opportunity for men in Kerry to meet with a range of health and community professionals in a one-stop-shop; ask the questions, get the information, avail of the supports, and catch up with one another too,” according to Michelle Foley, Health Promotion and Improvement Officer with HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, as she encouraged men to take positive steps in minding their health in the weeks after the popular Men’s Health at the Mart event.

The annual free awareness day took place at the Mid-Kerry Mart in Milltown in June, with men from across Kerry and beyond joining together to learn about the supports and services available to them.

Michelle highlighted the importance of meeting men in their own space to open up conversations around their health:

“The focus of this event was health awareness, prevention and increasing access to health and community services. Men of all ages - and those who care about them - came along on the day to heighten awareness around health issues.”

A number of different health professionals, service providers and community groups were in attendance at the Milltown Mart. One of the noted highlights was a lively performance from the Killorglin Men’s Social Club Choir.

According to Kevin from the choir, being able to check out the variety of stalls and speak directly with health professionals meant that it was a “very enjoyable day. It was great that our choir members could attend and avail of the services. Our members are all over-65 and so all the services that were there apply to us particularly. Killorglin’s Men’s Shed Choir are always happy to partake in any events that have an impact on people’s health.”

The event was organised by the Health Promotion and Improvement Department in HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, in partnership with Enhanced Community Care, Public Health Nursing, Community Work, South Kerry Development Partnership CLG, Killorglin Family Resource Centre, Social Prescribers and the Men’s Social Club in Killorglin.

Watch the participants share their experience on the day on YouTube.com