Men encouraged to stand shoulder to shoulder for Men’s Health Week

To mark Men’s Health Week this year (9-15 June 2025) the HSE, in partnership with the Men’s Forum in Ireland, will host a free public webinar on Monday, 9 June at 12 noon, and are encouraging everybody to sign up. Guest speakers include sports stars Bernard Jackman, former Ireland, Leinster and Connacht rugby player and Michael Darragh Macauley, former Dublin GAA player with eight All Ireland medals and currently Sanctuary Runners CEO.

The theme for Men’s Health Week (MHW) this year is 'Shoulder to Shoulder - Connecting for Health'. It focuses upon the importance of connectivity and helping each other - reminding everyone about the importance of not going it alone, that there are supports available, that men’s health is a team effort and that it is important to take small, simple and realistic actions within a supportive environment.

To support men, an updated ‘Action Man’ Manual has been produced - in both hard copy and as an online download at the Men’s Forum in Ireland website - mhfi.org. Males are encouraged to get a copy of this free booklet, which has been written specifically for men in all parts of Ireland.

Fergal Fox, Head of Communications & Stakeholder Engagement, HSE Health & Wellbeing says; “This year we are encouraging all men to reach out and make better connections which will improve their health. We want men to take practical steps to improve their own health and to support each other. Talking to another man or woman about your health can help a lot. The ‘Action Man’ booklet produced for MHW gives men the tools and DIY instructions to make positive changes.”

Bernard Jackman, former Ireland, Leinster and Connacht rugby player says, “I am delighted to be part of this year’s campaign. Having been involved in professional sports both as a player and a coach I know the value of good communication. The same can be said in health. It is important that men are staying connected with their own health, and also reaching out to others. Something as simple as a phone call to check in on each other could make all the difference.”

Colin Fowler, Director of Operations for the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, says: “When males play sport together, or work on a communal task, we know what is meant by men standing ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’. They are unified, strong, resolute, focused, supportive and connected. They give 100% and do the best job that they can. During Men's Health Week, everyone is being asked to put these positive traits into action, to connect for health, and to work together to support the health of men and boys on the island of Ireland.”