Streamers Men’s Wellbeing Group focus on mental health

Streamers Men’s Wellbeing Group focus on mental health

18 June 2025

MEMBERS of the Streamers Men’s Wellbeing Group based at the Downshire Hospital in Downpatrick recently downed tools and took valuable time out to focus on their mental health and wellbeing.

The group took part in a thought-provoking and practical workshop facilitated by South Eastern Trust health development specialist Ed Sipler. 

The session explored the importance of men prioritising their mental and physical wellbeing and introduced strategies to help maintain positive mental health, with the workshop was based on Ed’s work around self-compassion and the ‘Bend Don’t Break’ resilience-building approach.

Several group members reflected positively on the workshop, with one man commenting “men, we do not talk about our feelings enough, today was helpful to challenge this barrier.”

Another participant said: “I found it helpful taking time out to think about my wellbeing,” while others noted how accessible the content was.

One man said: “Ed simplified strategies to work on my wellbeing to ensure they were easy to follow and maintain. I found the workshop very useful, with tactics I can use every day in my own life.”

Senior social worker, Niall Rotherham, who supports the Downshire-based group, praised the initiative.

“The workshop gave the men a real opportunity to pause, reflect and think about what wellbeing means to them,” he said.

“It opened the door to honest conversations, which are often missing when it comes to men’s health. Supporting men to take ownership of their mental wellbeing is crucial and this session was a great step in that direction.”

The Streamers Men’s Wellbeing Group meets every Monday at the Downshire Hospital between 10am and noon and all are welcome. 

For more information contact Niall on 07971 334537.