‘Incredible work’ - Carlow fighting back against men’s mental health crisis

Communities in Carlow are fighting back against the men’s mental health crisis, the Dáil has heard.

Carlow-Kilkenny Sinn Féin TD Natasha Newsome Drennan criticised the Government for their role in the crisis during a recent debate on men’s health.

Deputy Newsome Drennan said: “When we read the stark figures on men's health in Ireland, they should be ringing alarm bells across the Government. The statistics we have are not just numbers; they are a national crisis.

“Every one of those numbers represents a family member, friend or loved one. Let us be clear about the reality facing men in Ireland.

“Men account for four in every five suicide deaths in Ireland. Men are 34% more likely to die from cancer than women.

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“Behind these figures are tens of thousands of men suffering in silence. The harsh truth is that Government inaction is accelerating the crisis.”

However, Deputy Newsome Drennan commended the work of local communities who are stepping up in wake of the crisis.

“Yet, once again, where the Government is found wanting, it is the local community that steps up.

“The most powerful example I have seen is the incredible work of the men's sheds across Carlow and Kilkenny. These sheds provide a unique and vital level of support.”

This sentiment was shared by another Carlow-Kilkenny TD, Fine Gael’s Catherine Callagan, who noted the work of Carlow County Council with regards men’s mental health.

Deputy Callagan said: “In my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny, I am proud to say that communities recognise how vitally important it is that we address the challenges facing men's health and well-being.

“Carlow County Council has been very proactive in this regard. It launched a farmers well-being initiative in 2024, which continues this year.

“This is highlighting the health and well-being challenges faced by members of the farming community.

“Last year, 340 local farmers were engaged in conversations on farm succession, will making, gambling addiction, time management and farm safety.

“It is important that men and farmers feel able to openly discuss their well being and their mental health as well.”

Deputy Callagan also mentioned the work of the National Centre for Men's Health, which is based in Carlow, and the Carlow Mental Health Association, of which she was a committee member for many years.

The two Carlow-Kilkenny TDs were speaking amid the announcement of a six-week mental health promotion called ‘Minding Your Wellbeing’.

In August, Minister of State with Responsibility for Mental Health, Mary Butler, announced that €2 million had been allocated for new counselling supports for men.

The funding will see over 15,000 free counselling sessions being made available annually for men, both in person and by phone.

The supports will be made accessible via GPs, the national helpline, and the yourmentalhealth.ie website.