Turn words into action with Man Matters

Over the past four years, during Men’s Health Week, Man Matters in partnership with Sure Start have organised and ran very successful family oriented events centred on the themes of men’s health and fatherhood.

The theme for Men’s Health Week 2013 is Action Men! Turn Your Words Into Action.

Each year during Men’s Health Week and before Father’s Day teams of dads from Sure Start groups across Northern Ireland compete for the coveted ‘Sure Start United Annual Shield’. While the dads are playing football the kids are entertained on bouncy castles, by magicians, face painters, archery and a host of other fun activities Hundreds take part annually..

On a more serious note, the event provides opportunities for men to access health information including basic health checks, advice on emotional health, advice on addiction as well as other information such as continuing and adult education and parenting advice.

This year the event will be held in the City Life Centre on Northumberland Street, Belfast. In addition to the five-a-side football competition for the dads, the dads and their kids will be able to take part in a Mini-Olympic games. This will include events such as foam javelin throwing, pizza box curling and a mini-marathon with medals for every contestant. There will even be a gymnastics display by the male gymnasts from Abbey Gymnastics.

A spokesman for Man Matters added that with the venue for the event being situated right on the line between the Falls and the Shankill, this event brings people together from across Northern Ireland. It brings them together to celebrate what is good about men, their families and our communities, having fun and doing something everyone enjoys while promoting good health and wellbeing, sport and community values.