Men are being encouraged to check in with friends and make time for meaningful conversations as part of International Friendship Day (July 30).
This comes following a report Movember’s Real Face of Men’s Health* which found that 50% of the Irish public believe that young men are becoming increasingly disconnected from Irish society.
The report also identified several pressures facing young men today, including 23% struggling to ask for help, while a further 21% mention loneliness or a loss of connection.
It also stated that there is a strong public support for a much more open conversation about issues which affect young men on a national level. 71% of people have said that a bigger discussion around male loneliness and isolation is needed.
It is also calling on men to be more open with each other about their lives.
In a statement, County Director for Movember Ireland, Sarah Ouellette said: “International Friendship Day is an important opportunity to recognise the value of male friendship and social connection. The findings from the Real Face of Men’s Health report show that too many men are experiencing loneliness, disconnection and difficulty asking for help. Movember is encouraging men to contact a friend, ask a meaningful question and take the time to listen. These everyday conversations can make a real difference to men’s health and wellbeing".
Movember have said that today's occasion of International Friendship Day is an important reminder of the role that friendship, social connection and regular conversations can play in supporting men's mental health and well being.
For more information, visit Movember.ie where you can find supports and tips on how to have such meaningful conversations.
