Student Services in collaboration with the Center for Digitally Enhanced Learning (CDEL) at the University of Wales, Newport have developed and launched a website to provide advice and support on men’s health issues http://bit.ly/NewUMENResearch indicates that many men choose to try and sort out problems themselves before speaking to others, either formally or informally, frequently using online resources to access information.
The site is intended to be a useful starting point for information in the three keys areas of physical health, psychological health and general lifestyle issues.
Designed for male staff members at the University, the site has been developed by Counsellor Jenny England, Senior Nurse Jan Griffiths and with technical support from The CDEL Curriculum Developer, Lyndsey Muir.
The development of the site follows on from the success of a similar website which was launched some months ago at the University, this one aimed at providing students with advice and support on men’s health issues: http://bit.ly/NewUStudent
Jan Griffiths, Senior Nurse at the University of Wales, Newport, said:
“Research indicated that men are commonly likely to use the internet to access information about problems, before meeting with services such as a Counsellor, GP or Nurse.
“Research indicated that men are commonly likely to use the internet to access information about problems, before meeting with services such as a Counsellor, GP or Nurse.
We felt it may reduce stigma if information about crisis, suicide and mental health issues were embedded within a more general support website. A key benefit of a website of this kind is that a person feeling desperate and alone could access support and information at any time.”
The website covers a range of subjects which can then signpost people to established websites for more detailed information. We have used humour and video clips to make it more engaging".
Jenny England, a Counsellor at the University, added:
“We hope that this site will prove to be a useful resource to male staff of all ages, whether they are just looking for some general information on an issue or if they need to reach out for help when they feel there is nowhere else to turn.
“We hope that this site will prove to be a useful resource to male staff of all ages, whether they are just looking for some general information on an issue or if they need to reach out for help when they feel there is nowhere else to turn.
The website means that men can access information privately at any time, day or night.
We are very keen to hear how people find the website and welcome comments, we have put a feedback form within the website so would be thrilled if people could let us know their thoughts.”
The websites have also started to rouse international interest with The Georgetown University in Washington DC contacting us asking us if we would like to collaborate with them in some way on a similar project they are doing http://online.nursing.georgetown.edu/spotlight-on-mens-health/Erica Moss, Community Manager, Nursing@Georgetown contacted us saying
"I stumbled upon your Men's Wellbeing site recently, and find it to be a great resource for those seeking more information about this important issue. Education will be key to improving the state of men's health."
