Praise heaped on Strabane’s ‘Movement for Men’ initiative

AN initiative aimed at improving men’s well-being and health has received glowing praise from one of its members.

Antaine O Fearghail, has been a member of ‘Movement For Men’ almost since the group’s inception some six weeks ago and cannot speak highly enough of it.

‘Movement For Men’ takes place every Friday from 10- 11am at the centre on Fountain Street.

Antaine explained, “I was given the heads-up about the programme by a friend, so I went along to see what it was all about.

“Although I had missed the first week, I was immediately made to feel absolutely welcome by everyone involved. It’s a wonderful outlet for men to come and meet each other, play a few games, get some exercise, have a bit of banter and a wee cuppa afterwards. It’s brilliant for interaction, whether it’s meeting people you know or people you’ve just seen about the town and haven’t spoken to. I’ve made new friends there and reconnected with old ones.

“There are loads of men there who may have different health issues and the programme is an excellent place to allow the men the opportunity to talk through any problems they may have. There’s a vast wealth of knowledge which runs through the group so if anyone has any questions about a subject, you can be sure someone will be on hand with an answer.

“It’s not all talking. We get to play games, usually bowls or cosh and it’s always great craic. There’s a real competitive streak that runs through the games as well, but it’s all a bit of fun and camaraderie.”

As well as the social aspect, Antaine stressed the physical and health aspects are just as important.

“The exercises we do are a significant help. I’m not as fit as I used to be and, getting older, there are limbs and, muscles which seize up and don’t get the same exercise they used to.

“Luckily, Liam Sweeney who runs the exercises, is on hand to put people through their paces with gentle exercises. If you want to maintain your fitness, there’s no better man than Liam.

“I suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and colitis, and I have to say, the stomach exercises are a massive help for my condition.”

Antaine says he will maintain the friendships he has made throughout his time in the programme and is looking forward to more opportunities.

“The programme has a great bunch of people, and we are all firm friends now, intending to keep up the friendships after the programme finishes. We’re even talking about a WhatsApp group.

“I can’t praise project co-ordinator Aodhan Harkin and Liam Sweeney enough. They have given a lot of men who might be feeling lonely or just want the craic, the opportunity to come together and bond. If more programmes like this come up in the future, I will certainly be a part of it.”

The programme of activities is run by the Fountain Street Development Association via Department for Communities Neighbourhood Renewal funded project who have been working in partnership with the Public Health Agency to deliver the programme.