Men's Community Reference Group

Under the Auspice of Upper Hume  Primary Care Partnership

In 2004 we initiated a forum/conversation on men’s health - from that grew a dedicated band of workers the Men’s Community Reference Group who organised professional development with Andrea King from Burnside Health (73 people attended from aroudn our region), a successful men’s breakfast with Tom Hafey and undertake some research through a La Trobe social work placement. click on  Services for Men in Upper Hume Evaluation
February 2006.

The group continued to meet and discuss men’s health however have not met again since early 2007.  The Upper Hume PCP has held funds raised by this group (totalling $3800).  A meeting was convened on 24th June 2008 (see Notes of Meeting) with the purpose – to revitalise networking and plan how to utilise the $3800 to support Men’s Health and Wellbeing in our area.

The decision was made to utilise the funds for the greatest advantage in capacity building our workers and services that will impact on planning and delivery of men's health innitiatives in our area. 

• $800 will support the Family Violence network for a professional development and planning day 
  Behind Closed Doors will occur on 3rd of September at Lake Hume Resort.   0809_flyer_BehindClosedDoors_3sept08_Wodonga.pdf
  Note: Central Hume have a similar workshop on the 2nd Sept  contact Kerry Moylan k.moylan@whealth.com.au if interested in that date/event.
  
• $3000 will support a Forum on Rural Men’s Health – with guest speakers on proven and leading practice in engagement and programs to engage men.  This work will be led by Goulburn Murray AgCare  - Julie Dehennin and Rowan O’Hagan with the support of a small steering group of representatives from local agencies.    
  

Contact

Group Convenor:  none at present and Meetings are held - as needed.   
Judith  Tel  02 6022 8894   Email jmoore@uhchs.vic.gov.au

Background

During 2004 the Upper Hume Primary Care Partnership held a number of consultations around men?s health and wellbeing.  Identified was the need for collegiate support with planning and implementation of men?s health and wellbeing initiatives in the region.

The Men's Community Reference Group was formed of key agency workers and individuals from across Wodonga Indigo Towong and Albury.
The group meets quarterly or as needed.

Key objectives:

• To raise the profile of men within the community.
• Develop a data base of service providers within the Hume, Towong and Indigo shires, including Albury services.
• Become a reference group/information source for service providers.

Identified Strategies:

• to establish an overview of what individual communities have planned
• to assist in joined up planning
• to facilitate promotion of such events
• to develop future initiatives for men in our region

 Visit HumeHEALTH Men's page for additional activity in the Hume region.