Rural Men’s Outreach Project

Working to address issues of social isolation among men living in rural parts of South Kerry

Rural Men’s Outreach Project

 

The Rural Men’s Outreach Project provides outreach support to rural men across South Kerry who are feeling isolated, lonely and at the risk of or experiencing mental health issues.  This project also recognises that the COVID-19 restrictions can make it more difficult for people to meet as they normally would, for example, at marts, Men’s Sheds, community centres etc.

This project is led by South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP) with support from Healthy Ireland and the Community Mental Health Fund through Kerry LCDC.  The role of the Rural Men’s Outreach Officer is to contact men living in rural parts of Kerry, i.e. Kenmare, South Kerry, Mid Kerry, Annascaul and Killarney, to discuss with them the best way forward to address their mental health issues and to tackle the isolation and social exclusion they experience.

Normally, the Rural Men’s Outreach Officer would help men in South Kerry to join and attend the local Men’s Sheds, a local voluntary organisation or sports club, South Kerry rural men’s outings, Kerry ETB adult education training courses, Social Farming and more.

The Rural Men’s Outreach Officer is continuously looking to make contact with men living alone in rural parts of South Kerry to find out if there is anything they need help with and, where COVID-19 restrictions allow, to plan local outings such as walks on the beach. 

To find out more or if you think you know someone in your own local area that is living alone and would need help with something or a visit from the Rural Men’s Outreach Officer for a chat, don’t hesitate to contact DJ Moran at SKDP on 087 7473404 or email djmoran@skdp.net

 

The Community Mental Fund supported by the Department of Health