Welcome to M.A.N

M.A.N came into being  in 1994 through the efforts of a group of local men seeking to provide a safe space for men to find support with the crisis’s and life issues they were experiencing.

Initially meeting only as a weekly self-help support group, in 1996 MAN constituted as a charity.

The charities aim is “Promoting the Health and Well-being of men in the North West of Ireland" by offering advice, counselling and support in a range of issues such as Men's Health Education and Health Promotion, with the objectives of;

• Stimulating the growth of community self-help initiatives among men in the North-West Area

• Facilitating communication between men on issues relating to their health, well-being and changing role in society and to helping establish such facilities/services deemed necessary.

• Seeking to create new services to meet the current emotional, physical and mental health needs of men.

• Seeking to create pre-emptive support as well as active response to men experiencing crisis.

• Providing information on issues relating directly to men's health and well- being.

• Helping promote the holistic well - being of society through the participation of men in self- help groups which foster respect for both men and women equally.

• Working in conjunction with women's organisations and other relevant groups towards mutual understanding, social inclusion and equality.

In 1998 M.A.N secured it first base at 6 Shipquay Street, in 2006 we relocated to new ground floor offices at 2 Dacre Terrace. In 2011 we have begun the new year with a move to our new premises at 40 Carlisle road.

Our base offers the platform for further development of M.A.N’s range of community based initiatives and support services to men throughout the North West.

M.A.N offers proactive support to men in time of crisis and/or whenever an identified need requires it, safe spaces to explore voice and gain insight with the many life issues men face today.

A core element of our work is addressing the isolation men feel, isolation that can in times of crisis lead to serious life consequences like addiction, depression, and in some extreme instances suicide.

Fundamental to our work is an ethos of preventative intervention. This recognises and supports men and boys emotional, physical, mental, spiritual and social life experiences, aiming to develop greater holistic health and well being.

Helping us in our task we would like to acknowledge the financial support both past and present of:

• The Tudor Trust
• Lloyds TSB Foundation For N.I
• Big Lottery's Awards For All
• Derry City Council
• Western Health & Social Services Trust
• Workers Education Authority (W.E.A)