Heidelberg Hospital launches forum to address men’s health and social challenges

Heidelberg Hospital officially launched its long-anticipated Men’s Health Forum on October 30, marking an important step towards creating a platform where men can openly discuss issues affecting their well-being and their roles in society.

The launch brought together various stakeholders who shared messages of support and emphasised the importance of empowering men through collaboration, information-sharing and meaningful engagement.

Jones Mashala, Gauteng provincial chairperson of the Men’s Health Forum Programme, said the forum aims to challenge negative perceptions about men while creating opportunities for them to build relationships and address challenges affecting their lives.

“Society often calls us by derogatory terms, but that is not our identity as men in the Men’s Health Forum. We established this forum to highlight the role of men in society and provide a platform where men can develop different types of working relationships.

“We have different stakeholders because we need to understand the developments happening around us. We also work together with non-governmental organisations to address issues affecting men, as these challenges do not only originate in the workplace but also within our homes,” he said.

The initiative also supports fundraising efforts for these organisations. Key issues addressed by the forum include gender-based violence, men’s rights, financial wellness, spiritual wellness, social challenges affecting men and labour relations.

The initiative seeks to encourage men to speak openly about their challenges, support one another and become active participants in addressing social issues affecting their families and communities.

The forum’s launch is expected to strengthen engagement among men and stakeholders while promoting a supportive environment that prioritises men’s health, development and well-being.