MHFS have recently secured funding from The Self Management Fund for Scotland administered by the Long Term Conditions Alliance (LTCAS) to develop a project that will help a range of agencies to support men in effective self management.
There are over 1 million men in Scotland living with one or more long term conditions. There are numerous organisations, both in the Voluntary and Statutory sector working with these men. The Self Management for Men project will provide training, consultancy and support for these organisations to help them understand the specific needs of men in relation to self management, to better engage with men, and to provide appropriate services. We will also provide a range of web-based and written resources to support the ongoing development of their work.
This project will be delivered across Scotland.
What is a long Term Condition?
‘’A long term health condition is one of a prolonged duration, generally longer than a year that may affect any aspect of the person’s life. Symptoms may come and go. Usually there is no cure but there are often things that can be done to maintain and improve quality of life.’’ Long Term Conditions Alliance (LTCAS) www.ltcas.org.uk
What is Self Management?
‘’Self Management is a concept where the person takes ownership and is central. It is a process of becoming empowered to manage life with long term conditions. It is not an individual action, a specific treatment or service; neither can it be delivered by a single organisation. Self management is the successful outcome of the person and all appropriate individuals to deal with the very real implications of living the rest of their with one or more long term condition.’’ Gaun Yersel.The Self Management Strategy for Scotland. August 2008
Why gender is important.
Gender and masculinity influence how men relate to their health. The belief that being a ‘’real man’’ involves not talking about fears, concerns or not accessing support can often present barriers to effective self management. We know that in general men respond to illness and disability differently from women, and they may be less likely to access services. Therefore, gender and masculinity impact on how men effectively self manage long term conditions.
We know for example that between the ages of 15 and 64 men attend their GP practice almost half as often as women. We have to consider how to engage with men to better understand their needs and priorities. This will help in the delivery of services that can help men access the support that they need.
The Self Management for Men Project will share knowledge, skills and experience on what we know about engaging with men, the barriers men sometimes face, and ways that services can help to empower men in effective self management.
What will the benefits of the project be?
The overarching long-term benefit will be an increased capacity of all agencies in Scotland supporting self management to engage with men and respond to the specific needs of men, through improved awareness of the impact of masculinity and gender and self management.
The short to medium-term benefits for the agencies we will work with will be:
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an increased understanding amongst service providers, practitioners and carers of how men relate to and respond to long term conditions.
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an increased knowledge and understanding of how men access support for self management, and the barriers that men sometimes face.
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an increased understanding of men’s needs as people being cared for and carers.
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an increased capacity to engage effectively with men, and ensure services respond to identified needs.
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Improved access to services for men to support them in successful and positive self management.
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Increased capacity of service providers and practitioners to engage in a positive way with the broader equality and diversity agenda.
Through this programme of work we believe we can help bring about a better experience of self management for men in Scotland.
We would welcome, and look forward to, the opportunity of working with you.
Men’s Health Forum Scotland
Email: cara@mhfs.org.uk or duncan@mhfs.org.uk
www.mhfs.org.uk
T: 0141 550 7515 |
