Natasha Newsome Drennan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)

When we read the stark figures on men's health in Ireland, they should be ringing alarm bells across the Government. The statistics we have are not just numbers; they are a national crisis. Every one of those numbers represents a family member, friend or loved one. Let us be clear about the reality facing men in Ireland. Men account for four in every five suicide deaths in Ireland. Men are 34% more likely to die from cancer than women. Behind these figures are tens of thousands of men suffering in silence. The harsh truth is that Government inaction is accelerating the crisis.

Yesterday, I telephoned my GP for an appointment. I was told it would take 20 days just to see a nurse, with the wait list for the GP even longer. Let us imagine a young man struggling with anxiety or depression who finally gathers the courage to ask for help. For him, a delay like this is not just an inconvenience. It can be lethal.

Yet, once again, where the Government is found wanting, it is the local community that steps up. The most powerful example I have seen is the incredible work of the men's sheds across Carlow and Kilkenny. These sheds provide a unique and vital level of support. In the Ferrybank men's shed, I witnessed a warm and welcoming environment for older men with disabilities while I was working with the Brothers of Charity. The Tullow men’s shed has a diverse mix of nationalities sharing a wealth of life experience. In Thomastown, the men's shed runs a fantastic shop that breathes new life into old furniture, giving the men a profound sense of joy and achievement in their labour. It is where I have picked up many bits and pieces over the years for my own family home.

Beyond the projects, there is one constant, and that is the role of the kitchen, the hub where men gather to have a chat and a cup of tea, and talk about life, the struggles they may be facing and the advice they can share. It is a space that goes far beyond its core purpose. The Castlecomer men's shed and so many other men’s sheds across Carlow and Kilkenny take on project after project where the support goes beyond supporting one another and ripples out into the wider community. These men's sheds have become a crucial base for getting information on health and well-being directly to men. It is encouraging to see this movement grow with the recent official opening in Ballyraggett. I hope that shed and all the men’s sheds continue to grow from strength to strength.

As the mother of four boys, I am acutely aware of the effect that social media is having on children like them. It is so important for children's mental health for people to encourage their children to talk. Even though we are all busy, I always take time to talk to the children and ask them if they are okay. That should be encouraged more. It does not take a lot out of somebody's life to chat to their children.

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