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National Male Health

National Male Health Policy

The Government has developed a new National Male Health Policy, the first for Australia.

Policy

National Male Health Policy

The Policy provides a framework for improving the health of all males and achieving equal health outcomes for population groups of males at risk of poor health. It provides practical suggestions for action men can take to improve their health and is designed to guide policy directions into the new decade. The Policy focuses on areas where we know we can make a difference in improving the health of Australian males, and on measures that target those with the poorest health.

More information on the National Male Health Policy

Advisory Committees

Minister’s Male Health Reference Group

The Minister's Male Health Reference Group (the Group) was established in August 2010 following the release of the National Male Health Policy (the Policy) in May 2010. The Group reports to the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, Minister for Veteran’s Affairs, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac, and Minister for Indigenous Health, who also has responsibility for male health. The Group provides expert advice on broader male health priorities as well as issues relating to the implementation and monitoring of male health programs that support the Policy.

More information on the Minister's Male Health Reference Group

Research and Information

Building a strong evidence base on male health is a priority area identified in the National Male Health Policy to inform policies, programs and initiatives.

Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health

The University of Melbourne will undertake the design, establishment and implementation of the first ever Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health (the Study). The objectives and outcomes of the Study are to provide a national longitudinal population based study which aims to:

• Examine male health and its determinants including the social, economic, environmental and behavioural factors that affect the length and quality of life.

• Address a range of key research questions about the health of Australian males including their health behaviours and risk factors, key life transition points, social and economic environments in which they work and live together with their health and other service use.

• Identify policy opportunities for improving the health and wellbeing of Australian males and providing support for males at key life stages, particularly those at risk of poor health.

More information on the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health
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Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: male health bulletins

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare is drawing on a wide rage of reliable national data sources to present a ‘snapshot’ of the health and wellbeing of Australian males. A series of four male health bulletins will be published to provide up-to-date data for health professionals, academics, program designers/policy makers, key stakeholders and the general public.

More information on the AIHW male health bulletins

Programs

A total of $16.7 million over four years was invested in male health programs that were designed to support the National Male Health Policy (the Policy) and build on efforts to address the priority areas identified in the Policy.

DIY Health Toolbox

The DIY Health Toolbox is a health promotion initiative under the Policy that has been developed in consultation with Minister Snowdon’s Male Health Reference Group. These real toolboxes are designed to bring health promotion into the shed working environment. Each one contains usable items such as tape measures, carpenter’s pencils, magnetic clips and note books featuring positive health messages and referral pathways.

Men’s Sheds are able to order a DIY Health Toolbox for members of their particular Shed.

More information on the DIY Health Toolbox

Men's Sheds

Men’s Sheds have long been recognised as meeting places where men can find social support and camaraderie. During the consultations for the National Male Health Policy there was considerable support expressed for men’s sheds for their demonstrated success in reaching marginalised and isolated males and in contributing to improvements in male health and wellbeing.

Support for Men’s Sheds is an initiative under the National Male Health Policy. All Men’s Sheds in Australia have access to a wide range of resources and support for their particular Shed.

More information on Men's Shed

Strong Fathers Strong Families

The Strong Fathers Strong Families Program is a male health initiative under the National Male Health Policy. It is designed to promote the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fathers, partners, grandfathers and uncles, and encourage them to actively participate in their children’s and families’ lives, particularly in the antenatal period and early childhood development years.

More information on the Strong Fathers Strong Families Program
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Useful Links

Note: The external websites listed are provided as a guide only and should not be considered an exhaustive list. The Commonwealth of Australia does not control and accepts no liability for the content of the external websites or for any loss arising from use or reliance on the external websites. The Commonwealth of Australia does not endorse the content of any external website and does not warrant that the content of any external website is accurate, authentic or complete. Your use of any external website is governed by the terms of that website.

Alzheimer's Australia - www.alzheimers.org.au

Andrology Australia - www.andrologyaustralia.org

Australian Men's Shed Association - www.mensshed.org

Black Dog Institute - www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

beyondblue - www.beyondblue.org.au

Carers Australia - www.carersaustralia.com.au

Cancer Council of Australia - www.cancer.org.au

Continence Foundation of Australia - www.continence.org.au

Diabetes Australia - www.diabetesaustralia.com.au

Drugs and drug use - www.drugs.health.gov.au

Freemasons Foundation for Men's Health - www.adelaide.edu.au/menshealth

Foundation 49 - www.49.com.au

HealthInsite - www.healthinsite.gov.au

Heart Foundation - www.heartfoundation.org.au, www.heartattackfacts.org.au/home.aspx

Hepatitis C Council of NSW - www.hepc.org.au/

Impotence Australia - www.impotenceaustralia.com.au

Measure Up - www.measureup.gov.au

Mensheds Australia Ltd - www.mensheds.com.au

Mental Health in Australia (Australian Government) - www.mentalhealth.gov.au

MoodGYM - http://moodgym.anu.edu.au
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M5 Project: Men's Preventive Health - www.m5project.com.au

National Stroke Foundation - www.strokefoundation.com.au

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia - www.prostate.org.au

QUIT Now: the National Tobacco Campaign - www.quitnow.info.au

Reach Out (for young people) - http://au.reachout.com

SANE Helpline - www.sane.org

Sexual Health - www.sti.health.gov.au or www.shfpa.org.au

ACT: www.health.act.gov.au/sexualhealth

NSW: www.health.nsw.gov.au/PublicHealth/sexualhealth/

NT: http://safesexnoregrets.nt.gov.au/

QLD: www.health.qld.gov.au/sexhealth/

SA: www.health.sa.gov.au/pehs/sexual-health.htm

VIC: www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas/diseases/gr_sti/sti_furtherinfo

TAS: www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/sexualhealth/

WA: http://www.health.wa.gov.au/health_index/s/sexual_health.cfm

Rotary Clubs Fostering Youth Driver Awareness - www.ryda.org.au

Volunteering Australia - www.volunteeringaustralia.org

youthbeyondblue - www.youthbeyondblue.com.