Table of Contents



List of Maps

List of Tables

Acknowledgements


Executive Summary

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Background to the Men’s Group

3.0 Rationale for the Research

4.0 How the Research was carried out

5.0 Socio-economic profile of North Leitrim

6.0 Overview of Men’s initiatives in Ireland and globally

7.0 Findings and analysis

8.0 Conclusions

9.0 Recommendations


Appendices


Bibliography

 

List of Tables


Table 1: Total Population County Leitrim and North Leitrim

Table 2: Educational attainment of Males and Females aged 15 years and over in County Leitrim

Table 3: Education level of population aged 15 years and over whose education has ceased

Table 3 a: Rate of Early School Leaving of the population aged 15 years and over

Table 4: Total Men and Single Men in the 35-64 year age group classified by Principal Economic Status, County Leitrim

Table 5: Size of Farms in County Leitrim and Percentage increase in each size, 1991-1996

Table 6: Geographical spread of population and suicides in the North Western Health Board region between 1997-1998

Table 7: Percentage involved in occupations

Table 8: Participation in Activities

Table 9: Frequency of Participation

Table 10: Reasons for visiting the pub

Table 11: Factors to improve quality of life

Table 12: Income Brackets


List of Graphs:


Graph 1: Marital Status of men 35-65 in County Leitrim

Graph 2: Single Males and Females in the 35-64 age Group and as a percentage of the total Single Population

Graph 3: Men aged 35-64 in County Leitrim and North Leitrim

Graph 4: Principal Economic Status of Single Men aged 35-64 years and over, County Leitrim.

Graph 5: Principle Economic Status* of persons in County Leitrim and North Leitrim aged 15 years and over

Graph 6: Admissions: males/females, 35-64 years to NWHB Mental Health Services 1998

Graph 7: Age range of respondents

Graph 8: Length of residence

Graph 9: Present and Past employment

Graph 10: Nature of Employment

Graph 11: Frequency of use of public transport

Graph 12: Distance travelled to meet bus route

Graph 13: Own means of transport

Graph 14: Frequency of visits

Graph 15: Attendance at social or religious functions

Graph 16: Attendance at Community Activities

Graph 17: Places to meet socially

Graph 18: Frequency of pub visits

Graph 19: Pub as a source of social contact

Graph 20: Reasons for not visiting the pub

Graph 21: Visits to the Doctor

Graph 22: Appliances in the home

Graph 23: Facilities in the home

Graph 24: Livestock Ownership

Graph 25: Sources of income of respondents

Graph 26: Educational Level Attended

Graph 27: Age at time of leaving School




Acknowledgements


This survey is another benchmark in the work of the North Leitrim Men's Group and we are proud of it's achievement. It was made possible through the help of our friends and the agencies who provided advice and funding.


We would like to thank the Sligo office of FÁS for their vision in helping us to get our group up and running. We would especially like to express our gratitude to Ann Donegan and Richard Sherlock for their ongoing support on the ground.


The ADM/CPA Programme for Peace and Reconciliation through their financial assistance allowed us to carry out the survey. A special word of thanks goes to Roisin Keenan, their Development Worker. for endless advice and assistance. The Programme for Peace and Reconciliation has financed a number of initiatives for the North Leitrim Men's Group.


Hours and days were spent developing the questionnaire. For this we are grateful to Community Connections, Blacklion, Co. Cavan, and a very special word of gratitude goes to Margaret Murray, Action Research Worker. Margaret spent months training our group in the skills of doing a survey (and listening to John Rankin's jokes). We would also like to thank Gearoid Mac Eochaidh from Community Connections for his invaluable insight and information.


We wish to record our appreciation to the County Leitrim Partnership and NUI,Galway Community Education Centre for the valuable work and help given by Caoimhe Gleeson, Donal Walsh and Ronan Tierney. Caoimhe was always available on the other end of the phone with words of wisdom.


Credit must also go to Lily Murphy and Siobhan Hourigan of the North Western Health Board for their immeasurable support and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the North Western Health Board for their pro-active support for our other programmes.


We wish to acknowledge the North Leitrim Women's Group for their initial advice and recommendations in carrying out a survey. The Combat Poverty Agency funded the cost of printing this document, for this we wish to thank them.


Last but not least to those men who took part in the survey. Their willingness to take part and their forthrightness in answering the questions made this survey possible. This survey is dedicated to them.


North Leitrim Men's Group

March 2001



Foreword



The North Leitrim Men's Group has been doing important work since it was established in 1996. Through a community development approach it has provided support and assistance and drawn attention to the needs of single men living in the area who are suffering from the effects of social isolation. Area Development Management and the Combat Poverty Agency (ACM/CPA) have been pleased to be able to support their work under the EU Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation.


This is an important piece of research. It draws attention to a problem that is largely hidden and often underestimated- the social isolation of single men in a peripheral rural area. While in recent years quite a lot of attention and support has been given to local women's groups men's groups have far less frequently been supported. As a result there has been much less consideration of the distinct situation of single men in the community. This research project is thus a most welcome initiative to redress this situation.


This research shows the high proportion of middle aged, single men living in North Leitrim. It paints a stark picture of all aspects of men's lives in this rural area. It also spells out a complex picture of multiple disadvantage, low educational achievement, poor health, higher than average suicide levels, lack of social and community networks, dependence on small farms and supported employment schemes, inadequate access to transport, social and emotional isolation, high dependence on the pub for socialising, poor housing and amenities and low incomes.


This report should be carefully considered by all statutory, community and voluntary agencies operating in Leitrim. It will deepen their awareness and understanding of the urgent needs of isolated, single men in their area. It also contains a range of practical and important recommendations on how to improve things. However, the report has a wider relevance than just North Leitrim. The issues it raises and many of the recommendations are highly relevant to anyone concerned with the development of policies to combat poverty and social exclusion, especially in rural areas.


Apart from the value of the findings the process of doing research is also noteworthy. The undertaking of the research directly by members of the group with appropriate external support is a model for other groups about undertaking community based research. The approach adopted had the benefit of increasing the skills, knowledge and confidence of members of the group. It was in the best traditions of community development.


Finally on behalf of ADM/CPA I would like to congratulate all involved on this important and pioneering work, to commend the report to a wider audience and to wish North Leitrim Men's Group every success in the future in addressing the various issues highlighted in this research.



Hugh Frazer

Director

Combat Poverty Agency







The North Leitrim Men's Group



The North Leitrim Men's Group is a community development organisation, founded in 1996, as a response to the increasingly marginalised position of a substantial proportion of single men in the North Leitrim area.


The group recognised that a range of factors such as rural depopulation, agricultural decline, emigration and the reduction of public services to rural areas was resulting in an increased sense of isolation and exclusion amongst this group. These threats to the quality of life in areas such as North Leitrim were also seen as contributing to social and health problems, both physiological and mental.


The North Leitrim Men's Group believed that there was a need to develop support mechanisms for single men who were suffering from the effects of social isolation. The group developed a number of programmes aimed at combating exclusion and providing social contact.


The Rationale for the Survey


Over the past number of years it became apparent to the North Leitrim Men's Group that there was a need to gather reliable and concrete data concerning the situation of single men, living in North Leitrim, aged between 35 and 65 years of age. This data was needed in order to better identify their particular needs, and in order to more effectively develop strategies and proposals aimed at meeting these needs. Such a body of information would also be essential to the group in raising public awareness of the issues concerned, and in influencing policy and practice at both local and national level.


How the Survey Was Carried Out


The North Leitrim Men's Group decided that members of the group itself could most effectively carry out the survey, with expert assistance from various support agencies. An Advisory Group was formed in November 1998, and continued to oversee and assist in the implementation of the survey, until its completion in late 2000.


A random sample of 174 people was selected for interviewing from the total of 556 single, widowed and separated men between the ages of 35 and 65 years who live in North Leitrim. A total of 147 men participated in the survey, giving a response rate of 84.5%. All interviews were conducted at the men's own homes, and interviews lasted fifty minutes on average. The survey was carried out between September and October 1999.


Single Men in North Leitrim









population (1997-98). Of these 84% were male. W U)





48% are classed as being At Work,


10% are classed as Unemployed,


18% are classed as Students,


1% are classed as engaged in Home Duties,


14% are classed as retired,


7% are classed as Unable to Work,


2% are classed as 1 st Time Job Seekers,


0.1% are classed as Other




The Survey Results


A total of 147 men responded to the survey.








The vast majority (95%) were single. The remainder were widowed or separated.


Over two thirds of the respondents were engaged in farming, on either a full or part-time basis. Of these 40% had no off-farm employment. 15% of respondents classed themselves as unemployed.

Only 13% were presently participating on a FÁS Community Employment Project.


Very few respondents belonged to any organisation or group, and the vast majority (82%) did not have any form of hobby or pastime.


Many owned no form of transport (28%), while over one third lived more than 6 miles from the nearest bus stop.


A significant proportion of the respondents visit relatives less than once a month (26%), while 9% rarely if ever visit neighbours. Other than visits to the mart or to church, many depend on the local pub for social activity. Almost one sixth visit the pub more than 4 times a week.


A half of all respondents have been hospitalised at some stage during their lives, 29% within the past five years. Only 54% hold medical cards. The vast majority expressed satisfaction with existing medical provision. 16% suffer from high blood pressure.


The majority owns their own homes (79%), while 13% are local authority tenants. However, 30% have no hot water on tap, 14% have no indoor lavatory, and 47% do not own a washing machine. Almost 60% do not have central heating in their homes.


For most respondents social welfare payments and agricultural subsidies form the bulk of their incomes (71%). Almost half (49%) have annual incomes of less than £5,000, with a further 31% having incomes of between £5,000 and £9,000.


Almost two-thirds own land, but almost one half owns farms of less than 50 acres. Over one half own less than 25 livestock units.


Educational attainment was very low amongst the respondents, with 58% having only attended primary school. A small proportion (6%) attended third level education. Most of the early school-leaving respondents stated that they had ceased education in order to carry out home and caring duties.



Conclusions












Recommendations






1.0 Introduction

In September 1998 the North Leitrim Men's Group, a community group set up to address isolation and exclusion of single men, decided to embark on a research project in order to highlight a range of issues affecting rural men in North Leitrim. This document marks the completion of that project which was undertaken by members of the NLMG over the last two years. The length of time it has taken to complete this project is indicative of the fact that this was a voluntary undertaking by a community based organisation.

The NLMG was compelled to undertake this research owing to the dearth of socio-economic information regarding single men aged between 35 and 65 in North Leitrim. The group felt that real and meaningful change regarding policies and programmes for single men would not be considered by statutory agencies and development bodies without detailed, concrete data which highlighted the particular circumstances of rural single men. In view of this the aim of this document is to present data, which gives a detailed socio-economic profile of a sample of single men in North Leitrim. In addition the document highlights the extent to which single men in the North Leitrim area experience multifaceted forms of disadvantage and social isolation. Furthermore in response to the findings presented the document details a number of specific recommendations to policy makers and statutory agencies regarding single men.

The document begins with some background information on the North Leitrim Men's group and details the type of programmes and activities that are implemented by the group. This section also outlines the main factors, which have influenced the social exclusion of some single men in North Leitrim. Section two explains the rationale for the research while section three describes how the research was carried out. Section Four gives a socio-economic profile of North Leitrim and details a range of key socio-economic indicators, which relate to single men in the area. Section Five is an overview of men's initiatives in Ireland and globally. Section six presents the main findings and analyses of the research. Section seven draws a number of conclusions about the research results. The final section proffers a range of recommendations that need to be implemented at local and national level if social and economic conditions are to change for rural single men.





 

Executive Summary:


The North Leitrim Men’s Group.


The North Leitrim Men’s Group is a community development organisation, founded in 1996, as a response to the increasingly marginalised position of a substantial proportion of single men in the North Leitrim area.


The group recognised that a range of factors such as rural depopulation, agricultural decline, emigration and the reduction of public services to rural areas was resulting in an increased sense of isolation and exclusion amongst this group. These threats to the quality of life in areas such as North Leitrim were also seen as contributing to social and health problems, both physiological and mental.


The North Leitrim Men’s Group believed that there was a need to develop support mechanisms for single men who were suffering from the effects of social isolation. The group developed a number of programmes aimed at combating exclusion and providing social contact.


The Rationale for the Survey.


Over the past number of years it became apparent to the North Leitrim Men’s Group that there was a need to gather reliable and concrete data concerning the situation of single men, living in North Leitrim, aged between 35 and 65 years of age. This data was needed in order to better identify their particular needs, and in order to more effectively develop strategies and proposals aimed at meeting these needs. Such a body of information would also be essential to the group in raising public awareness of the issues concerned, and in influencing policy and practice at both local and national level.


How the Survey Was Carried Out.


The North Leitrim Men’s Group decided that members of the group itself could most effectively carry out the survey, with expert assistance from various support agencies. An Advisory Group was formed in November 1998, and continued to oversee and assist in the implementation of the survey, until its completion in late 2000.


A random sample of 174 people was selected for interviewing from the total of 556 single, widowed and separated men between the ages of 35 and 65 years who live in North Leitrim. A total of 147 men participated in the survey, giving a response rate of 84.5%. All interviews were conducted at the men’s own homes, and interviews lasted fifty minutes on average. The survey was carried out between September and October 1999.


Single Men in North Leitrim:


48% are classed as being At Work,

10% are classed as Unemployed,

18% are classed as Students,

1% are classed as engaged in Home Duties,

14% are classed as retired,

7% are classed as Unable to Work,

2% are classed as 1st Time Job Seekers,

0.1% are classed as Other











The Survey Results.


A total of 147 men responded to the survey.



The vast majority (95%) were single. The remainder were widowed or separated.


Over two thirds of the respondents were engaged in farming, on either a full or part-time basis. Of these 40% had no off-farm employment. 15% of respondents classed themselves as unemployed.


Only 13% were presently participating on a FÁS Community Employment Project.


Very few respondents belonged to any organisation or group, and the vast majority (82%) did not have any form of hobby or pastime.


Many owned no form of transport (28%), while over one third lived more than 6 miles from the nearest bus stop.


A significant proportion of the respondents visit relatives less than once a month (26%), while 9% rarely if ever visit neighbours. Other than visits to the mart or to church, many depend on the local pub for social activity. Almost one sixth visit the pub more than 4 times a week.


A half of all respondents have been hospitalised at some stage during their lives, 29% within the past five years. Only 54% hold medical cards. The vast majority expressed satisfaction with existing medical provision. 16% suffer from high blood pressure.


The majority owns their own homes (79%), while 13% are local authority tenants. However, 30% have no hot water on tap, 14% have no indoor lavatory, and 47% do not own a washing machine. Almost 60% do not have central heating in their homes.


For most respondents social welfare payments and agricultural subsidies form the bulk of their incomes (71%). Almost half (49%) have annual incomes of less than £5,000, with a further 31% having incomes of between £5,000 and £9,000.


Almost two-thirds own land, but almost one half owns farms of less than 50 acres. Over one half own less than 25 livestock units.

Educational attainment was very low amongst the respondents, with 58% having only attended primary school. A small proportion (6%) attended third level education. Most of the early school-leaving respondents stated that they had ceased education in order to carry out home and caring duties.


Conclusions



Recommendations.













Section One:

Introduction



Introduction:


In September 1998 the North Leitrim Men’s Group, a community group set up to address isolation and exclusion of single men, decided to embark on a research project in order to highlight a range of issues affecting rural men in North Leitrim. This document marks the completion of that project which was undertaken by members of the NLMG over the last two years. The length of time it has taken to complete this project is indicative of the fact that this was a voluntary undertaking by a community-based organisation.


The NLMG was compelled to undertake this research owing to the dearth of socio-economic information regarding single men aged between 35 and 65 in North Leitrim. The group felt that real and meaningful change regarding policies and programmes for single men would not be considered by statutory agencies and development bodies without detailed, concrete data which highlighted the particular circumstances of rural single men. In view of this the aim of this document is to present data, which gives a detailed socio-economic profile of a sample of single men in North Leitrim. In addition the document highlights the extent to which single men in the North Leitrim area experience multifaceted forms of disadvantage and social isolation. Furthermore in response to the findings presented the document details a number of specific recommendations to policy makers and statutory agencies regarding single men.


The document begins with some background information on the North Leitrim Men’s group and details the type of programmes and activities that are implemented by the group. This section also outlines the main factors, which have influenced the social exclusion of some single men in North Leitrim. Section two explains the rationale for the research while section three describes how the research was carried out. Section Four gives a socio-economic profile of North Leitrim and details a range of key socio-economic indicators, which relate to single men in the area. Section Five is an overview of men’s initiatives in Ireland and globally. Section six presents the main findings and analyses of the research. Section seven draws a number of conclusions about the research results. The final section proffers a range of recommendations that need to be implemented at local and national level if social and economic conditions are to change for rural single men.

Section Two

Background to the North Leitrim Men’s Group




Who are the North Leitrim Men’s Group?



The North Leitrim Men's Group is a community development group which was set up in 1996 in response to the changing situation in the lives of some rural men living in the North Leitrim area. The group recognised that a significant proportion of single men in the North Leitrim area, particularly those aged between 35 –65 were becoming increasingly marginalised, excluded and despondent within their own communities owing to rural depopulation, emigration and the closure of essential services such as post offices and local shops. They also believed that these feelings of despondency and exclusion were directly linked to a range of social problems such as alcoholism, violence, mental difficulties, suicidal thoughts and sexual problems.


The group believed that there was a need to develop a support mechanism for these men to enable them to become more actively involved in their communities and to help them to overcome some of the problems outlined above.


They felt that social contact needed to be central to any intervention developed as this had been gradually eroded over the years and had exacerbated related feelings of isolation and despondency.


The factors which lead to the erosion of social contact and to the increased social exclusion of single men in North Leitrim are outlined below in order to give the context within which the programme of work delivered by the NLMG was developed.





What Factors have influenced the social exclusion of some single men in North Leitrim?


There are a number of factors, which have exacerbated the exclusion of some single men aged between 35 – 65 and living alone in North Leitrim. These are as follows:


Persistent out-migration in North Leitrim has resulted in an imbalanced population profile in terms of age and gender. In North Leitrim the proportion of households consisting of single men over 45 and living alone is twice the national average.


The low levels of population in many parts of North Leitrim has meant that many of the essential services enjoyed by the general population have had to be scaled down in order to improve efficiency and reduce costs. This has lead to the closure of post offices, schools, local shops, local community centre’s, health services and the travelling shop. This has had the multiplier effect of diminishing opportunities for the remaining population to socialise – which, in many cases, is predominantly men over 35 and living alone.


Changes in the agricultural sector have rendered many small farms unviable and uneconomical. These changes have sustained persistent out migration as many small farmers have opted to work in cities or further a field in order to earn a living. Those that remain predominantly single men, continue to eek a living out of their subsistence farms while the community surrounding them has become increasingly isolated and depopulated. In recent years this depopulation has been compounded by the afforestation of large tracts of land in the North Leitrim area. Many smallholdings are crowded out by large bands of dark coniferous trees, which have replaced neighbouring houses and farms.



Many family networks have been weakened over the years due to out-migration and emigration of family members to the United States and England. Opportunities to meet other people through the family network have also been diminished in instances where most of the family members have moved away. In addition to the increased pressures of work have also resulted in a reduced amount of time to spend with other family members, in particular those who are single and living alone.


The decline of the Ceili – in houses, the fair days, holy days and other commonly held events has meant that there are now fewer non-pub based opportunities for people, in particular single men, to socialise with their neighbours and people from other villages and towns. This has had a big impact on single men who do not have a wide range of opportunities for socialising.


Changes in employment patterns, in particular, the modernisation of farming and machinery has led to the redundancy of some men in rural areas. Certain types of manual work and traditional crafts such thatching, creel making and handle making are no longer in demand. In some instances the men have adapted to these changes and have taken advantage of retaining opportunities. However in other instances, single men in particular those over 35, have not adapted to these changes and have experienced a loss of security and of status.



The social exclusion of single men in North Leitrim is compounded by an internalised attitude of many of these men. This attitude often prevents them from seeking help or support when a problem arises whether it is of mental, emotional or a physical nature.


It is clear from the above points that some single men in North Leitrim are excluded from their full participation in society in a multiplicity of ways. Depopulation, rationalisation of services, changes in customs, traditions and in the nature of employment has had an enormous impact on the lives of some single men who have already experienced exclusion over the years owing to low educational attainment, underemployment and inadequate income.


In view of this, the NLMG felt that any programme developed needed to take account of all of these factors. Therefore these factors were central to the type of programmes developed by the NLMG and to the mission statement developed by the group. This is as follows:


Mission Statement:


Our group believes that the quality of life of isolated rural men can be improved by offering them opportunities to increase social, personal and technical skills, and by offering them an opportunity to come together in a working team which can contribute to meeting the needs of local community and voluntary groups.


Our group believes that these men deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and that by involving them in their own development and in that of their communities, they can be better equipped to live a fuller, healthier and more rewarding life.


Our mission is to initiate and support projects, which we feel offer new and innovative responses to the needs of this target group.



What does the North Leitrim Men's Group do?


The NLMG are involved in a number of programmes and activities in the North Leitrim area which are as follows:


1. Training-based FAS C.E. Scheme:


At the outset of the group, committee members felt that the structure and support offered by the FAS Community Employment Programme would be an ideal vehicle within which to develop an innovative approach to tackle the issues of isolation, exclusion and despondency among single men aged between 35 and 65 years in North Leitrim.


In response to this, a project proposal was developed in August 1997, which adopted such an approach. The project proposal was accepted by FAS and the scheme began in September 1997 with 15 participants from three geographical areas in North Leitrim. The Scheme has now expanded to accommodate twenty participants from three areas in North Leitrim.


A Community Employment Scheme with a difference:


The factors, which set this FAS Community Employment scheme apart from others, include:


Method of recruitment:


Recruitment of participants from community employment projects has traditionally involved local advertising and checking up on persons referred to the sponsor as being eligible (normally due to long term unemployment). The process has generally mirrored recruitment practice in the open job marketplace, with employers attempting to identify and attract people who appear likely to have the basic skills and workplace experiences needed for the job in question. Sponsors have work plans and targets which they aspire to meet during the course of a CE project, and they will, therefore, are anxious to recruit those workers most likely to contribute to the meeting of those aspirations. Sponsors are unlikely to pursue potential participants who display a reluctance to join the workforce, as they are judged less likely to contribute in a real way to getting the job done.


In the case of the NLMG there is a deliberate policy of identifying and ‘pursuing’ potential participants who were male, single, who had previously been overlooked or who had refused to participate in CE projects. The recruitment process for the first year involved directly approaching 50 men in their homes who had been identified by the NLMG as matching the profile of the target group. This process resulted in 15 men agreeing to participate on the project. Recruitment for subsequent years has continued in the same vein- directly approaching the individual and word of mouth.


Programme of Activity:


As previously stated the programme of activity undertaken by men on this scheme is intended as a means rather than an end in that the work undertaken by participants can be used as a valuable tool for building confidence, self-esteem, teamwork skills, a sense of personal responsibility and instilling feelings of control over one’s life situation. In view of this aim, the programme of activity on this scheme comprises of three elements:


1. Organic Vegetable Production:


All participants are given training in organic vegetable production. The aim of this activity is to give the men experience in planning, production and sales as well as encouraging teamwork, decision-making and a sense of ownership and responsibility. The skills learned offer the men the possibility of continuing to grow vegetables for themselves in the future, if not for sale.


2. Community Projects:


A series of environmental projects are selected in the three geographical areas where the men come from, in consultation with local development associations and community groups. The project participants are given responsibility for the selection of these work projects, and for their design and implementation. Training and support is provided.


3. Social and Health Development:


All participants have the option of availing of training in a range of areas including literacy, numeracy, cookery, hygiene, health awareness and personal development.


Organic vegetable production and community projects take place in the outlying areas, namely, Kiltyclogher, Creevalea and Manorhamilton. All social and health development programmes take place in Teach Fir, the resource centre set up in Manorhamilton by the North Leitrim Men’s Group.


How does this scheme differ from other general schemes?


The scheme tries to address the nature and extent of social exclusion experienced by the men by offering them an outlet to get back into the workforce, use of their existing skills and upgrade and learn new skills. It aims to tackle the isolation experienced by the men by ensuring that they work in small groups and have as much interpersonal contact as possible. The programme in health and social development addresses issues such as physical and mental health, alcoholism, nutrition and hygiene through the inclusion of health awareness days, cooking days and once off talks on a range of health related issues.


The scheme tries to use the programme of activity as a mechanism to build the confidence and self esteem of participants. Regular feedback, encouragement and support by the supervisor, key workers and management committee is essential for this process to take place. The scheme does not claim to offer the solution to tackling the social exclusion experienced by these men. Rather it is an attempt to widen the choices available to single isolated men over thirty-five living in North Leitrim. It is also a mechanism to lobby for recognition by state agencies that the needs of single men over 35 in rural areas need to be addressed in a more specific and targeted way than has been achieved to date.


2. Outreach Programme:


Two workers are employed by the NLMG to provide an outreach programme for the single men who are not involved in the FAS CE scheme. The workers focus on a number of geographical areas, which have a high percentage of single men, over 35, in particular Glenfarne, Killargue, and Rossinver. The main thrust of this work involves making personalised visits to the men in this target group. The purpose of the programme is as follows:


How does the Programme work?


The worker gets a list of all single men aged between 35 and 65 years living in the geographical area. The information is gathered from local community groups, post offices, shopkeepers, FAS supervisors and local residents. The worker then calls to the houses of the men in question, identifies himself and explains the reason for his visit. In the majority of cases to date men have been receptive to the visit and have taken an interest in the programme. If the man does not want to engage with the outreach worker, the worker leaves his telephone number and leaves the man’s premises.


Many visits focus on explaining rights and entitlements with regard to social welfare, farm grants, essential repairs and medical cards. But the visits also include the men talking about their own lives and how they manage on a day-to- day basis. In some cases there are regular visits to men while in other cases there may be a specific number of visits required if a particular issue is being dealt with – e.g. housing repairs.


Some men do not apply for or seek their entitlements owing to the lack of confidence, literacy difficulties or fear of officialdom. In these instances the outreach worker serves as an advocate for a number of men to state-agencies – particularly where there is a great deal of bureaucracy of form filling involved. This has proved to be an important support for the men and has also raised the awareness of some state agencies to the type of living conditions some men experience.


3. Men’s Drop-in Centre:


A new initiative that is being set up by the North Leitrim Men's Group is a men’s drop in centre which will be based in the refurbished Bee Park Community Centre in Manorhamilton. The centre is currently being used by the participants of the FAS CE scheme as their base in which they receive training and information. It is intended that the centre will be developed into a space that can be used by other men. A social and educational programme will be developed which will target those most at risk of isolation and exclusion. The types of programmes planned for the centre include social evenings, talks on rights and entitlements, health awareness evenings, training courses in computers, old crafts and areas of interest identified by the men themselves.


4. Awareness Raising Campaign:


Since its inception the NLMG have been involved in raising the awareness of statutory agencies, community and voluntary groups, and individuals to the needs of single men over 35 living in North Leitrim. This has happened through a number of ways:


Support for the work of the NLMG has been slow to secure as this type of work is new and there is an element of risk. Men’s issues, in particular issues pertaining to single men over 35, have seldom been named or discussed within the statutory or community and voluntary sectors in the North West. Men’s groups are sparse on the ground and do not always benefit from solidarity with other men. Conversely, men’s groups often find much resistance to their existence from other men who do not see the value in such groups. The resistance to men’s groups and to naming men’s issues has been a persistent battle for the NLMG but one, which in recent months has begun to change. While these changes are to be welcomed a great deal more needs to be done by the NLMG and other similar groups in order to ensure that this change infiltrates all statutory and community bodies.





Section 3:

Rationale for the Survey



Rational for Survey:

Over the last number of years it became apparent to the NLMG that they needed reliable, concrete data about the lives of single men aged between 35 and 65 years in order to influence change for these men at local, county and national level.


In view of this the NLMG decided that they would undertake a research project in order to produce a more detailed socio-economic profile of single men between the ages of 35 and 65. In doing so the NLMG hoped to create a database of reliable information on the nature and extent of the problems and issues affecting men in this target group. It was envisaged this information would be used in developing more appropriate programmes to meet the needs of these men in tandem with statutory agencies.


Prior to undertaking the research project the group participated in a number of planning sessions with an outside facilitator in order to fully discuss and consider the implications of the project. The planning session helped the group to clarify the aims, target group and expected outcomes of the project, which are outlined below.


The aims of the research project are as follows:


The target group of the research included all single men between the ages of 35 and 65 who are living in North Leitrim. Single men is understood to mean those men who are unmarried, separated, in the process of separating, divorced, widowed or who is a lone parent. North Leitrim is defined as the part of the country north of Lough Allen. (See Map 1)






Expected outcome of the research were:



Advisory Group:


A decision, which was made as a result of these planning sessions, was the establishment of an advisory group which would help and advisee the NLMG regarding all aspects of the research project. The advisory group consisted of a number of representatives from organisations in the area which included:



The advisory group met regularly over the period from November 1998 to January 2001 in order to oversee all aspects of the research procedure, which ranged from reviewing data collection to formulating the final report.


Section Four:

How the research was carried out


The research was undertaken by the NLMG with the direct supervision and training from the Action Research Officer of Community Connections. As most members of the NLMG had little or no experience of research it was agreed that it would be of benefit to the group to undertake research training and subsequently carry out the research project under supervision. In view of this ten men participated in a research-training programme that was designed and delivered by Community Connections. In this training programme participants had to take the project through a number of stages which were:

  1. Agree a research methodology

  2. Design a questionnaire

  3. Pilot the questionnaire in a related geographical location

  4. Randomly select the research sample

  5. Develop interviewing techniques

  6. Administer the research

  7. Analyse the data

  8. Write the report


1. Agree a research methodology:


The group decided to undertake a quantitative research project in order to survey as many men as possible. The research would be carried out using a survey questionnaire with a wide range of open and closed ended questions. This questionnaire would be administered through door-to-door interviews in order to maximise participation


2. Design a Questionnaire:


The questionnaire comprised of eight sections ad had seventy-four questions (see appendix 1)


3. Piloting the questionnaire in a related geographical location:


The questionnaire was piloted in March 1999 with ten single men in neighbouring west Cavan. This resulted in a number of changes being made to the questionnaire.


4. Selecting a research sample:


A list of single men aged between 35-65 was complied by the outreach worker of the NLMG by using public information provided by the register of elections, post offices, county councillors and local community activists. 174 single men were subsequently selected through random sampling.





5. Develop Interview techniques:


The group undertook a number of training sessions in interviewing techniques. This gave the participants an opportunity to discuss and agree policies regarding a range of research issues including confidentiality and non-compliance with the interviewer.


6. Administer the research:


The interviews took place between September and October of 1999. Notices were placed in the local newspapers and church bulletins to inform the public, in particular the single men aged between 35 and 65, to the research. Local Gardai were informed that the research would be conducted in the area and agreed to issue stamped photographic identification to ten interviewers.


During the door-to-door interviews ‘Cold Calling’ was used whereby interviewers called to the house of a potential interviewee without prior notification or introduction. As a result of this approach 51% of interviews took place on the first call, 36.1% took place on the second call, 10.2% took place on the third call, 2% took place on the fourth call and finally 0.7% took place on the fifth call.


A guarantee of confidentiality and anonymity was given to the respondents as individual names and addresses did not appear on the questionnaire and were not used thereafter. On average the interview took fifty minutes.


174 men were invited to participate in the research. 147 men took part in the research by completing the questionnaire which is a response rate of 84.5%.


7. Analysis of Data:


North Western Research Consultancy inputted and analysed the data on SPSS. The questionnaire data was pre-coded in the case of closed questions. The coding of the open questions was decided when the first draft of results was presented. The NLMG and members of the advisory group carried out further analysis.


8. Writing the report:


The advisory group came together in order to collectively write the final report of the research. The chapter containing the main findings was drafted and it formed the core part of the report. The other chapters were written and edited by a sub-group of the advisory committee in consultation with the NLMG.









Section Five:

Socio-Economic Profile of North Leitrim



Introduction:


The purpose of this section is to demonstrate the social, economic and other aspects of life in County Leitrim and more specifically North Leitrim. The section aims to further strengthen the purpose of the research by detailing specific information regarding the lives of single men in North Leitrim aged 35 – 65. In addition it aims to clearly demonstrate the realties of life in this area by placing a particular emphasis on the issues of health and employment in the County.


This section contains a socio-economic profile of North Leitrim. The statistics quoted in this section are all taken from the 1996 National Government Census and from the Local Population Report in Co. Leitrim unless this is otherwise stated. The profile of the area is divided into six sections. These sections include, location, population profile, educational attainment, employment profile, health and transport. The socio-economic profile places particular emphasis on men in the age group of 35 – 65, as this group is the target group of the research.



1. Location


County Leitrim is a border county in the North-west of Ireland. “North Leitrim" is the area of County Leitrim that lies north of Lough Allen. It comprises the rural districts of Manorhamilton and Kinlough, made up of 28 District Electoral Divisions (DEDs). Lough Allen geographically divides North Leitrim from South Leitrim, the northern half of the county is characterised by Mesa Mountains and large lakes while the Southern half of the county is characterised by drumlins and small lakes. The N16 route between Sligo in the Republic and Enniskillen, in North Leitrim look to either Sligo or Enniskillen as they’re nearest large town as opposed to the county town of Carrick-on-Shannon. The main population settlements in North Leitrim are Manorhamilton (995 people), Dromahair (329 people), Kinlough (305 people) and Drumkeeran (244 people). In the map below yellow denotes North Leitrim and pink highlights the rest of County Leitrim.


































2. Population Profile


This section illustrates the population trends in the county with a particular emphasis on the North of the County and on the target population for the research.


County Leitrim


Table 1: Total Population County Leitrim and North Leitrim

County Leitrim

North Leitrim

Total Population

Percentage of population

25,057

100%

8,380

33.4%




The population of County Leitrim has a number of unique characteristics; these are listed below,



Single Men (35 –64) in Leitrim:


Table 2: Marital Status of Men in the 35-64 Year Age Group, County Leitrim



Table 3: Single Males and Females in the 35-64 age Group and as a % of the total Single Population

County Leitrim

North Leitrim

Men

1,306 (77.4%)

488 (79.5%) 3

Women

381 (22.6%)

126 (20.5%) 3


Table 4: Men Aged 35-64 Years County Leitrim and North Leitrim


Table 5: Principal Economic Status of Single Men aged 35-64 years and over, County Leitrim.


3. Educational Attainment

This section deals with the educational attainment of people in Leitrim at all levels of education; it demonstrates particularly the levels of education in North Leitrim and also the differences in educational attainment between men and women.


County Leitrim


Table 6: Educational attainment of Males and Females aged 15 years and over in County Leitrim

Females

Males

No formal or Primary Education only


34.2%


40.8%

Educated to Upper Second Level


26%


21.6%

Educated to Third Level

13.5%

10.5%

At school, university etc.

11%

10%

Other

19.1%

21.2%


Table 6 clearly demonstrates that the educational attainment of women is markedly higher that that of the men. As regards to upper second level 26% of women were educated to that level as opposed to 21.6% of men. However, the educational attainment of women is still considerably lower in County Leitrim than at the national level (nationally 27.5% of women have no formal education or primary education only and 29.6% of men have same). (CSO, 1996) The figures above relate to the population of the county aged fifteen years and over. This includes the high proportion of older people living in the area.


Recent trends point to the fact that there is a high level of participation of Leitrim residents in third level education. The majority of students wishing to pursue further education must leave the area to do so and therefore the possibility is that the less well educated are over represented in the statistics.


North Leitrim


Table 7: Education level of population aged 15 years and over whose education has ceased

National Average

County Leitrim

North Leitrim

Early School Leavers

33.4% 4

39.8%

36.9% 5

No formal education or Primary Education only


28.6% 4


37.6%


34.6% 5

Third level education

19% 4

13.3%

12.2% 5

Other

19% 4

9.3%

16.3% 5

Note: Early school leavers are people who left school at aged 15 years or younger.




Men in the 35-64 age Group







4. Employment Profile


The employment profile for the county is demonstrated under a number of categories, employment, unemployment and agriculture and forestry. These categories further breakdown into a profile for the County, for North Leitrim and for men aged between 35 and 65.


County Leitrim


There has been a changing trend in employment patterns in County Leitrim over the past number of years according to the 1996 Census to the 1991 and 1986 Census’. There has been a steady decline in the numbers employed in agriculture and an increase in public administration, professional and other services related industries. This movement to other professions has marked a change in lifestyle for many of the people involved and it has had a number of implications for men’s employment as can be seen below.





Table 8: Principle Economic Status* of persons in County Leitrim and North Leitrim aged 15 years and over


North Leitrim




Men in the 35-64 year age


Table 9: Total Men and Single Men in the 35-64 year age group classified by Principal Economic Status, County Leitrim


Total men & %

Single men & %

At work

3,514 (75.6%)

875 (18.8%)

Looking for first job

3 (0.06%)

1 (0.0%)

Unemployed

483 (10.4%)

168 (3.6%)

Student

8 (0.2%)

7 (0.2%)

Home duties

24 (0.5%)

10 (0.2%)

Retired

253 (5.4%)

68 (1.5%)

Unable to work

357 (7.7%)

166 (3.6%)

Other

5 (0.1%)

1 (0.0%)

Total

4,647 (100%)

1,306 (28.1%)





Unemployment


County Leitrim


In the 1996 Census, 12.6% of the labour force of County Leitrim was unemployed. The national rate of unemployment at the same time is 14.8%. In County Leitrim the rate of unemployment is the same among males (12.6) and females (12.5) whereas at a national level, 12% of females are unemployed and 16.4% of males are unemployed. (CSO,1999)


The unemployment rate of County Leitrim taken alone, would give an unrealistic picture of the economic well being of people living in the area. This is because of the link between unemployment and emigration and migration. People often move out of the area for work, rather than signing on.


Between 1981-1986 there was a loss of 538 people of working age, (15-64 years) in the County, between 1986-’91 there was a further loss of 921 people in this group then during the 1991-’96 period there was an increase of 761 people of working age into the County.


Unemployment figures also hide the reality of underemployment, which is experienced by people living in the area. National figures indicate that 37.5% of those who are unemployed have been unemployed for 3 years or more.10


Men in the 35-64 age group


The decline that has taken place in the agricultural sector largely affects men. During the period 1991-1996, there was a loss of 546 jobs in the sector in County Leitrim. Men were employed in 464 of these positions and women were employed in 82 of the positions.

Of the 12.6% who were classified as unemployed in the 1996 Census:



Agriculture and Forestry:


Agriculture and forestry account for almost a quarter of the workforce in County Leitrim. Agriculture and forestry are vital sources of income for people in the county. This trend of dependency on agriculture for income is changing though and there is a decline in the numbers of people engaging in the agricultural and forestry sector.


County Leitrim


Almost a quarter of the workforce of County Leitrim - 23.4% - is engaged in agriculture, fishing and forestry. The sector has evidently been in decline, as it accounted for 40.6% of the labour force in 1981, 34.7% in 1986 and 31.7% in 1991.

In 1996:


The size of farms in County Leitrim changed over the period 1991-1996. The number of people farming and stock rearing on farms, which were less than 70 acres, was reduced and there was an increase in the number of people farming on over 70 acres. There was an 11% decline in the numbers employed on farms under 30 acres and a 7% increase in those employed on farms of over 70 acres.




Table 10: Size of Farms in County Leitrim and Percentage increase in each size, 1991-1996

Size in Acres

1991

1996

% Increase/decrease

Under 10

29

12

-58.6%

10 & < 15

78

46

-41%

15 &< 30

526

294

-44.1%

30 &< 40

414

256

-38.2%

40 &< 50

389

264

-32.1%

50 & < 70

453

382

-15.7%

70 &< 100

263

272

+3.4%

100&< 150

103

188

+82.5%

150&< 200

31

37

+19.4%

200 acres & >

12

42

+250%

Not stated

97

73

-24.7%


73% of people who work in the farming, fishing and forestry sector in County Leitrim work on a full-time basis and 13% work on a part-time basis. 14% of people did not specify whether they worked on a full or part time basis. An additional 84 people who are in the labour force but unemployed (not including those who are seeking their first regular job) are classed in the occupational group of farming, fishing and forestry.


Men in the 35-64 age group


The majority of people involved in the agricultural sector are male with just 5.9% of people involved in the sector being females. The decline of agriculture in County Leitrim has mostly affected men in terms of the numbers employed. Between 1981 and 1996 there was a loss of 1,774 men from agriculture. The loss of jobs for women during the same period was 70.


National statistics highlight that for men, being single is one of the contributing factors to non-employment, non-participation and underemployment. The other characteristics were low educational attainment, residence in large cities or towns, the presence of children aged less than 16 years, living in local authority rented accommodation and the presence of other unemployed or inactive adults in the household. Men, who are in more than one of these categories, are particularly at risk of unemployment.11


5. Health Profile


This section details the health profile of County Leitrim, North Leitrim and focuses on the target group. The profile details the medical services in the area, mental health services, suicide and the position of carers.


There are two hospitals located in County Leitrim, one in Carrick-on-Shannon and the other in Manorhamilton. The County has ten local health centres, six of which are located in North Leitrim. These health centres provide for the basic health care needs of local communities.



Mental Health


The area covered by the North Western Health Board (NWHB) has a greater number than the national average, of people aged 75 years and over, people aged 15 years or less and finally people aged 65 years and older who are living alone. The statistics outlined below, relate to admissions to the Mental Health Services at Sligo and Letterkenny General Hospitals from people living in the North Western Health Board area.


In relation to the Mental Health Services, the Health Boards’ profile of the Northwest showed that in 1998:

Ø More than twice as many single people than married people were admitted

Ø Almost twice as many single males were admitted as single females

Ø More married females than married males were admitted

Ø 39% of the total admissions were unmarried males.


Table 11: Admissions: males/females, 35-64 years to NWHB Mental Health Services 1998

Diagnosis

% of total admissions

Depressive Disorders

28.0

Alcoholic Disorders

27.3

Schizophrenia

18.6

Mania

12.0

Other

14.1

Total

100.0


Source: NWHB, 1999.


Of all age groups there were 17% more admissions by males than females. Male admissions were highest for alcoholic disorders and female admissions were highest for depressive disorders. The only diagnosis at admission where there were significantly more females than males was mania. “Unskilled manual workers” represented 30% of all admissions. 90% of all admissions to the mental health services were made voluntarily. (NESF 1997)


Men in the 35-64 age group:


Men in the 35-44 age group made up 25% of all admissions. The principal diagnoses were alcohol disorders, depressive disorders and schizophrenia. (NWHB, 1999)


Suicide


Statistics from the National Suicide Research Foundation indicate that Leitrim has consistently had a high rate of suicide. Between 1976-1994 County Leitrim had the highest rate of suicide and undetermined death of all county and city areas, for both men (5.5 per 100,000 per year) and women (4.3 per 100,000 per year). (Kelleher et al, 1998)

Between 1997-1998, there were 56 deaths by suicide in the North Western Health Board region. Of these suicides 84% were male. 39% were aged under 30 years and single, 43% of the men were aged under 30 years and 58% overall were unmarried.


Table 12: Geographical spread of population and suicides in the North Western Health Board region between 1997-1998

County

Total Population

No. of suicides per county

No. of suicides per 10,000 population

County Leitrim

25,057

10

4

County Donegal

129,994

32

2.5

County Sligo

55,821

14

2.5



The rate of suicides for Leitrim is approximately one third greater than the number you would reasonably expect because of its population.

The National Task Force on Suicide reporting in August 1996 on trends relating to suicide in Ireland highlighted that age and gender are key determining factors in the frequency of suicide. Suicides has a highly consistent association with mental illness and according to research carried out in every county 90% of people who end their own lives are mentally ill. The most common illness that people who end their lives experience is depression. While younger men and older men have a particularly high risk of suicide, the number of men in middle age groups who take their own lives is also significant. Between 1991 and 1993 of the total number of male suicides in Ireland, approximately 43% were in the 35-64 age group. “It is thought that marriage may be a protective factor against older men’s suicide”. (National Task Force on Suicide, 1996)



Carers

The issue of carers is an important issue to be looked at in terms of the research. Carers are often a forgotten group in society and as a result there is very little reliable data available as to carers. The North Western Health Board carried out a survey of Carers of Older People and/or Dependent People in Sligo/Leitrim and West Cavan in 1999 (O’Grady, M, 1999). The results showed that over one fifth of those who responded to the questionnaire were men. Fifty eight percent of Carers were aged over 61 years, seventy three percent of Carers live with the dependent person and sixty eight percent were caring for a relative. Many Carers did not know what services are available from the Health Board. Shared Frontiers a mental health consortium operating in North Leitrim and North West Fermanagh outlined in their report that Carers felt there was a need for improved respite care and social and holiday respite providing support in the home. (Reilly. M et al 1999)





6. Transport


Transportation in rural areas is a major source of concern for people. There is a need for some innovative approach to the rural transport problem as it now stands. The National Development Plan has allocated £3.2 million to Community Based Rural Transport Initiatives. (NDP, 1999) The Rural LIFT Transport Project, operating in North Leitrim, West Cavan and South West Fermanagh is one such scheme and it has highlighted a number of issues around rural transportation among these are:

Ø 33.7% of households North Leitrim, West Cavan and West Fermanagh area have no car. This is 10.2% higher than any other border region.

Ø The majority of people who are in receipt of a Free Travel Pass in the area are unable to use it due to the lack of adequate transport.

Ø For many people mobility is limited to one or two trips a week.


“The less well off are less likely to own private means of transport, are more limited in the modes of transport they can afford and tend to be more dependent on public transport…the populations of rural areas are, in absolute terms, the most dispersed. If you add to this the significant internal factors such as older age groups, living alone, low family incomes, etc., and the significant external factors such as poor infrastructure, rural depopulation, reduced levels of public services, high cost of service delivery per unit, etc., then sections of the populations of rural areas are seriously disadvantaged in terms of access to transport.”(Community Connections, 1997)


Conclusion:


This section of the research has highlighted a number of important considerations in relation to the context in which the report took place. There are number of issues which became apparent throughout the profile in relation to the County. Firstly, County Leitrim had the lowest population density in the country in 1996 with 16 people per square kilometre. The decline in population has had a knock on effect upon services and social life in the County. The lack of public transport in the area means that those who do not own their own transport can experience problems because of isolation from other people. Older people and people with a disability who have the benefit of a free travel pass are often unable to use it.


The profile also demonstrated a number of factors, which would suggest that County Leitrim is at a disadvantage compared with the national average, these include:



In relation to North Leitrim a number of issues arose which differentiate the Northern half of the County form the Southern half, the major differences in the two were displayed in the following measurements:


The final section considered in this profile were the target group, that is single men aged 35 – 64 and living alone, this group had a number of differences from the rest of the group, the most significant of these differences are presented below:


The profile therefore demonstrated the social and economic issues faced by men in North Leitrim. The next section of the report will look at the issues faced by men in Ireland and in a more general global context. This section on men’s issues will look at the interpretations of men’s issues and the different perspectives available on men’s issues.











Section Six:

Men’s Issues: An Overview



The purpose of this section is look at men’s issues in Ireland and in the global context. It details the ways in which groups of men have interpreted men’s issues through the years. These interpretations include, the personal development of men, a backlash to the growth in legislation protecting women’s rights. The third approach or interpretation comes from a gay rights perspective; the fourth approach comes from a particular concern with men’s physical and psychological health. The final interpretation or approach to men’s issues is the one which most closely approximates to the research which looks at men’s issues in a rural context.


Interest in issues concerning men as a specific group has emerged slowly over the past two decades. A justifiable concern with the status of women in society has dominated gender-based research, analysis, debate and action during that time. To a large extent it was assumed that men, as a group, were doing quite well, and that the status of men in society was, if anything, one of relative privilege and power.


Action on men’s issues has taken several distinct forms, resulting in dramatically different meanings being given to the term. While some of these interpretations overlap, there are also many and considerable differences between them.


The first interpretation of men’s issues is concerned with the personal development of men, especially in the areas of self-esteem, emotional expression, and social skills. This approach actually parallels much of the work undertaken in the area of women’s personal development. The writings of people like Robert Bly contributed to a belief that the position of men has changed fundamentally as a result of the achievements of the women’s movement and other social transformations. It has been argued that the ‘new man’ needs to redefine his role in society, and that a totally new set of attitudes and skills will be needed for the future. This movement has gained momentum, particularly in the US, but with some impact elsewhere, even in Ireland.


The second, and perhaps most vocal interpretation of men’s issues is that connected with a backlash to the growth in legislation aimed at protecting and enhancing women’s rights. This interpretation of men’s rights is based on a perception that men are being discriminated against in areas such as family law, child custody, the financial implications of divorce and family breakdown, sexual harassment claims, positive discrimination (in favour of women) in the workplace, and similar issues. This rather angry response to perceived injustices has grown rapidly, especially in the US, and has resulted in the formation of many organisations and networks offering advice, support and opportunities for political lobbying to men who feel that they are being unfairly treated by the system.


Particular concern with the situation of gay men constitutes the third approach to men’s issues. There has been a growing emphasis on the civil rights of gay men, leading to an international growth in support and lobbying organisations. This particular area of interest has grown further as a result of the threat to the gay community, both medical and social, created by the AIDS crisis.


On quite a different plane, there has been a fourth interpretation of men’s issues, largely concerned with men’s physical and psychological health. This concern arose from an increasing amount of research data indicating that men were at particular risk health-wise, and that men were less inclined than women to recognise and act on health issues. Health professionals worldwide have been debating and experimenting with programmes aimed at promoting positive male attitudes to health, and at ensuring that the delivery of services to men was effective and appropriate. Evidence connecting men with high rates of suicide and mental illness has been particularly compelling in this regard.


The fifth area of concern has been the particular problems confronting men in rural settings. This concern has emerged more slowly than the first four, and, initially, was quite similar to the more general concern with men’s health. Since the mid-1990’s there has been a gradual increase in recognition that the status and conditions of rural men was deteriorating, and that there was an urgent need for targeted action. This area of concern best reflects the focus of the North Leitrim Men’s Group, their actions and the present research.


Research, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, but also in the rural US, has pointed to the emergence of new pressures on men arising from the restructuring of agriculture. Agriculture has been declining in importance, resulting in survival problems, both financial and social, for individuals and communities. The decline in the rural population and the ensuing demographic imbalances has further accentuated problems of access to services. It is recognised that rural men, in particular, have become more socially isolated and disadvantaged. The traditional rural mindset of self-sufficiency has been weakened under the pressures and stresses of economic survival. Isolation has increased, and previously effective networks of communal support are under threat. Rural men are becoming increasingly dependent on services provided by state agencies. These agencies have been struggling to develop new methods of service delivery, appropriate to this emerging client group.


Within Europe rural exclusion studies have largely continued to focus on the situation of rural women, with only a small amount of attention being directed at rural men. Attention in Ireland and the UK has, however, begun to move toward mental health issues associated with rural men, with the growing realisation that little could be achieved without the active partnership of the community and voluntary sector. Over the past two years there have been several health promotion projects initiated by health boards aimed at this group and at the wider male population. Examples include the Young Men & Positive Mental Health Project (Donegal/Tyrone), the Men’s Health Conference in 1998 (NWHB), and the Men: Our Health Strategy of the Western Health Board in 2000.


Other studies and initiatives have recognised the growing disadvantage and poverty being experienced by smallholders in Ireland. Area Based Partnership and LEADER companies have pointed to the general difficulties facing small farms, arising from the restructuring of Irish and EU agriculture. Problems relating to rural transport and to threatened and actual rationalisations of services in rural areas have been highlighted. However, much of this comment, and many of the initiatives launched, have not specifically identified the plight of isolated rural men within this context. The emphasis has, more often than not, been directed at the situation and future prospects of farm families. There has been little recognition openly given to the fact that, within the wider rural population, there exists a sub-group which is experiencing particular disadvantage and isolation. The special problems being felt by, for example, single rural men (some of whom are not land-owners), has received little attention.


In recent times there has been a slow but significant move toward the establishment of men’s groups in rural areas, largely supported by health boards and with a health promotion emphasis. However, the creation of groups which focus on the situation of isolated rural men and which adopt an approach encompassing health, economic and social objectives is still in its infancy.


This overview has shown that the phrase ‘men’s issues’ is being used in several different ways. Within the rural context there has been a growing interest in promoting programmes aimed at improving men’s physical and psychological health. Recognition of the multi-layered disadvantage experienced by rural men has been slow to develop, as has the design and implementation of projects aimed at tackling this particular need. It is only in the past two years that actions have been attempted in Ireland. As yet there are few models or examples of good practice which emerging groups can learn from.


The North Leitrim Men’s Group project can be seen as drawing on several of the interpretations described earlier regarding men’s issues. It recognises the particular health issues facing men: it recognises the changing place of men in society and the need for men to develop new skills and attitudes: it recognises the fact that rural life is changing dramatically: and, most importantly, it identifies the need to recognise rural men as a particular target group, demanding study and targeted action.


In this respect the actions of the North Leitrim Men’s Group represents an innovative and sharply focused approach, involving both research and action. In particular, the use of FAS-funded Community Employment Projects as a mechanism for the provision of work experience, technical training, health and literacy promotion, and for creating opportunities for social interaction in a work setting, is a significant step forward. The execution of this present research provides valuable insights into the situation of rural men, essential for the planning of future actions by both the voluntary/community and state sectors.





Section Seven:

North Leitrim Men’s Group Results


Introduction:


This section fully details the findings of the survey carried out by the NLMG. It also includes an analysis of these findings. It begins by detailing the general personal details of respondants. This is followed by details regarding employment, hobbies and transport. It then focuses on questions relating to meeting people, health, housing and finance, education and other issues. It concludes with cross tabulations of the findings in order to extrapolate further information.



Section 1: General personal details.


This section of the report details the results regarding respondent’s general personal details.


15% of respondents are in the 35- 39 age group, 20.4% are in the 40-44 age group, 22.4% are in the 45-49 age group, 17% are in the 50-54 age group, 11.6% are in the 55-59 age group, and 13.6% are in the 60-64 age group.


Graph 1: % Age range of respondents:


95.2% of respondents are single and 4.8% are either legally separated, married living apart, widowed or co-habiting.


15% of respondents said that they were presently in a relationship. 83.7% were not in a relationship, 1.3% of the population did not answer the question.


23.1% of respondents have a dependent, 74.1% have no dependents while 2.8% of respondents did not answer the question. 20.3% of these dependents are adult dependents,

2.8% of dependents are children of which 1.4% live with the respondent.


95.9% of respondents are Irish citizens while the remaining 4.1% are from another EU country.


The respondents were then asked how long they have lived in Leitrim, 76.2% of the respondents had lived in Leitrim all their lives. 8.8% of the respondents had lived there for most of their lives, 7.5% had lived in Leitrim for between 6 and 34 years, 6.8% had lived there for between 34 – 64 years and 0.7% had lived there for just 5 years and under.



Graph 2: Length of Residence




Analysis:


This first section confirms that the research project was successful in reaching the target group. From these figures it can be ascertained that the average respondent is aged between 45 and 49 years old (22.4%), single (95.9%), is Irish (95.9%) and has lived in North Leitrim all his life (76.2%). Of note is that 74.1% of respondents are not in a relationship. This fact because of the demographics of the area and the social problems the men encounter is unlikely to change. Also of particular note, is the large number of respondents with dependents (23.1%), this includes 1.4% of respondents who have dependent children living with them.







Section 2: Employment

This section presents the results regarding the respondent’s employment details.


On the nature of employment the research found that the majority of the respondents are engaged in farming while the remainder of the respondents were either unemployed or underemployed.

Table 1: Percentage involved in occupations
Occupation

% Involved

Full time Farmers

25.2

Part –time farmers

26.5

Employed non-farmer

16.3

Unemployed p/t farmers

6.8

P/T farmer + CE scheme Retired

5.4

Unemployed

15.0

Retired

5.4

Unemployed + CE scheme

2.7

Other unspecified

0.7



In response to the question regarding present occupation the majority of respondents indicated that they were engaged in farming while the remainder were engaged in a range of occupations including building and construction, travel and communications and retail and services. This is illustrated in graph 3.


In response to the question regarding previous employment 34% of respondents indicated that they had been engaged in farming, followed by 19.7% who had been engaged in building and construction and 10.2% of respondents engaged in retail and services. Other responses included transport and communications 2%, health and education 2.7% and manufacturing 1.4%. Graph 3 below shows the present and past occupations of the respondents.

Graph 3: Present and Past Employment:



In response to the question regarding off-farm employment 23.1% of the respondents said they have off-farm employment, 39.5% of the respondents said no, while 37.4%. Of respondents indicated that the question was not applicable to them.


As regards the question on the nature of the work undertaken by respondents, 17% of the respondents worked full-time, 6.1% worked on a part-time basis, 12.9% were employed on a CE scheme, 6.8% of the respondents took part in casual work. 1.4% of respondents took part in seasonal work and 1.4% did not answer the question and 54.4% of respondents indicated that the question was inapplicable.




Graph 4: Nature of Employment:



In response to the question regarding the length of time respondents had been in their present job 19.7% indicated that they had been in their present job for 6 years and under, 34% of respondents indicated between 7 – 20 years, 39.5% indicated they had been in their present jobs for most of their lives and 6.8% did not answer.


Analysis

The results showed that the average respondent is a part-time farmer (34.7%), and has been for most of his life (39.5%). The results also showed that there was a movement from the building and construction industry (19.7% in the past to 5.4%) into farming (from 34.0% to 49.7% presently). The figures also indicate a large level of under-employment (42%) experienced by the respondents. Of special note is that 39.5% of respondents with farms have no off farm employment.







Section 3: Hobbies

In this section the respondents were asked about the type of hobbies, pastimes or interests they had.


A related aim of this section was to ascertain the type of non-work activities respondents were involved in. A range of different activities were identified including bee-keeping, playing cards, hand gliding, fishing, GAA, TV, going to the pub and drinking. A total of 53 different activities were recorded. These were then grouped together under headings related to them such as physical activity, passive pastime, social and special interests.


Table 2: participation in Activities:

Activity

% Participation

Physical Activity

46.3

Special Interests

2.8

Social

1.4

Passive pastimes

48.6

Work related

.9

Not applicable

82.3

No Answer

6.1




The respondents were then asked about their membership of a group or organization, 26.5% of respondents belong to a group or organization, while the remaining 73.5% do not. Following on the previous question respondents were asked if they would like to belong to a group or organisation, 13.6% of respondents said they would like to belong to a group or organization, 56.5% said they would not. 3.4% of respondents did not answer and 26.5% of the respondents indicated that the question was not applicable.



Analysis:


The results showed that 82.3% of respondents do not have any form of hobby or pastime and a further 73.5% do not belong to a group or organisation. A further 13.6% said that they would like to belong or get involved in a group.









Section 4: TRANSPORT


This section contains the views of the respondents related to the access and use of transport:


Public transport;


When the respondents were asked about the use of public transport, 10.2% of respondents stated that they used public transport on a weekly basis, 10.2% use the services monthly, 3.4% of the respondents at public transport at other intervals while the question did not apply to 76.2% who do not use public transport at all.


Graph 5: Frequency of use of public transport:



Use of Public Transport:


The respondents were then asked why they did not use the public transport system, 18.4% of the respondents said that the service was not adequate, 46.9% of the respondents had independent means of transport, 10.9% of the respondents stated that they don’t need to use the public transport system, 2% of the respondents said that they did not go anywhere and 1.4% of the respondents stated that they did not use the system for health reasons. 20.4% did not answer the question.


The respondents were asked about the distances they would have to travel in order to meet a public bus route; 38.1% of the respondents travel less than one mile to meet a bus, 25.9% travel less than 3 miles in order to meet a route. 15.6% of the respondents travel less than 6 miles to meet a bus, 15.6% of the respondents travel less than 10 miles and finally 3.4% travel a distance that is greater than 10 miles in order to meet a public bus route. 1.4% of the respondents did not answer the question.





Graph 6: Distance travelled to meet bus route


Bus Pass:


12.9% of respondents have a bus pass, 86.4% of respondents do not have a bus pass and 0.7% of respondents did not reply. 0.7% of the respondents indicated that they were entitled to a bus pass, 74.8% said that they were not entitled, 6.8% of respondents did not know while 4.8% of respondents did not answer the question.


14.3% of respondents said that their dependents were entitled to a bus pass, 8.2% said that their dependents were not entitled to a bus pass, 0.7% did not respond and 76.8% of respondents indicated that the question was not applicable.


Taxis

The respondents were asked about their use of taxi services, 26.5% of respondents use taxis, and 73.5% do not.


When the respondents were asked to describe the cost of taxis; 6.1% of the respondents stated that they were not expensive, 19.0% said that they were reasonably priced 12.9% of respondents said that they were expensive, 4.8% stated that the taxis are very expensive and 46.9% did not know the cost of a taxi. 10.3% of respondents gave no answer.


The respondents were then asked about their ability to get a taxi; 34.7% of respondents said they found it easy to get a taxi, 40.1% said it was difficult, with 8.2% finding it difficult because of having no phone. 17.0% of respondents did not answer.


Own transport


72.1% of respondents have their own means of transport, 27.9% have no transport of their own. 42.9% of respondents have a car or van, 6.1% have a tractor, 4.1% a bicycle, 0.7% a motorbike, 15.6% have a tractor and a car /van. 0.7% has a motorbike and a car/van. 2.0% did not answer, while 27.9% of respondents indicated that the question was not applicable.



Graph 7: Own Means of transport



43.5% of respondents get a lift with a neighbour, 52.4% do not, and 4.1% did not respond. 19.7% of respondents hitch, 73.5% do not, and 6.8% did not respond. 53.1% of respondents walk as a means of transport, 41.5% don’t, 5.4% gave no answer. 33.3% of respondents walk daily, 18.4% of respondents walk weekly, 1.4% of the respondents walk monthly while 46.9% indicated that the question was not applicable.


Development of Transport:


Respondents were asked if there were new transport service set up, where would they like it to bring them? 25.9% of the respondents would like to go to the regional town, 13.6% said they would not use it, 10.2% would like a local service, 8.8% would like it to connect to CIE, 0.7% did not specify and 40.8% of the respondents did not answer.


Analysis


While 72.1% of respondents indicated that they had their own means of transport, 27.9% of respondents have no transport whatsoever. These respondents are at a considerable disadvantage as bus routes in this region are underdeveloped and infrequently serviced. In addition the distances respondents live from public bus routes are prohibitive, 34.6% of the respondents indicated that they live more than 6 miles from the nearest bus stop.


Of almost similar note is that 73.5% of respondents do not use taxis, the main reasons given were difficulty in getting a taxi at 40.1% (8.2% of respondents stated that this difficulty arose due to the lack of a phone), and the low availability of taxis particularly in the more rural areas.



Section 5: Meeting People

This section presents the results regarding the social contact of the respondents.


Visiting;


In response to the question regarding number of visits, which the respondents made to friends; 15% of respondents visit friend’s daily, 52.4% weekly, 18.4% monthly, and 6.8% annually, and 7.4% never visit friends.


The respondents were then asked about the frequency of their visits to relatives, 10.2% of respondents visit relatives daily, 34.7% weekly, 29.3% monthly, 12.9% annually, 12.2% never, and 0.7% seldom visit1.


The respondents were also asked about the frequency of their visits with their neighbours, 39.5% of respondents visit neighbours daily, 43.5% weekly, 8.2% monthly, 8.8% never visit neighbours.

Graph 8: Frequency of Visits:






Attendance at social or religious functions:


When the respondents were asked if they attended, social or religious functions, for example weddings, christenings, confirmations, and communions, 44.2% of respondents indicated that they attended the above, 22.4% of respondents indicated that they occasionally attended such functions, while 13.6% of respondents indicated that they sometimes attend such functions. 15% of respondents indicated that they never attended such functions; while 4.8% of the respondents stated that there are none to attend.


Graph 9: Attendance at Social/Religious Functions



When asked if respondents attend friends, neighbours or community activities, 32.7% said that they did attend such activities, 21.8% of the respondents stated that they sometimes attend these activities with 20.4% attending occasionally. 19.7% of respondents said they did not attend community activities and 5.4% said that there were no community activities to attend.



Graph 10: Attendance at Community activities



Meeting people socially:


In response to the question regarding where do respondents go to meet people socially, 57.1% of respondents said pubs and local community centres, 24.9% said that they meet people at organised activities, 5.3% said that they visited other towns in order to meet people socially. 4.2% of respondents said that they visited friends and neighbours in order to meet socially and 8.5% of people said that they do not meet people socially.







Graph 11: Places to meet socially




When respondents were asked if they met socially though their work, 50.3% of them said yes they meet people socially through work, 19.7% said no, the question did not apply to 20.4% of the respondents and 9.6% did not answer the question.


91.2% of respondents do not attend workshops, seminars or conferences, while 8.2% of the respondents do attend such workshops, seminars and conferences and 0.6% gave no answer.


64.6% of respondents attend the mart. 26.5% of these respondents attend at least weekly, 28.6% monthly with 9.5% at other frequencies. 35.4% of the respondents never attend the mart.


82.3% of respondents said that they do their own shopping. 17% of respondents said that someone else did their shopping for them, while 0.7% said that they did their own shopping but also someone else also helped them with their shopping.



Religious Practice:


In response to the question regarding religion 73.5% of respondents indicated that they are practicing a religion (type not specified). 15% of the respondents indicated that they belong to a church, 5.4% have a spiritual belief, 4.8% of the respondents are atheist and 1.3 gave no answer.

The frequency of participation by respondents in organised religious practice is illustrated in table 3 below:


Table 3: Frequency of Participation:

Daily

Weekly

Occasionally

Never

No Answer

Not Applicable

2%

72.8%

15.6%

0.7%

2.8%

6.1%



Pubs:


55.1% of respondents said that they visited the pub 1 – 3 times a week, 10.8% of respondents visit the pub 4 – 6 times a week, and 4.6% of respondents visit the pub on a daily basis, while 25.2% of the respondents never visit the pub. 4.1% visit the pub at other frequencies.

Graph 12: Frequency of Pub Visits



In response to the question regarding whether it was important to go to the pub for social contact, 63.9% of respondents said yes, 10.2% of respondents said no, 25.2% said that the question did not apply to them and 0.7% did not answer the question.


Graph 13: Pub as a source of Social Contact




Respondents were also asked if they went to the pub for any of the reasons listed in table 4, the table lists the reasons and percentage responses.


Table 4: Reasons for visiting a pub:

Yes (%)

No (%)

Not Applicable (%)

Male Company

15

59.8

25.2

Female Company

18.4

56.4

25.2

To meet people

66

8.8

25.2

Food

28.5

46.3

25.2

Music

43.5

31.3

25.2

Games

30.6

44.2

25.2

TV

34

40.8

25.2

Drinking

51

23.8

25.2

Meet Relatives

12.2

62.6

25.2

Business

2.7

72.1

25.2

Silent Company

3.4

71.4

25.2

Off License

0.7

74.1

25.2

Disco

2.7

72.1

25.2




It is clear from table 4 above that the respondents, who did visit the pub, did so primarily for social interaction in that 66% of the respondents went to the pub in order to meet people there. It is further noteworthy that 57% of the respondents listed drinking as one of the primary reasons why they attended the pub.


Graph 4 below illustrates the various reasons why 25.2% of the men did not go to the pub.


Graph 14: Reasons for not visiting the Pub




The initial reason why respondents did not visit the pub was due to the fact that they did not drink, 23.1% of the respondents did not drink. 1.4% of the respondents stated that it was difficult to get there. 1.4% of the respondents said that the cost was an issue and finally 0.7% of the respondents said that drink driving was an issue.


Analysis


There are a small percentage of respondents who never visit family (12.2%), friends (7.5%), or neighbours (8.8%), and who never visit anyone (cross tab no.2). This isolation is compounded by the fact that 19.8% never attend social or religious functions, with 25.1% also never attending community activities. This would indicate that many of the respondents are possibly isolated people. For a rural community the mart (64.6%) and the church (73.5%) have a major role to play in the lives of the men. However the pub provides the only other real alternative place to socialise in North Leitrim, so it is not surprising that 63.9% of respondents said it was important for social contact. Whilst 23.1% don’t drink, the high frequency of pub use (15.7% using the pub more than 4 times a week) can become a source of problems for the men involved.



Section 6: Health:

This section presents the results regarding respondent’s health details.


The respondents were asked how often they visited their local doctor; 4.8% of the respondents stated that they visited the doctor more weekly than monthly, 12.9% of the respondents said that they never visited the doctor, 15.6% of respondents said that they visited the doctor monthly, 29.9% of the respondents use the doctor at least once a year. 7.5% of the respondents stated that they only visited the doctor when they were sick and 28.6% of the respondents occasionally attended the doctor. 0.7% of the respondents gave no answer.

Graph 15: Visits to the Doctor


83.7% of respondents said that there was nothing preventing them from visiting the doctor, 2.7% of respondents said that weather conditions were a prohibiting factor, 0.7% arthritis, while 0.7% were unhappy with the service. 12.2% of the respondents did not answer the question.


When the respondents were asked if they were told by a doctor that they have or have had suffered from any of the following medical conditions, 0.7% of respondents said that they suffered from Angina, 1.4% had suffered from a heart attack, 15.6% of the respondents have high blood pressure, 0.7% of the respondents stated they had had a stroke, 0.7% suffered from diabetes, 4.8% of the respondents have high cholesterol, 3.4% suffered from anxiety and 8.2% of the respondents suffered from depression. There was a final group of respondents (3.4%) who had other problems (minor illnesses). 32% of the respondents declined to answer any of the above questions.



50.3% of respondents have been hospitalised at some time in their lives, 28.6% of respondents have been hospitalised within the last 5 years, and the remaining 21.8% have been hospitalised at some other time. 49.6% have never been hospitalised.


54.4% of respondents have a medical card, 19% have private insurance, 25.9% have neither and 0.7% did not answer. 25.2% used local cures, 72.8% do not while 2% did not answer.


When asked to describe the services where they get their routine medical needs, 81.0% of respondents said satisfactory, 4.8% excellent or very good, 2.0% fair, 4.1% don’t need/don’t know, while 8.1% gave no answer.


When asked to evaluate the services of their local chemist 65.3% of respondents said that they provide a good service, 17.0% said that the service was adequate, 8.8% of respondents stated that the service was inadequate, with 5.4% of respondents giving no answer and 3.5% of the respondents said there are no chemists available to them.


When the respondents were asked what would improve their quality of life a number of responses were stated, table 5 below illustrates the responses and the percentage of respondents who indicated them.


Table 5: Factors to improve quality of life

Improvement in Quality of life

Percentage

Too late to improve

0.7

Retirement

0.7

Move to town

0.7

Health Related

1.4

Better Facilities

2.0

More Friends

3.4

Work

4.8

Transport

4.8

Female Company

10.2

More Money/Assets

17.0

Gave no Answer

54.3


The table above provides a list of the factors, which the respondents feel could contribute to an improvement in the quality of their lives. 17% of the respondents felt that more money or assets would improve the quality of their lives. While 0.7% (one person) felt that it was too late to improve the quality of their lives.


Analysis:


During the research project a number of respondents felt that health centres are not male friendly and that changes in this area might encourage more men to seek early medical treatment. A report from the 1998 conference on men’s health suggested that men do not willingly go to the doctor and that 40% of consultations are on the prompting of a female. This is indeed worrying when looked at the fact that 95.2% of the respondents are single. In spite of this however 83.7% of the respondents indicated that they were happy with the service provided by the health board.


The average respondent visits the doctor at least once a year (29.9%) and is satisfied with the service he receives (83.7%). He is likely to have a medical card (54.4%) and been hospitalised at some time (50.3%). He may suffer from high blood pressure (15.6%) but in general he feels that more money or assets (17%) would improve his quality of life.









Section 7: Housing and Finance


This section presents the results concerning respondents housing and finance details.


Housing:


In response to the question regarding housing 78.9% of respondents are owner occupiers, 2.0% are paying a mortgage, 4.1% are renting privately, 12.9% are local authority tenants, 0.7% are non of the above, with 1.4% giving no answer.


Graph 15 shows the appliances in the homes of the respondents, 84.4% of the respondents own a television, 91.2% of the respondents stated that they owned a radio, 91.2% of the respondents to this research owned a cooker and 85% owned a fridge. 56.5% of all the respondents questioned had a telephone in their homes and 51.7% of the men had a washing machine. Finally only 3.4% of the respondents had a computer in their home.

Graph 16: Appliances in the home:


The graph below illustrates the facilities of the respondents in their home, 91.2 % of respondents had running water in the home and only 67.2% of those respondents that had running water had hot running water. 83% of the respondents had an indoor lavatory and 74.1% had a bathroom. Finally 37.4% of the respondents had central heating in their homes.








Graph 17: Facilities in the home:





Land & property:


As regards land or property ownership, 65.3% of respondents own land or other property, 10.2% said that this property was mortgaged, for 50.3% the property was not, 4.8% gave no answer, while for 34.7% of the respondents the question was inapplicable in that they did not own land or other property.


The respondents that own land/property were asked how many acres of land they owned or have a mortgage on; 17.7% have 25 or less acres, 29.9% with between 25 and 50 acres, 10.2% with 50 to 100 acres, and 0.7% with over 100 acres. There were the 34.7% for whom the question was inapplicable, and a further 6.8% who gave no answer.


As regards the ownership of livestock 55.8% of respondents have livestock, 21.1% do not own any livestock and 23.1% gave no answer. The following table illustrates the number of livestock owned by the respondents:


Graph 18: Livestock Ownership


(Definition of livestock unit, as used for questionnaire)



Income:


The Respondents were asked what is the main source or sources of income; the table below illustrates the distribution of income sources for the respondents.


Graph 19: Sources of income of respondents:


39.5% of the respondents were in receipt of social welfare payments for their income, 32.2% stated that farm subsidies were part of their income, 34.7% of respondents stated that employment was their income source, 6.8% of the respondents had pensions as their income source and finally 2.7% of the respondents had other income sources.


Table 6 below illustrates the % of respondents who fall into the varying income brackets.


Table 6: Income Brackets

Income

Percentage

£5,000 or less

49.0

£5000 -£9000

31.3

£10000 - £14000

17.0

15,000 - £20,000

1.4

Over £20,000

1.3


The respondents were asked if their present income was secure for the next 5 years, 46.9% of the respondents replied that yes their current income was secure and 53.1% stated that their income was not secure.


As regards the possession of savings 18.4% of respondents gave no answer, with 5.4% of the respondents not having savings and 16.3% of the respondents stated that savings were not important. The following are the reasons stated for having savings, 22.4% of the respondents had their saving for unforeseen circumstances, 18.4% stated that it was for security and self maintenance, 2.8% of the respondents maintained their savings for retirement and old age and finally 16.3% had savings in case of sickness.


59.9% of respondents used the banks, 12.9% of the respondents used the post office, 0.7% of the respondents stated that they used the credit union and 0.7% used the building society. A further 13.6% of respondents used a combination of the above. 5.4% do not use financial institutions and 6.8% did not answer.



Analysis:


Housing; the majority of the respondents own their own home (78.9%). The consequences of this are apparent when looked at in terms of the living conditions of these respondents. Although only 6.1% have no domestic facilities, 29.9% have no hot water, with 14.3% having no indoor lavatory, 46.9% of the men do not possess a washing machine. These figures indicate that the conditions experienced by the respondents are deprived and difficult. The other issue to be mentioned is the small number (4.1%) of respondents who live in privately rented accommodation.

Land & property; since the majority of the respondents are farmers, land owning is to be expected (65.3%). The important point is the size of the average holding (47.6% with less than 50 acres) and the number of livestock units owned (53.1% have less than 25 livestock units). These figures illustrate that the majority of the landowners possess quite small units of land and limited numbers of livestock. This demonstrates the difficulty in sustaining a viable farm unit.


Income; as noted farming does not provide a viable income for the majority of the respondents. Incomes are therefore supplemented by social welfare and farm subsidies (71.7%). This has the effect of 80.3% of respondents having an income of less than £9,000.00. The other issue highlighted by respondents was that 53.1% of the respondents did not have a secure income for the next five years; this left the respondents with a feeling of financial insecurity. This is clear when looking at the reasons for maintaining savings, 22.4% of respondents for unforeseen circumstances and also 18.4% for security and self-maintenance. A more worrying trend is that 16.3% of the respondents did not see savings as being important. Financial institutions were important to the respondents as 87.8% use them. This has implications for rural banking in particular as the tendency, among many of the larger financial institutions is to ‘rationalise’ their organisations.




Section 8: Educational Details


This section presents the results regarding the educational details of the respondents:


The respondents were asked to what level they attended school, 57.8% had attended school to primary level, 36.1% had attended school to second level and 6.1% had gone on to third level education.


Graph 20: Educational Level Attended:



The respondent were further asked about the qualifications they had received in school, 36.1% of the respondents had received a national school certificate, 11.6% of them had received a group certificate, 10.2% of the respondents had received their junior certificate. 7.5% of the respondents had completed and received their leaving certificate and of these 4.1% had gone on to third level. 22.4% of the respondents had received none of the above and 8.1% gave no answer.


When the respondents were asked if they had attained any of the above as a mature student 93.9% of the respondents said no, with 3.4% yes and 2.7% giving no answer.


The respondents were asked at what age they left school, 53.1% of them had left school between the ages of 12 and 14years, 40.2% of the respondents had left between the ages of 14 and 18 and 4.7% were over the age of 18 years when leaving school. 2% gave no answer.


Graph 21: Age at time of leaving school


When the respondents were asked why they had left school, 52.4% of them left in order to take up work, 35.2% had left in order to take up home duties, 1.4% gave no answer and finally 11% gave other reasons for leaving school.



Adult Education:


The respondents were asked if they had completed any other formal training, 87.1% said no they had not, 12.2% said yes they had completed other formal training, and 0.7% gave no answer. When the respondents were asked if they had ever been involved in an adult education programme, 80.3% said no, with 19.7% saying yes. 16.3% of those who had been involved in adult education said that this training was though FAS.


77.6% of respondents stated that they are not interested in pursuing adult education, 20.4% of the respondents stated that they would be interested in pursuing adult education opportunities and 2.0% gave no answer.


The respondents who stated that they would be interested in further education were further asked what course they would like to do; 1.4% of the respondents said that they would do any course, 8.8% of the respondents stated that their interest would be in a computer course, 5.4% of the respondents were interested in trade courses, 2.1% were interested in reading and writing, 0.7% of the respondents stated that they would be interested in a course in community development. 0.7% of respondents stated a photography course the same number were interested in a course on chainsaws, 2.7% of the respondents did not answer and the question did not apply to 77.6% of the respondents.



Analysis:


One prime factor emerges from the survey, 57.8% of the respondents only attended school to primary level, 22.4% of the respondents have no level of qualification having left school before the age of 14 (53.1%). One important point raised by the research is that men left school to take-up home duties and caring, the results show 35.2% of respondents having done so. The 6.1% of respondents that went to third level is indicative of the demographic problems that are peculiar to Leitrim. Farm inheritance; lack of higher employment opportunities locally; discourage boys intent on staying in the area from seeing education as having any value. The opposite has been true for girls, the choice to stay in the area was limited so education was the means to employment elsewhere. The overall effect is seen in the large number of single men in North Leitrim. Where training has been offered, especially for example through FAS it has been making a difference in that 16.3% availed of their training programmes.


Other issues:


The respondents were asked if they would like to make any comments about any other issues which they felt affected their lives, 77.6% of the respondents made no comment, 6.1% raised the issue of transport in their local areas as an important issue which affected their lives, 2.7% of the respondents commented on farming issues, 2.7% talked of the lack of people in their areas, 2% referred to social welfare and 2% referred to employment issues that affected them, 1.4% of the people discussed training, 1.4% of the respondents also commented on foreigners and 0.7% of the respondents talked about male rights. 3.4% of the respondents referred to other issues that relate to their lives.


A final question was to enquire if respondents would like more information or contact with the North Leitrim Men’s Group 61.0% said they would, while 39.0% would not be interested.


Cross tabulations


The cross tabulations were calculated in order to try and identify relationships between the variables in the research. The most significant of the cross tabulations are presented here.


Dependents:


The research looked at those respondents who have dependents in closer detail.

In cross tabulation with facilities it was found that 52.9% of respondents who have dependents do not have central heating, 17.6% have no hot water and 5.9% have no running water. Therefore both the respondent and his dependent are living in disadvantaged conditions and the lack of running water and of central heating can have serious implications for the health of the respondents involved.


Visiting


The research wanted to see if there were any trends to respondents visiting patterns, it found that most respondents visit friends weekly (55.4%), however 8.1% never visit friends and that only those settled for more than 35 years visit friends daily. This is an important issue to be looked at in term of the isolation of the respondents. When focusing on relatives, 16.2% never visit their relatives and 50% of these respondents have lived in their area all their lives. A more significant problem is that 44.4% of those not visiting relatives do not visit their friends either. This is a serious situation in that these respondents do not have any contact with the two major categories for social contact that is friends and relatives.


Meeting places


77.7% of respondents who go to the pub for social contact go 1 to 3 times a week. The pub is seen as the predominant meeting place for the respondents. This points to the lack of other facilities for meeting other people. However of those who go daily, 57.1% do not go for social contact. This may be the result of a lack of social alternatives to the pub in rural areas and also due to a decline in the family network and the social networks.


Employment


The survey found that the respondents were moving from building and construction into farming with 18.9% of farmers saying that they were previously engaged in the building trade. The research also highlighted that most of the farmers (69.9%) are over 45 years old. Overall there is a slight increase (4.4%) in the numbers taking up farming, amongst the respondents. The supposition is that respondents are returning from building sites to ‘retire’ in farming. 94.6% of farming respondents have incomes of less than £9,000.00 with 52.1% of farmers living on less than £5,000.00. This has implications for the living standards of the respondents involved. The poor facilities of a large number of households is testament to this, with 17.6% of respondents being without hot water and 5.9% of the respondents having no running water. The research further noted that from amongst the respondents who classified themselves as being employed in the building and construction sector, 75.0% of these workers receive less than £9,000.00, with 37.5% having incomes of under £5,000.


Health


From the cross tabulations it was highlighted that an indicator of the cause of ill health amongst the target group is low income. This has knock on effects in living conditions and the other areas of the research. The figures obtained from the research show that incomes of less than £5,00 per year have profound and negative effects on the lives of single men in North Leitrim.


The survey found that 54.8% of respondents have medical cards; as would be expected 58.8% have incomes of less than £5,000 with a further 38.8% in the £5,000-£9,000 bracket. The missing 2.5% have incomes of up to £14,000. The findings also show that medical cardholders attend more regularly for medical treatment and hospitalisation. 85.7% of respondents who visit doctors weekly to monthly have medical cards, while 57% of medical cardholders visit more than once a year. When looking at occupations and hospitalisation it was found that within the last 5 years 59.5% of farmers and 81.8% of the unemployed have been admitted to hospital. Also of note is that 26.0% of respondents have neither medical cards nor private insurance. 57.9% of these have incomes of less than £5,000 (confirmed by results of out-reach workers actions). The research revealed that the incidence of depression amounted to 12% of those answering the question (68.1% of respondents). One of the cross tabulations that of depression in relation to education gave an interesting result. Of the three groups, those who left school at National level and those who left at 3rd level had a significant incidence of depression (16.7%) of respondents. However those leaving after 2nd level only had a 2.9% chance of having depression. Depression was further cross tabulated with income and found that 91.6% of those with depression were on incomes of less than £9,000. These results were mirrored by those experiencing anxiety, where 100% of sufferers, have incomes of less than £9,000 (although none from the 3rd level group).


To understand the high level of depression amongst the 3rd level group the research noted that 44.4% of respondents with 3rd level qualifications have incomes of below £5,000. This compares with 62.4% leaving at National School level and 28.3% at 2nd level with incomes of less than £5,000. The average 2nd level leaver (35.8%) making up 76.0% of the £10,000 to £14,000 income bracket.

If poor health and poor living conditions are related, then the lack of many household facilities presented by the respondents is of concern. The cross tabulations show that income is significant when looking at facilities. Running water, indoor toilet etc., show the greatest numbers without these facilities receive less than £5,000. The same is noted in the pattern of ownership of household equipment. When it is considered that approximately 1/6 of the respondents have dependents living with them, the housing conditions are particularly acute, here it is found that on average 1/5 of those without a facility have dependents.


The aspirations of the respondents are hardly dynamic, for the majority it is not female company that would improve their lives (10.2%) but more money (17.0%). 21.7% of respondents attach no importance to having savings, low incomes would certainly have an effect on this. Only 20.4% would be interested in further education, yet the fear of their financial security (46.9%) only appears to have a cathartic effect.


Income

The research looked at the current occupation and highest level of school attended by the respondents. It was found that 72.6% of farmers only attended national school, while 4.1% of farmers went on to third level. 72.7% of the unemployed left school at national school level. 4.5% of the unemployed have gone on to third level. While 62.4% of respondents who left school at national level have an income of less than £5,000; 44.4% of respondents who went on to third level also have incomes of less than £5,000. On inspection of the figures for the highest income bracket (over £20,000), 1.2% of those respondent who fall into this bracket left at national school level and 11.1% of this income bracket had gone on to attend third level.



Analysis

The major issues highlighted by the research include;












Section Eight:

Conclusions



This section focuses on the main issues that have arisen from the research and sets the foundation on which to develop a range of action-based recommendations.


Conclusions:


  1. The physical isolation which many of the respondents experience;

  2. The sense of social isolation experienced by a large number of the respondents;

  3. The poor housing conditions of the respondents;

  4. The health status of the respondants;

  5. The educational attainment & literacy levels of respondants;

  6. The precarious employment situation of respondents;

  7. The issue of access to information regarding rights and entitlements;

  8. The low levels of self-esteem of respondants;

  9. The low levels of income of respondants;

  10. Land and property of the respondents

  11. The number of men who have dependants and are carers.



Physical isolation


The ongoing depopulation of rural areas has resulted in real and/or perceived sense of distance from neighbours and from centres of social interaction. Many rural men, especially those who are single, live in very isolated situations. The poor infrastructure reinforces this sense of isolation. Poor levels of public transport, the high cost of maintaining private transport, cutbacks in the postal service, and the distance from medical, fire and police services contribute to an increased sense of isolation for the respondents of this research. The distance from medical, fire and police services has an added stress on security, on employment opportunities, and social engagement.


Social isolation


Substantial numbers of the single rural men, who responded to this survey, experience severe social isolation. Opportunities for social interaction and for work-based interactions are limited. Structured or organised social activity, where they exist is limited, while community-based social activity is often perceived as unattractive or inappropriate for single men. Occasional visits to local pubs provide the only social focus, and even then, transport can be an issue for many of the respondent’s.

The physical isolation mentioned above, combined with the migration of family members and friends to urban centres, has further accentuated this sense of isolation. A decline and consolidation of small rural farms have eroded traditional co-operation on farm tasks. Even in rural towns and villages single men may experience a severe sense of isolation. They are cut off from the social activities, which depend on family links, on school-related events, and on ability/willingness to participate in community-based projects. Rural men especially those of North Leitrim experience considerable difficulty in finding and sustaining female companionship. This issue is clearly intertwined and exacerbated by many of the other issues identified. These issues include the lack of places for social interaction, the non-involvement of men in community activities and also the physical isolation experienced by many of the men.


Housing


The quality of housing in which a significant number of the respondents live is substandard, especially by modern standards. 8.8% of the respondents live in houses which lack running water, toilets, bathrooms, and other basic facilities including telephones. The sub-standard nature of their homes and the lack of the basic facilities necessitate the lifestyles, which these men have. These conditions further contribute to social isolation and to poor health.


Health

Rural men experience health problems, both physical and mental, which are often linked to lifestyle and living conditions. Like many men, they are slow to seek medical advice owing to a culture, which does not encourage men to admit to psychological or medical problems. This culture of silence may have some bearing on the very high rate of heart disease and suicide amongst men in North Leitrim. One major factor arising from the research is the effects of low incomes and unemployment on health. The research found that 91.6% of those who suffered from depression had an income of less than £9,000 per year.


Education & Literacy


The research found that most respondents finished formal school early taking up home duties or caring roles. The effects of this early school leaving are seen in the lack of vocational qualifications achieved, high levels of difficulty with literacy, and the lack of interest in pursuing further education. This lack of interest may stem from low levels of self-confidence, which many of the men may feel about continuing in education. Furthermore respondents with low levels of educational attainment have correspondingly low levels of income and limited low-paid employment opportunities.


Employment


Single rural men are mainly engaged in farming or in unskilled manual work. Many have little or no experience of off-farm employment, and are therefore unlikely to possess the basic skills or attitudes needed in order to seek or find jobs. It can be concluded that a high proportion of rural single men will experience severe difficulty in acquiring or retaining jobs in the employment marketplace as their poor skills and educational base limits their opportunities for off-farm employment, as well as disadvantaging employers looking to locate in the area. This may help to explain the figures produced in 1997 for Co. Leitrim in which just 46 companies were engaged in manufacturing, retail, wholesale, and construction, employing a total of 720 people.


Access to information


Rural men tend to have poor social networks, with poor access to information regarding their rights and opportunities for improving their quality of life. They are often reluctant to seek out information or use formal state-sector or voluntary advice. There is an apathetic and suspicious attitude prevailing regarding officialdom, which compounds their reluctance to seek out information. This reluctance on behalf of the men to seek out information can have a negative effect on the use of services and the quality of their lives and has resulted in poor uptake of entitlements.


Low self-esteem


Rural men are likely to have a low sense of self-esteem and tend to view themselves as being on the margins of society. This may stem from leaving school at an early age that is compounded by low levels of social interaction and physical isolation experienced by the men.


Income


The research showed that many of the respondents live on very low incomes. The effects of their low income are apparent in all aspects of the men’s lives, most especially in their homes and facilities. Many of the respondents depend on income from farming (which is continually dropping), and/or on income from social welfare receipts. Low income has restricted their ability to improve the quality of their lives, their housing, their mobility and their ability to make lifestyle changes.


Land and Property


Leitrim is characterised by marginal, infertile and poorly drained land which severely hampers the livelihoods of the respondents and their ability to create a good quality of life. While the research shows a high incidence of owner occupancy this is not an indicator of wealth.


Carers


Traditionally men have not been identified as primary carers either of parents, siblings or adult children. This research shows many single men took on the role of carer at quite an early age. In some cases this restricted their opportunities for social, educational and employment-oriented development.


Social Barriers


While many of the issues listed above represent personal barriers to engaging in society, it is clear that a number of social and institutional barriers also exist which further restrict participation.



Section Nine:

Recommendations


A number of recommendations follow from this research and are listed below. The recommendations clearly outline the steps that need to be taken at local, regional and national level in order to arrest the increasing marginalisation of single men in rural areas. These recommendations are aimed at individuals, community groups, statutory agencies, elected representatives and policy makers who have both an interest and responsibility towards tackling social exclusion.


Recommendations:

  1. Recognition of Single Rural Men as a specific minority

  2. Improved housing grant AID.

  3. FÁS Programmes as a means of reaching marginalised men.

  4. Improved and targeted information Provision.

  5. Adaptable and specific education provision.

  6. Recognition of the Rural Context.

  7. Ageism in the employment market needs to be legally prohibited.

  8. Policies to tackle the barriers identified for men.

  9. Recognition of men as carers and an improvement of services for carers



Recognition of Single Men as a Specific Minority:


The situation of single rural men, as a specific issue, needs to be recognised and acted upon by all state and voluntary organisations. The scale and gravity of the problems experienced by this group demands focused and urgent attention. The evidence revealed by this study indicates that single rural men, as a group, require a level of attention on a par with other marginalised minorities.





Improved housing grant aid


The poor standard of housing and living conditions of many single rural men, coupled with their low incomes, gives rise to serious concern. The existing arrangements for grant-aid are perceived as complex and difficult to negotiate. There is an urgent need for improved information access regarding the assistance available, and for more user-friendly application procedures.




FÁS Programmes as a Means of Reaching Marginalised Men:


The experience of the North Leitrim Men’s Group in using the FÁS Community Employment Programme as a vehicle for reaching single rural men has been positive and informative. It provides an opportunity for social interaction and a platform from which to deliver a wide range of supports and services. Innovative and effective use of the Community Employment Programme is only possible, however, when there is access to supplementary financial and other resources. Re-education and personal development for this target group takes time and commitment over a number of years. It cannot be achieved in a short time-span. Community Employment projects will need to be adequately resourced, focused on participant rather than sponsor organisation needs, and have continuity over several years.


Improved and Targeted Information Provision:


The research shows that single rural men are not accessing their full entitlements, and that they are also reluctant to seek out information. There is a need to develop systems of information delivery and advocacy, which seek out these men in an appropriate and acceptable fashion. Outreach services, operated by trained staff, offer the best model of good practice in this regard. Development of a trusting relationship between clients and information providers will demand continuity of contact.


Adaptable and specific education provision


Education and training in technical and personal skills can contribute to quality of life, social contact and, in some cases, progression toward employability and improved income. Innovative and informal approaches to the delivery of education and training programmes need to be developed. Such approaches will need to recognise the problems of access, the reluctance of single men to participate in traditional modes of delivery, and the importance of building on the client group’s life experiences.


Recognition of the Rural Context:



There is a need to recognise the specifically rural context in which the social isolation of single rural men exists. While much can be learned from the urban experience, it is essential that any policies or initiatives, aimed at improving the situation of single rural men, take into account the particular problems which their rural location causes. In particular, questions of physical access and mobility, the tradition and importance of agricultural work, the continuing scarcity of off-farm employment, and the demographic imbalances within rural areas will need to be taken into account.



Personal Development for Men.


Training in personal development has proven effective for other special needs groups. There is a need now to develop new and effective approaches to personal development, specifically aimed at men, in order to address issues such as low self-esteem, apathy, and negative self-images.


Development of Skills, Attitudes and Information.



People involved in service delivery and development, at both voluntary and statutory levels, will need to be exposed to information and training of an appropriate nature, in order that they can approach the issues concerned in an informed and capable manner. New skills and an increased awareness of the situation of single rural men will be needed.



Support for Voluntary Groups.



Action around this issue is still in its infancy. Support is needed in order to allow the development of dedicated men’s groups elsewhere, and support the work of organisations such as the North Leitrim Men’s Group.



Networking.


Both voluntary groups and statutory agencies which are concerned with the situation of single rural men will need to create opportunities for effective networking and the exchange of experience. Linkages need to be forged both nationally and internationally.


Further Research.


This study has revealed the existence of substantial levels of social deprivation amongst single rural men in the North Leitrim area. The effort and commitment required of the members of the North Leitrim Men’s Group in carrying out the research was considerable. The research was, of necessity, restricted in its scope and depth by the limits of the group’s resources.


Further research will be necessary in order to better inform debate on the issues involved, and to guide the development of future actions and policies.


1 A number of the respondents gave further details of their visiting patterns. Therefore as a result the seldom visit category emerges in the figures