HelpMen Train the Trainer – Ein Ausbildungskonzept und -programm zur Männergesundheitsbildung in Europa

<< Background >>The health status and health behaviour of men are often unsatisfactory, and men who are particularly disadvantaged in terms of education and access are hardly reached by health education programmes. In order to change this, new approaches and qualified key persons, such as trainers and mediators, are needed who can better address these men. The HelpMenTTT project addresses this problem by considering the qualification of health educators and the development of suitable didactics as central factors. Building on the HelpMen strategic partnership (2017-19) and current research findings, HelpMenTTT developed a training concept for trainers and actors in men's health education. There was a need for professionally qualified and new forms of learning and materials to better reach (disadvantaged) men. The idea was to organise exploratory qualification events and pilot projects based on the project work, the experiences of which would result in didactically prepared products: an online learning platform and a print manual. These are intended to support work with disadvantaged men in the long term.<< Objectives >>The project aims to improve the health well-being and quality of life of men who are disadvantaged in terms of education and access. The participation opportunities of these men are to be increased by combating their underrepresentation in health education and promotion. Key people such as trainers, managers and specialists who have not yet had access to suitable methods and tools for the health education of disadvantaged men will be trained. The aim of the HelpMenTTT project was to develop a training concept for health mediators. This concept was to be implemented using innovative tools and exploratory qualification events. The aim was also to motivate and qualify multipliers in health education so that they could actively reach disadvantaged men. To this end, new approaches were to be established and methods developed in a participatory manner were to be tested and evaluated in exemplary implementation formats. The findings and practical experience were then to be incorporated into a learning platform and a print manual for long-term use. The final aim was to disseminate project results in seminar conferences in order to inform those responsible in Europe.<< Implementation >>Key activities in the HelpMenTTT project included project meetings in Vienna, Brixen, Eupen, Strasbourg, and Berlin. The main activity throughout the project was the development of the training concept, its testing in pilot seminars, and the creation of didactic materials and media in the form of a learning platform and a manual. The training concept modules were developed in six thematic working groups and tested in qualification projects with key personnel, who then implemented practical activities with disadvantaged men. Experts and stakeholders were actively involved in the pilot seminars and subsequently targeted men from the disadvantaged groups. Project partners acted as focus groups to qualify staff in health education. Content and methods were tested and evaluated in pilot events. Experts and stakeholders were actively involved in the pilot seminars and subsequently targeted men from the disadvantaged groups. Developed educational tools such as interactive presentations and e-learning modules were used in diverse training sessions for Multipliers. The project results culminated in two products: the interactive learning platform and the print manual for health educators. << Results >>The project provided inspiration to establish men's health as a training topic in health and adult education. Trained professionals became active in men's health education, reducing underrepresentation and fostering participation among disadvantaged men. This effort led to the development of the HelpMenTTT training concept and program, implemented in training activities like workshops and seminars. Two key products emerged:1. Learning Platform for Men's Health: Designed for professionals and trainers, this platform was established with the State Center for Political Education Baden-Württemberg, ensuring sustainable access. It supports self-directed health education for men, independent of time and place.2. Print Manual for Professionals and Trainers: Created for those who prefer tangible materials, it is attractively designed, printed, and distributed through project partners. Both products offer foundational training for men's health education, accessible to professionals and trainers. The materials are available for adaptation and further development by other institutions. The project also strengthens the European network in health education for disadvantaged men.