There’s no denying that the state of men’s health on the island of Ireland is often poor.  However, there are things which can be done to change this situation and men, themselves, can play a key role in doing this.  ‘Action Man - ten top tips for men’s health’ is a new, free, Man Manual being distributed by the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland   It was launched to mark Men’s Health Week 2023, but was so popular that it is being re-printed for International Men’s Day, which takes place on the 19th of November 2023.

This booklet doesn't preach or lecture - it simply explains: (i) WHY an action is needed; (ii) WHAT can be done about it; and (iii) HOW to find support if you need it.  Thus, the ten top tips put men into the driving seat, and give men the tools and DIY instructions they need to make positive changes - if they choose to be their own ‘Action Man’.

The Man Manual will be available in both hard copy and in electronic format.  To order hard copies, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.stating:

-  How many copies you would like.
-  The name of the person to send them to.
-  The full postal address (including a Postcode / Eircode) for delivery
-  A contact phone number (in case there is a problem with the delivery).

The online version can be downloaded at: https://mhfi.org/ActionMan2023.pdf

The re-printing of this booklet has only been possible because of the generous support given by Healthy Ireland within the Department of Health.  However, please note that this is a limited print run and, when the hard copies are gone, they’re gone!

'Movember' is seeking respondents in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and the United States to submit proposals to their Prostate Cancer Health Equity Initiative.  This initiative aims to fund projects that build or strengthen the evidence base of promising approaches that contribute to health equity.  It focuses upon promoting inclusion and improved outcomes for marginalised and traditionally under-represented populations of men at risk of, or diagnosed and living with, prostate cancer.  The purpose is to reduce disparities in prostate cancer outcomes - through generating new knowledge and strengthening evidence by accelerating adoption and implementation of that knowledge into practice.  Find out more at Ireland: https://ie.movember.com/about/funding  |  UK: https://uk.movember.com/about/funding

Don’t forget that Saturday 19th November 2023 is International Men’s Day.  Many groups and workplaces across the island of Ireland are hosting events to mark this important occasion, so keep an eye out for them locally.

The Elephant in the Room Movement - founded by former rugby player, pundit, psychotherapist and mental health advocate Brent Pope - is a creative initiative that sees four-foot-tall baby elephant sculptures being painted by well-known artists or celebrities.  The project aims to encourage the normalisation of the mental health topic in every area of society throughout Ireland.  Once the bespoke design has been applied to the elephant, it is mounted on a presentation plinth, with a naming plaque, and positioned in the likes of foyers and reception areas of businesses.  The Elephant sculpture declares that the company or organisation takes mental health seriously in their workplace and, by having an elephant on site, they are showing their employees and visitors that they prioritise their mental health and are committed to supporting their wellbeing.  For more information or to get involved, visit: www.elephantintheroom.ie

Three animations have been created by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland, YouthAction NI and VOYPIC to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation as experienced by boys and young men.  Check them out at: https://www.safeguardingni.org/latest/boys-and-young-men-animation-launch

Around 2,600 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the Republic of Ireland every year.  Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in men.  BowelScreen, the HSE’s national bowel cancer screening programme, has just announced that it is lowering the age range of screening from 60 to 59.  This is part of their ongoing plan to eventually make screening available to all people aged 55-74.  Put simply, if cancer is diagnosed through BowelScreen testing, it is more likely to be found at an early stage - when treatment may lead to a better outcome.  As men are a particularly under-represented group in the bowel cancer screening programme, all eligible males are encouraged to find out more about it at: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/bowel-screening/screening-information

In the most recent podcast by Belfast Men's Health Group, Paul O'Kane chats with Eoin Kernan - a water sports enthusiast who is also living with an eating disorder.  Listen in at: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6eisn-148330b

To celebrate International Men's Day 2023, The Centre for Male Psychology is offering a reduced price on their 'Introduction to Male Psychology and Mental Health' course.  This is approved by The British Psychological Society for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and offers: six hours of e-learning about male psychology and mental health; additional hours of self-directed learning to develop your insights further; twelve-months of on-demand access to video presentations and learning materials.  Find out more at: https://tinyurl.com/bdf3j98r