Have you listened to the HSE's 'Positive Mental Health' podcast yet? …  If not, check it out at: https://youtu.be/BR1LXhiGdf8  In this episode, the host (Fergal Fox) chats to Olive Fanning and Anne Marie Murphy (HSE Health Promotion and Improvement Officers) about positive mental health and the HSE’s 'Minding Your Wellbeing' programme - which is available through a series of five videos along with other mental health supports at: www.yourmentalhealth.ie

The Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland is calling on older people to share their views on ageism.  Ageism is the stereotyping, prejudice and/or discrimination of people based on their age, or perceived age.  The Commissioner aims to address this by encouraging Government to improve policy and legislation affecting older people, examine why ageism happens, how to reduce it, and educate the public on ageism and how to stop it.  Help to inform the Commissioner’s recommendations to government by sharing your views and completing a short survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/89ZTX6R

The Institute of Public Health's report, ‘Children and gambling - evidence to inform regulation and responses in Ireland’, presents data from Irish secondary school students, collected through the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD).  There is some specific gender analysis and recommendations within it on boys' / men’s health.  Read it at: https://tinyurl.com/yjmh64wx

In late August 2023, the Minister for Health in the Republic of Ireland announced the expansion of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine Catch-Up Programme to include all males up to their 22nd birthday.  Find out more at: https://tinyurl.com/ycxf593x

Lived Experience (LE) is about the things that someone has experienced themselves - especially when these give the person a knowledge or understanding that people who have only heard about such experiences do not have.  The National Suicide Research Foundation is trying to ensure that their research is informed by LE, and is seeking the input of people with LE to all aspects of their research and practice by creating an LE Representatives’ Panel.  If you'd be interested in contributing to this, find out more at: https://www.nsrf.ie/about-us/patient-and-public-involvement-and-engagement-ppie

The Institute of Public Health is hosting a webinar on 'Getting and Staying Active with a Disability - Insights from Research, Policy and Practice' on Thursday 26th October 2023 between 10.00am and 12 noon.  Topics covered will include: the importance of physical activity for people with disabilities; guidelines and recommendations for disabled adults and older adults; language and messaging; findings from the all-island report card on physical activity in children and adolescents with disabilities.  Register for a place at: https://tinyurl.com/3t75vk3s

Precision Oncology Ireland is looking for cancer patients and survivors to take part in a research survey.  They want to understand how patients feel about donating their biological samples and medical data to research, and are particularly interested in hearing from men - as they currently have very low male participation.  The survey takes five minutes, and all answers are fully anonymous and confidential.  If you're interested in taking part, or want to hear more about it, visit: https://tinyurl.com/35bvazcu or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Belfast is part of the World Health Organisation's Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities.  In an Age-Friendly City, organisations work together to make sure that the quality of life for people is enhanced as they age.  Positive Ageing Month celebrates the contribution that older people make to their communities.  You are invited to be part of a month-long festival of events and activities in Belfast for older people which begins on Sunday 1st October 2023.  Find out more at: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/Events/Positive-Ageing-Month