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

This literature review identified health service and programme access issues for men and boys in Australia and for priority male population groups.  It also investigated barriers hindering men from accessing support for priority health issues.  See the report at: https://tinyurl.com/j4c2dxzm

The 'Engage: National Men's Health Programme' is, currently, seeking applications for three job vacancies.

These relate to training and facilitation functions within the latest Engage initiative - 'On Feirm Ground' - which targets the health of farmers in the Republic of Ireland.

Find out more at: https://tinyurl.com/2p85tfwu

What are you doing to kick-start #MenHealthWeek 2023? ...

Join us at the start of Men’s Health Week (Monday 12th June 2023 at Noon) for an uplifting webinar with special guest, Dr Mark Rowe.  Mark is an expert in Positive Health and Lifestyle Medicine, as well as a Medical Doctor, Author, TedX Speaker and Vitality Expert.

There will also be a range of experienced men’s health practitioners (who will give their advice and input on the many issues of concern to men), as well as the official launch of the new 'Action Man - ten top tips for men's health' booklet.

This will be a great way to start imagining what #ThePictureOfHealth might look like for you!

Book a place at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_v4SMpVEnTdaLqFasNg9tDQ#/registration

Nexus supports individuals impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships in Northern Ireland.  They have recently launched P.A.C.E. - a trauma-informed resilience and recovery programme for individuals aged 18+, who identify as male at the point of referral and are survivors of one or more abusive relationships.  P.A.C.E. stands for Patience, Acceptance, Connection and Empowerment.  Services include individual counselling, therapeutic peer support, an 8-week recovery programme and self-help resources.  The Programme may be suitable if you’ve been subjected to or impacted by emotional, financial, physical, psychological, sexual, technological and/or verbal abuse, and/or coercive and controlling behaviour from a current or former intimate partner, family member or carer.  Find out more at: https://nexusni.org/get-support/male-survivors-abusive-relationships or by calling 028 9032 6803.  This programme may be suitable if you’re in the post-crisis, recovery stage of your journey.  However, if you’re in crisis, contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414 or via https://dsahelpline.org

 

We’re now only weeks away from International Men's Health Week (MHW), which begins on Monday 12th June and runs until Sunday 18th June 2023 (Father’s Day).

Not too long ago, we were unaware of the full extent of men’s poor health status and the specific health issues that they are contending with.  However, this is no longer the case.  In recent years, a broad range of research has highlighted the health challenges which face men in Ireland and further afield.  For example, see the Men’s Health in Numbers reports at: www.mhfi.org/news/1096-men-s-health-in-numbers.html   
 
Yet, although the health of men in Ireland is sometimes poor, it is not a ‘lost cause’ - and it can be improved in many significant ways.  Men, themselves, need to play a central role in taking control of their health and wellbeing.  However, men’s health is not just an issue for individual men and their health can often be determined by other factors outside of their personal control.  Thus, there is also a need for policy-makers, service providers, and society as a whole to recognise the role that they need to play, and to do something tangible about it.

It is very common to hear people on the island of Ireland saying: ‘ah, sure, your man’s the picture of health’.  During Men's Health Week 2023, everyone is being asked to think about what their ‘picture of health’ might look like.  More importantly, everyone is also being asked to set themselves simple, realistic and practical tasks to make this a reality.

As always, the overarching aims of MHW are to:

-  Heighten awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages.
-  Support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices and activities.
-  Encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties in males.

However, any and all activities / actions to mark this occasion are very welcome.

To find out more about the week, visit: www.mhfi.org/mhw/mhw-2023.html