News

Take a Moment. Start a Conversation.

The Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland, Prof Siobhan O’Neill, recently launched a campaign titled ‘Take a Moment. Start a Conversation’.  This focuses on how simple conversations can interrupt cycles of distressing thoughts; encourages people to talk to anyone who they might be worried about; and recognises that although connecting with someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis can be difficult, starting the conversation can make a real difference.  There is evidence that small, everyday, caring conversations can interrupt overwhelming negative thoughts, and make a meaningful difference for people who feel suicidal.  See: https://www.mentalhealthchampion-ni.org.uk/take-a-moment

Male Testicular Health and Fertility Animations

Have you seen the British Fertility Society's short evidenced-based animations on male testicular health and fertility?  These target young men aged 14-24 years, and the four clips explore: the two essential jobs your testicles do for you; healthy balls healthy body; how you can tell if your testicles are healthy; the incredibly obvious thing you should do about painful testicles.  You can check them out at: https://www.britishfertilitysociety.org.uk/fei/videos

'Let’s Talk About Suicide' Training

'Let’s Talk About Suicide' is a free online suicide prevention training programme that helps people to develop their skills to keep others safe.  It assists participants to: identify people who are at risk; confidently ask about the topic of suicide; and connect them with resources that can help them to stay safe.  The programme was developed by the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), and is available to anyone over 18 years of age.  It uses a mix of guided online content, video and interactive questions.  Participants can pause and recommence the programme at their own convenience.  On average, the programme takes 60-90 minutes to complete, but participants can work at their own pace.  Find out how to access it at: https://traininghub.nosp.ie

How's the Form?

'How's the Form?' is a new podcast series from Age NI aimed at men aged 50+.  Hosted by Joe Lindsay, this podcast speaks to some of Northern Ireland's most high profile men about life in their later years.  Every episode also contains advice from a GP and a psychotherapist looking at how to keep your body and your mind fit beyond 50.  Catch-up on all the episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZgroTgDNfICgFIz9Olqt5z8lR71ia0ea

Walk and Talk for Men in Belfast

Belfast Men’s Health Group invites you to join them on a men’s ‘Walk and Talk’ event to mark International Men’s Day on Tuesday 19th November 2024.  This will begin at 11.00am from the Forthspring Community Centre on the Springfield Road in Belfast, and will also include lunch, alternative therapies and a range of health activities.  Register for a place at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-mens-health-day-mens-walk-and-talk-event-tickets-1041887161547

Suicide and Male Construction Workers in Ireland

Suicide among male construction workers is reported to be disproportionally high compared to the working age population.  However, there is minimal understanding globally of the prevalence and associated factors for suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury, and suicide attempt among this occupational group.  A journal article titled 'Prevalence and associated risk factors for suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempt among male construction workers in Ireland' attempts to shine some light on this area.  Download a copy of it at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-024-18483-0

Know the Signs of Lung Cancer

Did you know that over 2,500 cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year in the Republic of Ireland, and that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Ireland (with over 1,900 deaths annually)?  However, if lung cancer is found early, it’s easier to treat and there’s a better chance of recovery.  One of the common symptoms of lung cancer is a persistent new cough, and everyone is advised to contact their doctor without delay if they develop a cough that does not go away after three weeks.  Know the signs and find out more at: www.hse.ie/checkthatcough