This publication (released 28th February 2018) presents a comprehensive analysis of health inequality gaps between the most and least deprived areas of Northern Ireland, and within Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust and Local Government District (LGD) areas.  The report is accompanied by downloadable data tables which contain all figures, including urban and rural breakdowns.  See: www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/health-inequalities-annual-report-2018

Are you (or someone you care about) a smoker?  Would you be interested in a free six week course that will: provide support in a friendly atmosphere; help you to develop the skills to stop smoking; offer advice on stop smoking medications? ...  If so, you are invited to join a course which will run every Monday, 14th May - 25th June 2018, from 5.30pm - 7.00pm.  This will be held in the 1st Floor, Allied Therapy Suite, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4.  For more information or to book a place, Tel: 01 2214958  |  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Belfast Community Sports Development Network (BCSDN) recently travelled to Dublin to take part in a Danderball tournament held at the Sport Ireland Indoor Arena.  Through a working partnership with the Irish Football Association and Football Association of Ireland, they brought together four teams from the North and four teams from the South of Ireland to take part in this walking football tournament.  See the video at: https://vimeo.com/257500825

Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast are conducting the first large-scale survey of prostate intraepithelial neoplasia patients and individuals with other precancerous conditions to investigate the effect of being diagnosed and living with a precancerous condition.  They are particularly interested to know more about how men feel about prostate intraepithelial neoplasia and the impact, if any, this has had on their life since diagnosis.  The findings from this study will be used to inform future healthcare service provision for individuals with precancers and will be published in a scientific peer reviewed journal.  To learn more about this study and to take part, visit: http://go.qub.ac.uk/QUBPIP1  All responses to the survey will be anonymous, and it should take no longer than 15-20 minutes to complete.

Thursday 15th March 2018 saw the launch of the 'Middle-Aged Men and Suicide in Ireland' report at the 'Men in the Middle' Men's Health Symposium in Dr Steevens' Hospital, Dublin.

Over the past ten years, the suicide rate among middle-aged men (40-59 years old) in the Republic of Ireland has been the highest of all age bands. The self-harm rate among this age group has also increased in recent years. This worrying situation is compounded by the fact that, within this cohort of men, there are a number of specific ‘at risk’ groups for whom suicide and suicidal behaviour is more prevalent.

This research - commissioned by the Men's Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI), funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention, and undertaken by the National Centre for Men's Health in IT Carlow - explores the factors underpinning these statistics; with the aim of providing more effective and gender specific programmes, services, and resources to support men's mental health and wellbeing.  Download the full report at: www.mhfi.org/MAMRMreport.pdf

You are invited to the launch of the Cancer Caring Coping website.  The website (www.cancercaringcoping.com) has been co-designed by families affected by cancer to: provide real life experiences and examples of how to cope in the role of carer; provide tips and techniques; and signpost to available support.  The official launch will take place on Thursday 19th April 2018, from 12.30pm - 2.00pm, in the Lecture Theatre, Postgraduate Centre, Belfast City Hospital.  Light refreshments and lunch will be provided.  If you would like to attend, please contact Dr Olinda Santin at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Tel: 02890 972292.

To help to celebrate Men’s Health Week 2018, the Belfast Men’s Health Group is holding a Photographic Competition.  In our day-to-day conversations, we often use the term ‘real man’.  At best, this is associated with the ‘traditional’ male roles of provider and protector.  However, at worst it is about negative things such as violence, risk-taking and self-destructive behaviours.  This competition seeks to challenge both of these views, and to use photographs to explore the many sides to men and their lives.  Contributors are, therefore, being asked to take a photo which explores the diverse faces / roles / identities / activities of men, and to submit images which clearly visualise the phrase ‘A real man is …’  To find out more and/or take part, see: www.mhfi.org/BMHGphoto2018.pdf

International Men's Health Week (MHW) always begins on the Monday before Father's Day and ends on Father's Day itself.  This coming year, it will run from Monday 11th until Sunday 17th June 2018.

Every year the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) convenes an all-island Planning Group for Men’s Health Week (MHW).  Would you be interested in joining with others from across the island of Ireland to help to shape MHW 2018?  This can be done in many ways - from participating in meetings to electronic communication.  All input is very welcome, and helps to make the week stronger and more relevant.

The first meeting of the Planning Group took place in January, and the next one will be held on Tuesday 27th February 2018, from 10.45am - 1.45pm (including lunch), in Dundalk, Co. Louth.  However, even if you cannot make the meetings, your ongoing feedback on developments via email / phone would still be very helpful.  If you would be interested in being part of the planning process for 2018 (in any way), email Colin Fowler at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

However, even if this is not possible, why not start thinking about how your group / workplace / church / community / sports club ...  could do something to mark this week?