On Wednesday 13th June 2018, The Loneliness Taskforce launched a report recommending that Government take action on loneliness and social isolation in Ireland.  In this document, they highlight that loneliness is the public health crisis of this generation, and the report seeks to spark a nationwide conversation about this issue.  The report is titled 'A Connected Island - An Ireland Free From Loneliness', and it can be accessed online at: https://lonelinesstaskforce.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/loneliness-taskforce-a-connected-island-an-ireland-free-from-loneliness.pdf

Alcohol Action Ireland has published the results of their Alcohol Market Review and Price Survey 2018.  This reveals that alcohol is now so cheap that men in the Republic of Ireland can drink to the weekly low risk threshold for as little as €8.49, and highlights the urgent necessity to implement the Public Health Alcohol Bill - which includes Minimum Unit Pricing to ensure that the low cost of the strongest alcohol can be tackled.  Find out more at: http://alcoholireland.ie/alcohol-action-ireland-release-annual-alcohol-market-review-price-survey-2018

GSK’s IMPACT Awards reward charities that are doing excellent work to improve people’s health.  Organisations must: be at least three years old; work in a health-related field in the UK; have an income between £80,000 and £2.5 million.  Up to 20 awards will be made ranging from £3,000 to £40,000, plus free training valued at up to £6,000.  Organisations will also have a film made, receive help with press and publicity, and be given a set of promotional materials.  The closing date for applications is Thursday 20th September 2018.  To apply, or to view previous winners’ films, visit: www.kingsfund.org.uk/gskimpactawards

The purpose of this Guide is to outline to family members, carers and supporters of service users the care they can expect for their relatives or friends when they use HSE Mental Health services.  It also makes some suggestions as to how they can care for themselves when a relative or friend is unwell or feeling emotional distress.  Access a copy online at: www.healthpromotion.ie/hp-files/docs/HMT01164.pdf

Are you a man aged 18-30 years old?  Do you have mild to moderate mental health issues?  Are you interested in an opportunity to combine physical activity and personal development to help get your life back on track? …  If so, the Beacon of Light Counselling Centre is currently taking names for the next ‘Breakthrough’ programme which will commence in mid-September 2018.  Find out more at: www.beaconoflight.ie/break-through-programme

Nearly one million people in Ireland have high blood pressure - a major cause of heart attack or stroke - and last year almost 9,000 people died from cardiovascular disease.  However, high blood pressure usually comes with an even bigger problem - a lack of symptoms.  Raised blood pressure is one of the most common alcohol-related health problems, but many people don’t realise they have it.  You can look after your heart and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by drinking less alcohol and getting your blood pressure checked regularly.  Find out more at: http://askaboutalcohol.ie/health/effects-on-the-body/heart-health

Do you want to become a highly skilled facilitator, advance within your chosen profession, or seek new employment opportunities? …  If so, you might consider the Master of Arts in Advanced Facilitation Skills for Promoting Health and Wellbeing - an innovative practice orientated programme which is the only one of its kind in the Republic of Ireland.  It is designed to enhance personal growth and to advance the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies required for effective facilitation of health and wellbeing initiatives with groups, individuals and key populations.  This is a full-time programme, but its delivery reflects the flexibility required for adult learners.  It is delivered two days per month each semester (in Dublin) and entails three residential weekends throughout the year.  For more information, see: www.wit.ie/courses/school/health_sciences/department_of_health_sport_exercise_studies/ma-in-advanced-facilitation-skills-for-promoting-health-and-well-being

The International Journal of Men’s Social and Community Health (IJMSCH) is an interdisciplinary journal that aims to contribute to the advancement of men’s health by publishing high quality research, policy and practice papers of contemporary relevance.  There is a specific focus on health experiences, social context and on community-based approaches to maintaining or improving men’s health.  View the current issue at: www.ijmsch.com