'MANifest: Connecting Men with Mind Fitness' is a workshop which was developed by the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, Western Health and Social Care Trust and Men’s Action Network.  It evolved in response to the growing demand from service providers in Northern Ireland for support to: improve their engagement with men; increase their knowledge and skills in recognising mental distress in adult men; ensure that men are referred to the most appropriate services to meet their needs.  Applications are, currently, being sought from individuals who would be interested in applying for a place on the MANifest Facilitator Training Programme which will take place in February 2024.  Find out more at: https://www.mhfi.org/MANifestOverview2023.pdf

Are you a man?  Would you be interested in taking part in a ten week health and lifestyle programme? …  If so, you might like to join a group in either Dromore, Co. Down (beginning on Thursday 11th January 2024) or Craigavon, Co. Armagh (beginning on Wednesday 17th January 2024) for health checks, weekly physical activity sessions, and support and guidance from dedicated staff to ensure that you get the best from the programme.  Sessions begin at 7.00pm each week.  For more information, contact Frances Haughey, Health Inequalities Officer, by Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  |  Tel: 075 0077 2905.

The Healthy Ireland Survey is conducted annually, with a representative sample of the population aged 15 and older living in the Republic of Ireland.  The Survey gives an up-to-date picture of the health of the nation, reporting on many health-related lifestyle behaviours.  The 2023 Survey includes data on smoking, alcohol and drug usage rates, mental health, social connectedness and suicide awareness, general health, antibiotic awareness and health service utilisation.  Download the report from: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/73c9d-healthy-ireland-survey-2023

What are the factors affecting mental health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland? …  Accurate information and data is vital - not only to allow us to plan effective mental health services, but also to increase knowledge and understanding about the structural factors and inequalities that influence mental health and wellbeing.  This report helps to increase understanding of the nature of the issues, the origins of these difficulties, and the actions that must be taken to improve everyone’s lives.  Read it at: http://tinyurl.com/3f5bfzbn

Rates of suicide are seven times higher among Traveller men in Ireland compared with non-Traveller men.  Several factors are implicated, including racism, social exclusion, discrimination, inadequate accommodation, unemployment, and lower educational attainment.  Systemic and cultural barriers inhibit Traveller men from seeking support.  This study addresses a gap in the literature by exploring the lived mental health experiences of Traveller men affected by suicide.  Read the article on this in the American Journal of Men's Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10493055

In mid-December 2023, the United Kingdom Parliament produced a briefing paper which focuses upon men’s physical and mental health, and the disparities in health outcomes between men and women.  It describes key drivers for these outcomes, as well as policy approaches to improve men’s health.  A copy of their report can be downloaded at: https://post.parliament.uk/research-briefings/post-pb-0056

The HSE has produced a guide for anyone who is thinking about having their prostate checked.  See it at: http://tinyurl.com/36ndd7tm

At times, it can be obvious when someone is struggling to cope.  But, sometimes, the signs are harder to spot.  Have you seen the video that was created by Norwich City Football Club and shared to mark World Mental Health Day 2023? ...  If not, you might want to have a look at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX8TgVR33KM