To celebrate International Men’s Day 2023, HSE Health and Wellbeing - in partnership with the Men's Health Forum in Ireland, the Men's Development Network and the National Centre for Men's Health in SETU - organised a webinar on the theme of 'Men Making a Difference'.  At this event (on Thursday 16th November 2023), a wide range of men from across the island of Ireland (John Wall, Noel Richardson, Eoin Kernan, Laurence Gaughan, Steven O'Connell and Kevin Duggan) spoke about their passion for men's health and wellbeing, and the range of interventions and issues that they are involved in.  You can see a recording of this inspirational discussion at: https://youtu.be/728xivevYXM

‘Movember’ has partnered with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) to roll-out 'Ahead of the Game' - an evidence-based emotional literacy programme designed for delivery in a sports club setting.  This initiative will enable young players, their parents and coaches to better understand mental health, build mental fitness, and strengthen resilience to deal with challenges in sport and life through a series of interactive workshops.  Find out more at: http://tinyurl.com/muahzvtx

Paul Doran was diagnosed with head and neck cancer.  In this podcast, from Belfast Men’s Health Group, he talks about his journey from being diagnosed, to his treatment, and through to his recovery.  See: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-xfk6t-150efaa

Regular physical activity can help older people maintain and improve their mental health and cognitive ability, delay the onset of dementia, and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.  It can also improve other functional abilities, including physical function and balance, thereby preventing falls and fall-related injuries.  Being physically active helps to prevent heart disease and cancer, and to prevent and manage chronic conditions such as Type-2 diabetes and hypertension.  Just as importantly, physical activity brings social benefits - as being active offers the chance to build relationships and strengthen networks; enabling continued contribution to society.  The World Health Organisation has recently produced a ‘Toolkit for Action’ to help to increase the proportion of older people participating in physical activity.  See it at: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/373332/9789240076648-eng.pdf

Members of the public are being asked to consider helping to advise on the development and implementation of the Irish National Survey of Sexual Health (INISH) - a nationwide, representative study on sexual health in Ireland.  By joining one of the Advisory Panels, your insights will contribute to the development of evidence-based policies, programmes and services that are responsive to the diverse needs of local communities.  Input from males is particularly welcome.  Find out more at: https://www.mhfi.org/INISH.pdf

The Irish Men’s Sheds Association held their annual conference in Cavan on the 23rd of November 2023.  You can watch the video recording of all the speakers on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7CPU7TomnqNsRfKMSIuJ-jZyyAwn92q0

The National Mental Health Recovery and Engagement Office is in the process of scoping out and developing processes on how they can value the voluntary input from service users, family members and carers in the design, development and improvement of Mental Health Services.  To help inform this work, you are asked to consider completing their survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N56J6N8

The key findings from this study reveal the multifaceted barriers some men experience regarding a lack of motivation, a lack of psychological capability, and/or a lack of physical/social opportunity to access support.  Results suggest that many men have sought support, but had negative experiences, and that many others want help but cannot access it. Barriers include prohibitive costs and waiting times; potential costs to identity, autonomy, relationships and future life opportunities; a lack of perceived psychological capability; a lack of belief in the utility of services; and a mistrust of mental health professionals.  Findings suggest the importance of examining the role of gender in male help-seeking behaviours.  Read the journal article at: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s12144-023-05423-1.pdf