{jcomments off}The Central Statistics Office (CSO) in the Republic of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) have just released a new publication which presents, for the first time, results from both censuses.  This explores the similarities and differences in the two populations, as well as looking at how these populations have changed over time.  This large document (which is 5.5MB in size) is available online for free downloading at: www.cso.ie/en/media/csoie/releasespublications/documents/population/2011/Cen2011IrelandNorthernIreland.pdf

{jcomments off}Fewer men join weight loss programmes, but they are more likely than women to stick with them, according to analysis of international obesity studies.  Men also prefer the use of simple ‘business-like’ language, welcome humour used sensitively, and benefit from the moral support of other men in strategies to tackle obesity.  These are some of the findings in a new report which suggests that, if weight loss programmes were specifically designed for men, these might be more effective at helping them to lose weight.  Researchers from the Universities of Aberdeen, Bournemouth and Stirling analysed evidence from around the world - gathered from weight loss trials and studies that have also taken on-board men’s views. The team particularly investigated what would make services more appealing to men.  View the launch press release at: www.mhfi.org/obesitystudy.pdf and the full report on the study at: www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/volume-18/issue-35  The Men's Health Forum in Ireland was delighted to play a supporting role in this research.

{jcomments off}In recent years, a National Men’s Health Training programme (called ‘Engage’) has been rolled-out in the Republic of Ireland.  Engage was developed in response to the growing demand from service providers for support to improve their engagement and work with men.  The content is based upon evidence from academic and evaluation literature, the authors’ practice experience, and an extensive 24 month pilot phase.  During September and October 2014, a further Training for Trainers programme will be delivered in the Republic of Ireland.  Participants will be selected on the basis that they represent the broadest possible range of men’s work experience, geographic locations, workplace settings and interest groups throughout the Republic.  On completion of the course, they will each be required to deliver sessions to front line practitioners.  Applications are now being accepted for this programme.  A full overview of the programme is available at: www.mhfi.org/engagetraining2014RoI.pdf while application forms can be accessed at: www.mhfi.org/engageapplication2014RoI.doc   Please note that the deadline for submission of applications is 5.00pm on Friday 6th June 2014.

{jcomments off}During May 2014, See Change will be coordinating a month long Green Ribbon Campaign to get people in Ireland talking openly about mental health problems.  More than 300,000 green ribbons will be distributed nationwide (free of charge) to spark a national conversation about mental health in boardrooms, break-rooms, chat rooms, clubhouses, arts venues, college campuses and around kitchen tables throughout Ireland.  The aim is to make the month of May synonymous with promoting open conversation about mental health, and challenging the stigma which is often attached to mental health problems.  For more information, visit: www.greenribbon.ie

{jcomments off}Cancer Focus Northern Ireland invites you to attend the 2014 ManAlive Conference.  This event will examine communication strategies in health and wellbeing, with a focus on effective messaging and empowering men to improve their health, make healthier choices, and access support where it is needed.  It will also look at how men receive and interpret information.  It will be held on Wednesday 4th June 2014, from 9.00am to 1.30pm, in the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim.  The event is free and places are limited.  To register your attendance, or for further information, contact Eilish Martin by Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tel: 02890 680743.

{jcomments off}As part of the development of a new National Framework for Suicide Prevention for Ireland, the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) wants to hear from members of the public - particularly those with an interest in suicide prevention and those affected by suicide.  Submissions from individuals and organisations with professional experience in the area are also being sought.  NOSP wants to hear your ideas and opinions about what should be contained in Ireland’s new Framework, and invites you and/or your organisation to make a submission.  For further information on the background to the consultation process and suggested themes, visit: www.nosp.ie/consultation   The closing date for submissions is Friday 6th June 2014.

{jcomments off}The 12th Annual Gay Health Forum (GHF12) will take place on Friday 6th June 2014 in Dublin Castle from 10.00am to 3.30pm.  This annual event is organised by the Gay Men's Health Service (GMHS), in association with partners in the Gay Health Network (GHN), and with the support of the Department of Health, the HSE’s National Directorate on Health and Wellbeing, and Primary Care and Mental Health.  The theme for this year’s forum is ACCESS, with presentations and new research on a range of issues for men who have sex with men (MSM) on accessing HIV and STI testing, access to condoms, and access to sexual health information and support.  Presentations will include surveillance updates on HIV and STIs in Ireland, a new report from the 2010 EMIS research on STI testing among MSM in Ireland, updates on the Man2Man.ie programme and other community initiatives, and a celebration of 20 years of the Gay Health Network.  Attendance at the event is free, with a light lunch provided.  Places are limited, and will be allocated on a first-to-register basis.  To register, email your details (name, organisation and email address) to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}You are invited to apply for a place on a training day, led by YouthAction Northern Ireland, which will provide participants with conceptual and practical tools to reclaim youth work as a vehicle for challenging oppression and inequalities rooted in gender related violence.  This workshop will explore how gender oppression is experienced in the lives of young men and young women in Ireland.  This event will take place on Friday 16th May 2014, from 9.30am - 4.30pm, in Hall E, Arts Block, North Campus, National University of Ireland, Maynooth.  To register, please Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.