{jcomments off}Researchers in the University of Ulster’s School of Communication are, currently, recruiting participants to take part in a PhD study investigating well-being variables and disordered eating attitudes and behaviours.  They are particularly interested in recruiting men from throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.  The study is available as an online questionnaire (https://ulstersocialsciences.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1LczDoW0EGGbnYp) that takes 10-15 minutes to complete.  Participation is entirely voluntary and participants are free to withdraw at any point.  This study has been approved by the University of Ulster Research Ethics Committee (Ref: REC/13/0237).  If you have any queries, or would like further information about this study, please Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or  Tel: 02890 366291.

{jcomments off}Based on data collected by the Northern Ireland Young Life and Times Survey - the longest running annual cross-sectional attitude survey among any of the UK or Ireland’s young people - this book is a resource for anyone interested in teenagers’ attitudes and viewpoints over the last decade.  Covering mental health, loneliness, play and leisure, sexual grooming and sexual exploitation, community relations, rights and democratic participation, and the positive contributions that 16 year olds make to society, it features contributions from academics and social policy makers who are all recognised experts in their fields.  This new publication is edited by Dirk Schubotz and Paula Devine, and has the International Standard Book Number (ISBN): 978-1-905541-92-8.

{jcomments off}This online survey investigates the factors which influence users' trust of e-health sites.  User trust in online interactions is a difficult concept to define.  This study seeks to gain an understanding of the influence of both age and gender in this area.  It is hoped to produce some generalizable conclusions about these factors that would be of use to both healthcare providers and users alike.  You are invited to take part in this research by visiting:  www.surveymonkey.com/s/Z2DYFYZ

{jcomments off}You are invited to apply for a free place at the ‘All Right Lads?’ conference which will be held on Thursday 27th February 2014 in Crumlin Road Goal, Belfast BT14 6ST.  This will be a large-scale half-day event (9.30am - 1.00pm) comprising a number of guest speakers and four parallel sessions.  These sessions will focus upon Working with Fathers, Men’s Health Training, Men and Education, and Men’s Development Work.  At the end of the conference, there will also be an opportunity for attendees to take a tour of the Gaol, and to have a personal health check conducted.  Full details and a booking form can be accessed at: www.wea-ni.com/index.php?option=com_seminar&Itemid=376

{jcomments off}You are invited to take part in an online survey that looks at how men in Ireland express and relate to their emotions.  This study is being conducted by a PhD student in University College Dublin's Department of Psychology, and will explore the role of sexuality and psychological sex roles in how men express and relate to their emotions.  The findings from this research will assist psychotherapists and counsellors when working with male clients.  They will also contribute to academic knowledge in the area of masculinity and emotions within a therapeutic context.  Participants remain anonymous and the questionnaire takes no more than ten minutes to complete.  Full details of the survey can be found at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/MaleEmotionality

{jcomments off}The Southern Area Men’s Health Steering Group invites you to ‘Men and the Five Ways to Wellbeing’.  This will take place on Friday 7th March 2014, in Dromantine Retreat and Conference Centre, Newry, Co. Down.  The aim of this free seminar is to increase awareness of the Five Ways to Wellbeing as a tool to improve men’s health.  The event will begin at 9.30am and finish with lunch at 1.00pm.  For more information and a booking form visit: www.mhfi.org/SAMH2014.pdf

{jcomments off}Parental separation is a painful process for most people.  It is common for fathers to feel shocked, lonely, sad or angry because the relationship with their partner has ended and they may be living apart from their children.  This short leaflet (produced by Man Matters) offers practical information, advice and signposting to dads both during and after a family separation.  Copies can be downloaded at: www.mhfi.org/ManMattersFathersGuide.pdf

{jcomments off}HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is very common, and most men and women get HPV at some time in their lives.  HPV usually never causes any health problems but, for some people, infection with HPV can lead to the development of certain cancers (cervical, vulval, vaginal, penile, anal, head and neck) as well as genital warts.  About 5% of all cancers are caused by HPV infection.  HPV vaccination at the age of 12/13 can significantly reduce the risk of developing disease, and vaccinating both sexes provides the highest level of protection.  Currently, in the UK, only girls are vaccinated through a national programme, which is generally delivered in schools.  This online petition calls upon the UK government to consider including boys in the vaccination programme.  The petition has been organised by HPV Action - a partnership of 25 patient and professional organisations who all believe that both boys and girls should be vaccinated.  Find out more at www.hpvaction.org/what-you-can-do.html