This literature review identified health service and programme access issues for men and boys in Australia and for priority male population groups.  It also investigated barriers hindering men from accessing support for priority health issues.  See the report at: https://tinyurl.com/j4c2dxzm

The 'Engage: National Men's Health Programme' is, currently, seeking applications for three job vacancies.

These relate to training and facilitation functions within the latest Engage initiative - 'On Feirm Ground' - which targets the health of farmers in the Republic of Ireland.

Find out more at: https://tinyurl.com/2p85tfwu

What are you doing to kick-start #MenHealthWeek 2023? ...

Join us at the start of Men’s Health Week (Monday 12th June 2023 at Noon) for an uplifting webinar with special guest, Dr Mark Rowe.  Mark is an expert in Positive Health and Lifestyle Medicine, as well as a Medical Doctor, Author, TedX Speaker and Vitality Expert.

There will also be a range of experienced men’s health practitioners (who will give their advice and input on the many issues of concern to men), as well as the official launch of the new 'Action Man - ten top tips for men's health' booklet.

This will be a great way to start imagining what #ThePictureOfHealth might look like for you!

Book a place at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_v4SMpVEnTdaLqFasNg9tDQ#/registration

Nexus supports individuals impacted by sexual abuse and abusive relationships in Northern Ireland.  They have recently launched P.A.C.E. - a trauma-informed resilience and recovery programme for individuals aged 18+, who identify as male at the point of referral and are survivors of one or more abusive relationships.  P.A.C.E. stands for Patience, Acceptance, Connection and Empowerment.  Services include individual counselling, therapeutic peer support, an 8-week recovery programme and self-help resources.  The Programme may be suitable if you’ve been subjected to or impacted by emotional, financial, physical, psychological, sexual, technological and/or verbal abuse, and/or coercive and controlling behaviour from a current or former intimate partner, family member or carer.  Find out more at: https://nexusni.org/get-support/male-survivors-abusive-relationships or by calling 028 9032 6803.  This programme may be suitable if you’re in the post-crisis, recovery stage of your journey.  However, if you’re in crisis, contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414 or via https://dsahelpline.org

 

We’re now only weeks away from International Men's Health Week (MHW), which begins on Monday 12th June and runs until Sunday 18th June 2023 (Father’s Day).

Not too long ago, we were unaware of the full extent of men’s poor health status and the specific health issues that they are contending with.  However, this is no longer the case.  In recent years, a broad range of research has highlighted the health challenges which face men in Ireland and further afield.  For example, see the Men’s Health in Numbers reports at: www.mhfi.org/news/1096-men-s-health-in-numbers.html   
 
Yet, although the health of men in Ireland is sometimes poor, it is not a ‘lost cause’ - and it can be improved in many significant ways.  Men, themselves, need to play a central role in taking control of their health and wellbeing.  However, men’s health is not just an issue for individual men and their health can often be determined by other factors outside of their personal control.  Thus, there is also a need for policy-makers, service providers, and society as a whole to recognise the role that they need to play, and to do something tangible about it.

It is very common to hear people on the island of Ireland saying: ‘ah, sure, your man’s the picture of health’.  During Men's Health Week 2023, everyone is being asked to think about what their ‘picture of health’ might look like.  More importantly, everyone is also being asked to set themselves simple, realistic and practical tasks to make this a reality.

As always, the overarching aims of MHW are to:

-  Heighten awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages.
-  Support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices and activities.
-  Encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties in males.

However, any and all activities / actions to mark this occasion are very welcome.

To find out more about the week, visit: www.mhfi.org/mhw/mhw-2023.html

Men’s health on the island of Ireland is unnecessarily poor, but it is not a lost cause.  There are many free, simple and practical things that can be done to improve it.  But what are these?

To support Men’s Health Week last year, a team of students from the Game Design Degree Course in Technological University Dublin developed a ‘Serious Game’ - focusing on male health - that men and boys can play online.  We're offering you another chance to play it again this year.

In this retro-style arcade game, the player is invited to take on the character of ‘Agent Mann’ - a spy who is given the mission of tracking down and securing a series of dossiers containing high level ‘Intel’ on how to improve men’s health.

To succeed in his quest, Agent Mann has to navigate through various settings to locate and collect all of the dossiers.  Along the way, he has to learn how to move around in his environment and to use some of the gadgets available to him.  But of course, danger is never far away, and his path is blocked by the henchmen of his nemesis [Mr O’Bese] who try to prevent him from uncovering this vital information.

Why not be an ‘Action Man’ and …

1. Take on the role of Agent Mann.
2. Find and secure all of the seven dossiers.
3. Memorise what’s in them.
4. Use this information to improve the health of men both now and in the future.

Try it out at: https://mhfi.org/mhw/mhw-2023.html#AgentMann

Not everybody knows about Men’s Health Week (MHW), what it hopes to do, why it needs to happen, or how they can get involved.  That’s why there is a MHW 2023 ‘Toolbox for Action’.  This Q&A style resource can be downloaded at: www.mhfi.org/mhw2023toolbox.pdf

Everyone can do something to support and celebrate Men’s Health Week (MHW) each year.

The focus for MHW 2023 (i.e. ‘The Picture of Health’) lends itself to a wide range of ways to mark this occasion.  However, there is no need to stick rigidly to this particular theme.  Anything which promotes the week and encourages men and boys to lead healthier lifestyles, to be more aware of preventable health problems, and to seek early detection and treatment for health difficulties will be very welcome!

Some people might have the time, energy, resources and skill to plan something elaborate.  However, even if this is not possible, there are still many simple, free and easy ways to get involved / show support - such as putting-up the poster in public spaces, giving out copies of the postcard to men that you know, social media posting, directing men to the new free ‘Action Man’ booklet, using the MHW graphics ...

For practical ideas and inspiration, you are invited to check out a paper titled 'What Can I Do To Mark This Week?' at: www.mhfi.org/mhw2023celebrateit.pdf