Twenty-five years on from the Good Friday Agreement, what progress has been made to reduce Northern Ireland’s poverty rate? ...  This ARK event will focus on social and economic inequalities - exploring potential solutions with a panel of policy and research experts.  It will be held on Wednesday 26th April 2023, from 2.30pm - 4.00pm, in the Ulster University's Belfast Campus.  Register for a place at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poverty-in-northern-ireland-where-are-we-now-tickets-601372018897

Men account for three-quarters of all suicide deaths in many Western countries.  Whilst extensive research has examined risk factors for suicidal ideation and behaviour in men, protective factors remain under-explored - particularly social support, resilience and coping behaviours.  Such factors are particularly important to examine in the context of COVID-19, when enforced isolation (among other negative lifestyle effects) created widespread risk for the development of suicidal ideation.  This mixed-methods study aimed to examine the associations of various protective factors with suicidal ideation in men.  Read about the findings at: https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-023-04539-9

Existing literature indicates that unemployment leads to deteriorated mental and somatic health, poorer self-assessed health, and higher mortality.  However, it is not clear whether, and to what extent, the health consequences of unemployment differ between men and women.  This study, in Sweden, found that: hospital admission is somewhat more common among unemployed males than among unemployed females; receiving sick pay is much more common post-unemployment for men than for women; and excess mortality is higher among unemployed males than among unemployed females.  Read more about this research at: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-14899-8

The aim of this study was to examine trends in sperm count among men from all continents.  The data generated suggest that a world-wide decline is continuing at an accelerated pace, and that research on the causes of this decline - and actions to prevent further disruption of male reproductive health - are urgently needed.  Read about the findings at: https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/29/2/157/6824414

Are you interested in engaging more men in your service? ...  If so, you might want to check out the 'Engage - Connecting with Men' workshop which is happening on Thursday 30th March 2023 in Ardee, Co. Louth.  This fun and interactive event will run from 9.30am until 4.00pm, with lunch provided.  The aim of this workshop is to assist a broad range of practitioners and service providers to explore the world of males, and to develop practical strategies for effectively engaging with them around health and well being issues.  It focuses on the engagement process i.e. the why and how of building relationships with men.  Register for a place at: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/EngageTraining

Believe it or not, it’s that time again.  Yes, it’s time to get the most important date of the year into your new 2023 diary …  International Men's Health Week (MHW) always begins on the Monday before Father's Day and ends on Father's Day itself.  This coming year, it will run from Monday 12th until Sunday 18th June 2023.

Every year, the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) convenes an all-island Planning Group for MHW.  This group held its first meeting for 2023 on Wednesday 7th December, and already a theme for the week is developing.  Would you be interested in being a part of this process, and joining with others from across the island of Ireland to help to shape MHW 2023?  This can be done in many ways - from participating in meetings, to occasional electronic communication.  All input is very welcome, and helps to make the week stronger and more relevant.

If you would be interested in being part of the planning process for 2023 (in any way), send an email to MHFI by clicking This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

However, even if this is not possible, why not put the dates of MHW 2023 into your new diary, and start thinking about how your group / workplace / church / community / sports club ...  could do something to mark this week?  It’s never too early to start planning.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone in the Men's Health Forum in Ireland!  However, we also know that the holidays can often be a stressful and worrying time for many people.  Therefore, please remember that if you or anyone you know needs help and support over the Christmas period, you can always contact ...

-  The Samaritans (all Ireland) - Freephone 116 123
-  Pieta House (RoI) - Freephone 1800 247 247
-  Lifeline (NI) - Freephone 0808 808 8000

or visit: https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health  |  https://www.mindingyourhead.info

The focus of ‘Dry January’ is to support and encourage people to abstain from drinking alcohol for that whole month.  ‘Feel Good February’ seeks to encourage maintenance of some of the good habits or alternatives started in January.  Find out more about how to get support and join in the activities planned at: https://drugsandalcoholni.info/campaigns/djfgf