Alcohol places a significant health burden on Ireland.  Understanding the extent of this burden is an important element in policy decisions around alcohol.  Data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study indicates that previous measures of alcohol related deaths and illnesses are underestimates, and that 5% of all deaths in Ireland in 2019 are attributable to alcohol.  Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/3eb6j3fa

This research was commissioned by Simon Community NI and undertaken by a team based at Ulster University.  The aim of the research was to examine the issue of ‘hidden’ homelessness in Northern Ireland - that is, people who are homeless but whose situation is not ‘visible’.  It looked at why individuals become vulnerable to hidden homelessness, the barriers and challenges they encounter in seeking help and support, and the most discernible impacts upon those affected by it.  Access the report and find out more about this research at: https://www.ark.ac.uk/ARK/projects/HH

How has the academic view of masculinity been described?  Is there a link between masculinity and health? ... Test your knowledge (and maybe learn something new) with this short 12 question quiz from The Centre for Male Psychology: https://tinyurl.com/3xecwtja

The Northern Ireland Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme is a regional programme offering screening to men registered with a GP in Northern Ireland when they turn 65 years old.  The aim of the programme is to reduce AAA-related deaths, by identifying them at an early stage using a simple, painless ultrasound scan.  The aorta is the main artery that supplies blood to your body. It runs from your heart down through your chest and abdomen (stomach).  As some people get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can weaken and balloon out to form an aneurysm, rather like a bulge in a worn car tyre.  This is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.  At the age of 65, about 1 in every 65 men will have an AAA.  The aneurysm usually causes no symptoms and most people are not aware they have it.  However, about a third of these will rupture (burst) if not treated, which can be fatal.  Any man aged over 65, who has not been screened before, can ask for a screening appointment by calling 028 9615 1212.  For further information, visit: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/aaa

MenPower is a twelve week training programme to help men to build their mental and physical fitness, engage with local services, set goals and develop a life plan.  It is run by Offaly Local Development Company.  The next programme will commence on Wednesday 1st June 2022, and the group will operate on Wednesdays (10.00am - 1.00pm) and Thursdays (10.00am - 2.00pm) in Millennium House, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.  For more details, contact Aoife Kelly on Tel: 087 7385989 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced a global mental health crisis, whose scope and severity are becoming increasingly apparent.  While women and girls, men and boys, are all affected, the authors of this paper argue that the crisis among men warrants closer attention - given potential impacts on global public health, as well as the unique and gendered responses required to meet men’s needs.  Their analysis of data from the COVID-19 Trends and Impact Survey paints an alarming picture of the scale of the problem among men worldwide.  Read the article at: https://gh.bmj.com/content/7/4/e008297

On the 6th of April 2022, 'Stronger Together: The HSE Mental Health Promotion Plan 2022-2027' was launched.  Stronger Together includes action areas focused on promoting positive mental health across the population and among HSE staff.  The Plan takes a life course approach and includes actions of relevance to the general population.  It considers the needs of specific population groups such as children and young people, the working aged population, older people and other priority groups.  It also specifically takes into account how the reach of this Plan can be extended beyond the Health Service.  Download a copy at: https://tinyurl.com/bdp7mdkx

HSE Health and Wellbeing has commissioned an independent review of the Healthy Ireland - Men [HI-M] Action Plan, 2017-2021.  This review will include recommendations for a new five-year National Men's Health Action Plan.  The review is being conducted by Global Action on Men's Health (GAMH), an international men's health charity based in the UK.

GAMH would very much welcome your input to this process via an online survey.  This offers an important opportunity for organisations and individuals with views about men's health in Ireland to contribute to the review.  They want to know what you think about the implementation and impact of the last Action Plan, what lessons can be learned for the next Plan, and what that Plan should include.

This survey is aimed at people who have a particular interest in public health, gender and health or men's health in Ireland, and who also live or work in the Republic of Ireland.  It should take no more than 15-20 minutes to complete and all responses will be treated confidentially.  The deadline for responses is Friday 13th May 2022.

The survey can be accessed at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Healthy-Ireland-Men-Review