The West Be Well website offers information on voluntary, statutory and community groups involved in wellbeing, mental health promotion and suicide prevention initiatives in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.  Visit the site at: https://www.westbewell.ie

Data suggests that mental health is a top concern for the young males who contact Childline, with almost half (46%) of their counselling sessions focused on mental and emotional wellbeing.  However, when you look at the gender split for overall contacts to the service, young males are still hugely under-represented (just 14% of sessions were with young males).  Check out this video from Childline which targets young males: https://youtu.be/6IoxwWF2oCw

The Southern Area Men's Health Group (in counties Armagh, Down and Tyrone) is issuing a challenge to all men in its catchment area: 'C'mon lads - step outside and TAKE 5 in the great outdoors'.  TAKE 5 offers five simple, practical and realistic challenges which have been shown to improve everyone's mental fitness.  By combining these with getting outside, you have the ultimate winning combination - perfect for men of all ages!  Check out this video to see what they're talking about: https://vimeo.com/654752615/d076687faa   Each day, between Monday 25th and Friday 29th March 2022, local fellas are invited to join a free activity which will take place outdoors in nature.  Every day has a different focus.  Five days, five locations, five activities - there's something for everyone on at least one of the days.  To find out more and, importantly, about how to join-in, click here.  However, places for each event are limited - so get in there early!!!

Ireland was the first country in the world to adopt a National Men’s Health Policy, and other countries are now building upon the pioneering spirit and practical learning from the Irish experience.  This Policy was succeeded by the publication of a National Men’s Health Action Plan called ‘Healthy Ireland - Men, 2017-2021’ which was a significant and important step in continuing the momentum and progress that had been achieved in the area of men’s health policy in Ireland in recent years.

As this Action Plan has now come to the end of its tenure, an independent consultant(s) is being sought to review the progress which was made during the lifespan of this plan, as well as map out the future direction of a new plan.  The deadline for return of tender submissions will be 5.00pm on Friday 25th February 2022.  However, as the deadline for receiving bids is quite short, the selection panel do not expect very lengthy submissions.
 
Full details can be accessed at: https://www.mhfi.org/HIMtender2022.pdf

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone in the Men's Health Forum in Ireland!

However, we know that the holidays can often be a stressful and worrying time for many people - and the continuing COVID-19 situation adds even more pressure to everyone.  Therefore, please remember that if you need 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: www2.hse.ie/mental-health | www.mindingyourhead.info

Are you delivering an incredible programme improving outcomes for male mental health, and do you want to work with a global leader in men’s health to take it to scale? …  This month, Movember has launched a global funding round of over €6.6m / £5.7m called ‘Scaling What Works - Community and Workplace’.  In the Republic of Ireland, a total of €500,000 will be available to fund the scaling of up to three informed early intervention and/or prevention initiatives that have delivered significant impact in improving male mental health, and preventing male suicide across community and workplace settings.  In the UK (including Northern Ireland), a total of £2.4m will be available to fund the scaling of up to twelve initiatives.  To find out more or apply, visit: https://movember.com/ScalingWhatWorks  Please note that Phase 1, Letter of Intent, closes on 31st January 2022.

To celebrate International Men’s Day 2021, Belfast Men’s Health Group teamed up with Northern Visions TV to make a programme called 'Local Champions'.  This offers a collection of stories about local men who have overcome adversity in their lives, and who give something back to their local communities.  Check it out at: https://vimeo.com/646508587

To celebrate International Men's Day 2021, a webinar was organised by a partnership of Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care Trusts, the Public Health Agency, local councils, universities and voluntary sector organisations.  Called ‘Turning it Around’, it featured two very inspirational and passionate speakers - Paul Ferris (ex-Newcastle United professional footballer from Northern Ireland) and Oisín McConville (former Crossmaglen Rangers and Co. Armagh GAA star) - who shared their personal stories about how the challenges they have faced impacted upon their health and wellbeing.  Most importantly, they highlighted how they managed to turn their world around for the better.  Watch it at: https://youtu.be/-d_YNTFSSA0