You are invited to attend the online launch of 'Stronger Together: The HSE Mental Health Promotion Plan 2022-2027'.  This will take place at Noon on the 6th of April 2022.  Stronger Together is a five-year plan that includes a range of actions focused on promoting positive mental health across the population that are within the remit of the HSE and HSE-funded agencies.  The Plan will include a number of inputs on mental health promotion, an overview of the Plan, and panel discussion with experts from across the HSE and their external partners.  Register for a place at: https://ims.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fqqBcTscRXefKe0_ZbiOxA

This guide, from Community Places, provides detail on methods which are most appropriate for achieving different levels of engagement.  It also assesses the strengths, weaknesses and appropriateness of each method, alongside useful tips on how to apply each one.  Download the booklet at: https://www.communityplaces.info/sites/default/files/Community%20Places%20-%20Guide%20to%20Engagement%20Methods%20%282022%29.pdf

The European Cancer Organisation is holding a virtual roundtable on Men and Cancer on 28th April 2022.  This meeting aims to: increase awareness about the excess cancer burden in men in Europe; identify what can be done to improve men's cancer outcomes in terms of practice and policy; explore the current key issues in prostate cancer; and suggest next steps for the European Cancer Organisation.  More information about the event, and how to register, is available at: https://www.europeancancer.org/events/185:community-365-roundtable-meeting-men-and-cancer.html

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