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

It is a common misconception that eating disorders only affect women.  The reality is that eating disorders affect both men and women, boys and girls.  Historically, men affected by eating disorders have been under-diagnosed, under-recognised and under-treated.  In fact, at present, there are no medical guidelines specifically for men experiencing eating disorders.  To mark International Men's Day 2021, Bodywhys shone a light into this uncharted territory in Ireland.  You can find out more at: https://www.bodywhys.ie/understanding-eating-disorders/males-eating-disorders  You might also be interested in watching 'Unspoken' - a new documentary featuring the personal stories of three men with eating disorders: https://www.rte.ie/player/movie/unspoken-e1/242007592177

The Men's Alliance NI is a peer support group, dedicated to assisting and believing male victims and survivors of domestic abuse.  It is run by those with lived experiences of this issue, who have been there and understand the trauma facing men in this situation.  Men’s Alliance NI has produced a Handbook for Victims of Domestic Abuse, which can be downloaded from: https://mensallianceni.co.uk/app/uploads/2021/10/Mens-Alliance-Handbook-for-Victims-of-Domestic-Abuse.pdf

Were you able to watch the 'The WHEN of Men’s Health' webinar which was held to mark International Men's Day 2021? ...  If not, you might like to see a recording of it at: https://youtu.be/d2BwRWcRjDk

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a catastrophic toll on society, health-care systems and the economy.  Notably, COVID-19 has been shown to be associated with a higher mortality rate in men than in women.  This disparity is likely to be a consequence of a failure to invest in men’s health - as it has also been established that men have a lower life expectancy and poorer outcomes from non-communicable diseases than women.  A variety of biological, social and economic factors have contributed to the sex disparities in mortality from COVID-19.  Find out more at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41585-021-00535-4