In 2021, Sláintecare Healthy Ireland in the Department of Health, working with the HSE and local authorities and community agencies, launched the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme to provide increased health and wellbeing services in 19 community areas across Ireland.  An evidenced based process identified local areas in which health and wellbeing risk factors are particularly concentrated, and where specific initiatives will be delivered to help promote and improve the overall health and wellbeing of people in those communities.  These initiatives will be delivered through partnership working with a range of partners (HSE, local authorities and community groups) working together to provide dedicated services to build lasting improvements in health and wellbeing.  To find out more, visit: https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/slaintecare-healthy-communities

Losing something or someone important to you can be difficult.  You may experience grief and a wide range of emotions that come and go over time.  There is no right or wrong way to feel.  The COVID-19 pandemic has made the process of grief more difficult for many of us.  The things we would usually do to support people who are grieving may have to be done differently.  However, if you are finding it hard to cope, support is available.  Start by visiting: www.hse.ie/grief

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 is now coming to the end of its tenure, an independent consultant is being sought to review the progress which was made during the lifespan of this plan, as well as map out the future direction and content of a new plan.  The deadline for return of tender submissions will be 5.00pm on Friday 17th December 2021.  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/HIMtender2021.pdf 

For the first time, Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care Trusts, the Public Health Agency, local councils, universities and voluntary sector organisations have joined forces to collectively organise an event to mark International Men’s Day 2021.  This free webinar is taking place on Thursday 18th November 2021, from 10.00 to 11.30am, and is titled ‘Turning it Around’.  Two 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) - will share their personal stories, which give an insight into how the challenges they have faced impacted upon their health and wellbeing.  Most importantly, they will highlight how they managed to turn their world around for the better.  For more information on the event and the speakers, see: https://www.mhfi.org/TurningItAround.pdf

Are you planning a men's health initiative and need reliable data upon which to base your future intervention, or do you need key facts and figures on men's health for a funding application or training presentation? ...  If so, you might want to have a look at the Men's Health Forum in Ireland's 'Men's Health in Numbers' resources.  These offer the most comprehensive overview of current key statistics on men's health on the island of Ireland.  Find out more at: https://www.mhfi.org/news/1096-men-s-health-in-numbers.html

The National Suicide Research Foundation and HUGG recently launched the Irish Suicide Bereavement Survey.  This is the first large-scale national study of adults bereaved or affected by suicide in Ireland.  This survey will provide valuable information on the experiences of those who have been bereaved by suicide and the supports they find helpful.  Find out more at: https://www.hugg.ie/suicide-bereavement-survey

The HSE National Cancer Control Programme and HEADS UP Kildare are teaming-up to bring you a discussion about male cancer risk reduction and spotting potential early signs of cancer.  This free webinar will explore: what to look for; what to do; and what's next.  It will take place on Tuesday 23rd November 2021 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.  Register at: https://ims.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L6H7TK97QZ6b7xW80ddRgg

To mark International Men’s Day 2021, Men's Aid Ireland invites you to a webinar titled: 'Human stories of pain, suffering, shame and mockery. Men’s experience of intimate partner violence'. This event will be opened by Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, and participants will hear a presentation by Dr Garrett O’Connor (a clinical psychologist working in the community with the HSE) on his doctoral research into male victims of intimate partner violence in Ireland.  This free event will take place on Friday 19th November 2021, from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. To register for a place, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_scGLrVJLSkG332qPrVXm0Q