Over the last half-century, the women's health movement has been a powerful driver in health policy, linking gender norms to sex differences in health and wellbeing.  Even though gender norms also affect males, there has been little emphasis on gender in health policies for males - especially in relation to the mental health of boys and young men.  Gender norms around masculinity commonly confer power and status to boys and young men, which might - in part - explain why norms around masculinity are difficult to shift.  Paradoxically, these dominant masculinities carry risks for poor mental health.  Globally, the rate of male suicide is two to four times that of females, and males fare poorly on indices of substance misuse, risk taking-related injury, conduct problems, violence, aggression, and by extension incarceration ...  Read more of this article in 'The Lancet' at: https://tinyurl.com/2djj43mz

Due to the discrimination and stigma that older LGBTI+ people have faced in their lifetime, many experience considerable social isolation and loneliness as they age.  A new Telefriending Service offers a once-a-week telephone call by a friendly volunteer, who is trained and Garda vetted.  Telefriending provides friendship, security and support to alleviate loneliness, isolation and improve overall mental health and wellbeing.  It is also a great opportunity for members to talk regularly with other people who also identify as members of the LGBTI+ community.  Find out more at: https://lgbt.ie/telefriending

Health Service Executive (HSE) Health and Wellbeing has developed a YouTube channel.  You can check out the range of videos available at: https://tinyurl.com/4xdruvmc

The Building the Community-Pharmacy Partnership (BCPP) Programme is led by the Community Development and Health Network and funded by the Health and Social Care Board, with strategic direction provided by a multi-agency Steering Group.  BCPP supports communities and community pharmacists to work in partnership to address locally defined needs, so that people make connections, listen to and understand each other better, and work together to address the social determinants of health and health inequalities.  Applications are being sought for a new round of funding, and more details can be found at: https://www.cdhn.org/bcpp

FitLine is a volunteer-led, telephone-based service offered by Age and Opportunity, designed to help older people who want to feel a bit healthier, but perhaps don’t have the motivation, confidence or information on where or how to take that first step.  The service is completely free.  FitLine mentors are volunteer older people who understand the challenges of getting active.  They offer signposting, advice and gentle encouragement to get moving.  To find out more visit: https://ageandopportunity.ie/active/fitline

 

This webinar marks the public release of findings from the 2020/21 Young Life and Times (YLT) survey.  YLT is an annual survey which records the attitudes of young people aged 16 living in Northern Ireland to key issues affecting their lives.  At this event, a panel of speakers will highlight key results from the most recent survey, which included questions on mental health, coercive control, good relations, community safety, shared education and politics.  It will take place on Tuesday 31st August 2021 at 4.00pm.  See: https://tinyurl.com/4bnstwme

Excess mortality and morbidity among Irish farmers from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has been linked to a range of occupational risk factors.  Obesity is a key risk factor underpinning this excess burden, and unhealthy eating habits are linked to overweight / obesity and to disease occurrence.  This study investigated the dietary habits of a sub-group of Irish male farmers and explored how these might potentially impact on health outcomes.  Read more at: https://www.mdpi.com/2313-576X/7/3/54/htm

Alienated Children First invites you to join with other organisations working with children and families in Ireland at a webinar focusing upon parental alienation.  During this event, Dr William Bernet, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (USA), will address the five factor model for identification and treatment of Parental Alienation.  This event will take place on Monday 30th August 2021, and begins at 3.00pm.  Registration is required at: https://tinyurl.com/3bnc7pyd