The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly illustrated the need for an urgent and comprehensive men’s health policy response.  This webinar (organised by Global Action on Men’s Health and the International Journal of Men’s Social and Community Health) will share information about progress on men’s health policymaking around the world, and how the case can be made for its further development.  It will take place on Monday 27th September 2021 at 9.00pm, and will last for 90 minutes.  To book a place, visit: https://tinyurl.com/455twayv

During Men’s Health Week 2021, the Samaritans launched a new handbook titled 'Engaging Men in Ireland Earlier: A Guide to Service Design'.  This is based on insights from a series of workshops that they ran with men, and provides five key principles for anyone designing, running or commissioning wellbeing groups for males.  Download a copy at: https://tinyurl.com/xb9p85tz

An Cosán - in partnership with organisations in Iceland, Spain and Greece - is working on an exciting Erasmus+ Project on Fatherhood.  This aims to empower young fathers in their parenting role - through online training, networking and support.  To inform the process, they are carrying out online interviews with a range of stakeholders - with the goal of gathering insights into what fathers want in relation to information and training.  To participate or find out more, visit: https://www.ancosan.ie/fatherhood-project

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