With rising life expectancy, and a rapidly ageing population, loneliness and isolation among older adults is set to increase.  Today, one in five people in the EU is over 65, and older men make up over 41 million of Europe’s population.  But what does this mean for wellbeing and social inclusion? …  This new report, authored by TASC and commissioned by Friends of the Elderly Ireland, explores these questions across Ireland, Poland and Romania.  Published to mark the 20th anniversary of the EU’s Eastern Enlargement, it provides fresh insights into the causes of loneliness, its impact, and solutions that can make a difference.  Download a copy at: https://www.tasc.ie/assets/files/pdf/tasc_friends_of_the_elderly_ireland_october_2025.pdf

USI and Ulster University are conducting a survey into gambling, drugs and mental health among students on the Island of Ireland.  They are hoping to better understand these three factors, and how they might relate to one another.  Any student who is, currently, registered in a higher education institute on the island of Ireland is eligible to participate at: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/ulster/usi-drugs-gambling-mental-health-survey

The HSE Health and Wellbeing Annual Report for 2024 in now available.  This provides detail on key work, ongoing initiatives, and a range of resources and publications developed last year.  Download a copy at: https://publuu.com/flip-book/647102/2122537

At an event in Queen's University Belfast on 8th September 2025, ARK launched new research commissioned by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland.  This study explored how children and young people in Northern Ireland navigate the online world - how they use the internet and social media, the risks they encounter, and how confident they feel in reporting online harms.  The study draws on data from ARK's Kids’ Life and Times (KLT) and Young Life and Times (YLT) surveys.  It provides a valuable evidence base to inform the delivery of Northern Ireland’s Online Safety Strategy and Action Plan.  The report is available at: https://www.ark.ac.uk/ARK/sites/default/files/2025-09/SSSMreport.pdf

In September, the Department of Health in Northern Ireland published their Health Inequalities Annual Report 2025.  This publication presents a comprehensive analysis of health inequality gaps between the most and least deprived areas of Northern Ireland, and sub-regional gaps within Health and Social Care Trust and Local Government District areas across a range of health indicators.  Read more at: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/health-inequalities-annual-report-2025

How can we turn the tide on commercial factors that influence our health and well-being? ...  The 2025 Joint North~South Public Health Conference, held on Thursday 18th September, sought to address this important question by focusing upon how we can address the commercial and political determinants of health and the rise in misinformation and disinformation in the public health arena.  To view recordings and slides from the event, visit: https://tinyurl.com/3utptanr

HUGG, the national suicide bereavement organisation in the Republic of Ireland, is dedicated to supporting adults bereaved by suicide.  They provide free practical information and emotional support after a suicide occurs.  HUGG is pleased to announce that they are extending their peer support service using a pop-up café approach.  In addition to HUGG Kerry Suicide Bereavement Support Group, over the next few months a HUGG Pop-Up Café will be available in Tralee, Co. Kerry, too.  This is led by trained volunteers with a lived experience of suicide loss, and offers a safe, non-judgmental space for social connection, mutual support and shared understanding.  To find out more, Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  |  Tel: 01 5134048 (monitored answering machine).

HSE Dublin and North East is setting up a Patient and Service User Council to represent the patient, service user and carer voice, and provide advice and guidance to the health region.  The Council will be comprised of adults who have used, or supported someone else to use, health and social care services in the HSE Dublin and North East region.  A recruitment campaign is currently underway, and people living in the HSE Dublin and North East region are invited to apply. This region includes North Dublin (city and county), Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.  It is important that the Patient and Service User Council is diverse, and people with different experiences and perspectives are being sought.  The deadline to apply is 5.00pm on Friday 31st October 2025.  You can find out more by Tel: 087 0680325  |  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.