Most people living in Ireland have fair skin - the type which burns easily and tans poorly - so are at high risk of UV damage and skin cancer.  Exposure to UV radiation during childhood is particularly harmful, so protecting skin in these early years is extremely important.  As part of the SunSmart campaign, the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme, in collaboration with Healthy Ireland and cross-sectoral partners, are working to support people to protect their skin from the sun.  The aim of the campaign is to increase awareness of the steps everyone can take to protect their skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer in Ireland.  Find out more at: www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/prevention/skin-cancer-prevention-sunsmart.html

Nowadays, the question of what it means to be a man can be perplexing.  Most men have a longing for the support and guidance of other men in their journey towards masculinity, maturity, and a deeper experience with the divine.  Living a shallow unexamined life is an empty experience.  Opening the door to this journey can start with Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP) - a five-day deeply spiritual experience that builds on the classic patterns of male initiation through profound rituals and teachings.  It is the kind of experience that can help awaken men to the adventure and mystery of their own masculinity, their potential for leadership, and their life’s purpose.  Join with other men on this journey in Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow, from 18th - 22nd August 2021.  For more information, visit: www.malejourney.ie/rites/mrop-2019  or call 087 176 3729.

‘NI: In Profile’ is a resource pack of key statistics covering a range of areas of life in Northern Ireland.  The pack brings together a variety of data into a single place and will be of interest to a broad audience - including policy makers, businesses, community and voluntary sector groups, students and academics, schools and the general public.  Statistics have, primarily, been sourced from across the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.  However, where official statistics are not available, statistics from other sources have been included.  The pack is intended to provide a high-level statistical summary of life in Northern Ireland, but it does not include detailed commentary.  If you wish to delve further into the detail of a particular statistic, you are encouraged to follow the links provided.  Download this document at: https://tinyurl.com/2vua4x8s

Do you want to become a highly skilled facilitator and advance within your chosen profession or seek new employment opportunities? ...  If so, you might consider the Master of Arts in Advanced Facilitation Skills for Promoting Health and Wellbeing.  This is an innovative practice-orientated programme; the only one of its kind nationally.  It is designed to enhance personal growth and development, and to advance the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies required for effective facilitation of health and wellbeing programmes with groups, individuals and key populations.  This is a full time course, and its delivery reflects the flexibility required for adult learners.  The programme is delivered in Dublin on one Friday and Saturday per month per semester, and via three residential weekends - dispersed across the three semesters from September 2021.  For further information, check out www.wit.ie/wd591   For all queries, please contact the course leaders by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  |  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Rainbow Project is undertaking a survey to explore the needs, experiences and views of LGBTQIA+ people living in Northern Ireland.  This will look at a range of issues including crime, health and employment.  The data gathered will help to inform the development of new services and campaigns which are reflective of the needs of this community.  To participate, or find out more, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/86RV7VT

The Irish Heart Foundation is doing a review of all the printed leaflets and other information that they provide to the public.  In order to provide the best information possible, in a way that is easy to understand, they are seeking participants for a short 5-10 minute survey.  Find out more at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FMGLKQY

To date, over two million people worldwide have died with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.  To describe the experience in Ireland, this study examined associations between underlying conditions and the following outcomes: mortality, admission to hospital, or admission to intensive care units among those infected with COVID-19.  This research highlights that the risk of death is significantly higher for men, as is the risk of hospitalisation and ICU admission.  Read more about this study in an article in 'The Lancet' at: www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(21)00074-0/fulltext

In April, the Department of Health in Northern Ireland published the Health Inequalities Annual Report 2021.  This publication presents a comprehensive analysis of regional health inequality gaps between the most and least deprived areas of NI, and sub-regional gaps within Health and Social Care Trust and Local Government District areas across a range of health indicators.  The report is accompanied by downloadable data tables which contain all figures, including District Electoral Areas as well as urban and rural breakdowns.  Download the findings at: www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/health-inequalities-annual-report-2021