Access to reliable COVID-related health and wellbeing evidence continues to be important in Ireland.  The Institute of Public Health has, therefore, launched a new series of factsheets which provides evidence on key public health topics.  The first factsheet focuses on Tobacco and COVID-19 (see: https://publichealth.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/COVID-19-Tobacco-Factsheet-Updated-September-2020.pdf), and this will be followed by other topics including maternal health and physical activity.

The recent issue of the International Journal of Men's Social and Community Health - which was guest edited by Prof Derek Griffith - focuses upon ‘Intersectional Approaches to Equity in Men's Health and Wellbeing’.  One of the articles in this issue centres upon middle-aged men and suicide in Ireland (see: https://ijmsch.com/index.php/IJMSCH/article/view/32).  You can also access all the articles at: https://ijmsch.com/index.php/IJMSCH/issue/view/6

Each year, See Change roll out a month long Green Ribbon Campaign to encourage people in Ireland to end mental health stigma by getting as many people as possible talking about this issue.  This year, the campaign is being run online during October 2020.  By wearing a Green Ribbon - the international symbol for mental health awareness - you show that you are committed to influencing positive change.  You don’t need to be an expert to start talking about mental health or to have all the answers.  Sometimes the most helpful thing that you can do is to let someone know you are there for them and simply listen.  Find out more at: https://seechange.ie/green-ribbon

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) invites you to their webinar on supporting young people’s sexual health and wellbeing through evidence and practice.  This event will take place on Tuesday 10th November at 1.00pm.  It will see the launch of the ESRI / Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme / HSE Health and Wellbeing research report on ‘Talking about Sex and Sexual Behaviour among Young People in Ireland’ and the related resources that encourage and support parents and children to talk together about relationships, sexuality and growing up.  Register your interest at: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7RMy6btmMk6rlranx0RnpOAPCAJ5DSZAtmg0ztdR0uRUNVAwTTFESzAwSTAxR0I0TkdHREJGV1NWTi4u

'Cruse Connects' is a project which supports men, aged 30-50, who have been bereaved and live in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area.  Some men are not very good at asking for help and support.  However, when they do, many find it valuable when coping with their grief.  Cruse has found that this is especially true when they are able to talk with their peers in an all-male group setting.  This often leads to realising that they are not alone in how they are feeling.  That solidarity can be a real breakthrough moment for many men, and creates a network of like-minded people to connect with.  Due to the continuing Covid-19 situation, this group will meet virtually.  As well as supporting each other by sharing experiences of what helps and what doesn’t, the men can shape how the group will develop when restrictions have been lifted.  For further information, contact Eleanor at Tel: 07950 531813  |  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

HIV Ireland invite you to join them for this one hour webinar to increase your knowledge and awareness about HIV in Ireland and learn about the prevention options available to end new acquisitions of HIV.  This will take place on Wednesday 4th November 2020, from Noon - 1.00pm.  Attendance is free of charge, but registration is essential as numbers are limited.  To book a place, visit: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/8016020705523/WN_KblPXKYCRnexkLmr2p9iWA

Have you ever had excess weight?  Would you like to share your experiences and opinions? ...  Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast would like to invite you to complete a questionnaire about your experience of having excess weight, and your opinions on different terms used to describe weight / size.  They are looking for men and women who are over 18 years old to complete a questionnaire.  To find out more and participate in this study, visit: https://qubpublichealth.fra1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2nUDx0DJGg8kFKZ

Would you like to have a bit of craic, get energised, learn some new skills, pick-up tips and have some fun? ...  If so, join Volunteer Now's virtual Men’s Health Day on Friday 23rd October 2020 on Zoom.  From cooking to bee-keeping and lots more - there’s something for everyone!

It’s easy to get involved in any part of the day or the whole event - and all the sessions are free of charge.

Visit: www.volunteernow.co.uk/diary-date-for-men-age-50 to view the full programme and joining details.