News

Healthy Food Options in Co. Clare

Healthy Clare is supporting the Clare Food Partnership to raise awareness of, improve access to, and increase the supply of healthy food options to communities across Co. Clare.  You are invited to take part in a short survey to share your thoughts on food access in your area.  This input will help to shape actions that make nutritious food more available and affordable for everyone.  See: https://tinyurl.com/3unxjcbh 

The Invisible Man

The health and wellbeing of men and boys in Northern Ireland is unnecessarily poor.  Yet, this is not a lost cause, and much can be done to change this situation.  However, improving the health of local males is, currently, not underpinned by a discrete policy framework or driven by any specific statutory targets.  Thus, it remains firmly under the radar.  Tackling this issue will require identifying the key needs, adopting creative approaches and working on a cross-departmental basis.  This has been / is being achieved in other countries. 
 
You are invited to attend a free event, in Stormont on Monday 10th November 2025, which will shine a light on men’s health across the region.  It will highlight some of the main areas of concern, examine existing models of effective practice, and explore how we can all make a difference.

This event is being hosted by the Men's Health Forum in Ireland, working in partnership with the WHSCT Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement Department, Men's Action Network, YouthAction NI and Survivors of Suicide.
 
Anyone who has an interest in improving the health of men and boys, in any setting, is invited to apply for a place at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-invisible-man-mens-health-look-at-the-state-of-it-tickets-1775762356009

As places are limited, BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL. 

The Real Face of Men's Health in Ireland

The Men's Health Forum in Ireland is proud to have collaborated with Movember and the National Centre for Men's Health in SETU on the production of 'The Real Face of Men's Health' report which was launched on Tuesday 23rd September 2025.  This provides a comprehensive overview of the state of men's health in the Republic of Ireland, offers key statistics, records the views of GPs and the general public, explores the impact of men's ill health on both those who care for them and the public purse, and makes practical recommendations for future action.  Download a copy of the report at: https://www.mhfi.org/RealFaceIreland.pdf

Suicide Prevention in the Workplace - a New Guide for Employers

Work in the area of suicide prevention happens in everyday environments, and we all have a role to play in reducing suicide in Ireland.  People can spend a significant part of their lives in the workplace.  For many, the work environment and relationships with colleagues can be an important part of their lives.  ‘Suicide Prevention in the Workplace’ is a new guide - from the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention - that provides practical information to support, enhance and build the capacity of workplaces to respond to people experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours.  Download the guide at: https://tinyurl.com/t9rzpd3h

Alcohol’s Cost to the Workplace

Alcohol’s impact on public health and the health service, on crime and the criminal justice system, and on road traffic collisions is well documented.  However, another area which is directly and indirectly affected by alcohol - but which has received far less attention - is the workplace.  Alcohol Action Ireland’s latest report, titled ‘Alcohol’s Cost to the Workplace’, uses national and international evidence to shine a light on the impact of alcohol in the workplace in Ireland, the scale of its impact on workers, on employers, and on the economy.  Download it at: https://alcoholireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Alcohols-cost-to-the-workplace-1.pdf

The Role of Community Pharmacies in Improving Men’s Health

Global Action on Men's Health (GAMH) has been working with the International Pharmaceutical Federation on a project to promote the role of community pharmacies in improving men’s health.  The first step was a roundtable meeting in April 2025, which was followed by a report - ‘Advancing Men’s Health Through Pharmacy’ - that was published during Men’s Health Week in June.  This report explores the areas where pharmacists could make a difference (such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental health), the barriers to men’s use of pharmacies, and the practical and policy-level strategies that are needed.  View the report at: https://www.fip.org/file/6299

Development of the CAIRDE General Awareness Training

Suicide is a leading cause of death among construction workers; particularly younger and lower-skilled employees.  Barriers such as stigma, low mental health literacy and traditional masculine norms, hinder help-seeking in this male-dominated sector.  Few mental health interventions are tailored to this context.  This study developed a co-designed, theory-informed training programme to improve mental health literacy, reduce stigma and increase help-seeking among construction workers in Ireland.  Read the journal article at: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/8/1306

Screens, Safety and Social Media: What Young People in NI Are Telling Us

An event at Queen's University Belfast - on Monday 8th September 2025 (Noon - 3.00pm) - will launch new ARK research commissioned by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland.  This study explores 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.  Book a place at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/screens-safety-and-social-media-what-young-people-in-ni-are-telling-us-tickets-1470155377309