Age Friendly Network NI and the Public Health Agency have produced a 'Keeping Well at Home' booklet for older people who are self-isolating during COVID-19.  This free resource is targeted at those who are unable to go outside, or have limited / no access to online resources.  The booklet contains practical information on: home exercises; mental wellbeing; staying safe from scammers; safety in the home; nutrition and hydration; managing your energy supplies; and useful contacts.  An electronic copy of this publication can be downloaded at: www.makinglifebettertogether.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Keeping-Well-at-Home-July-2020.pdf  and hard copies can be ordered from AGE NI.  Age NI has also teamed-up with Mary Peters to launch 'Move with Mary' - an exercise programme aimed specifically at keeping older people moving during the extended Covid-19 period.  Check it out at: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZgroTgDNfIDglYTD44VfnFwP-sOUyr8T

Although young people are estimated to have the lowest mortality rates from COVID-19, they are not immune to its consequences.  LGBTI+ young people didn't stop experiencing crises during the current pandemic.  Many felt even more isolated from their support networks.  Some experienced emotional and physical abuse.  Many felt alone, scared and anxious.  It had an impact on their mental and physical health.  BeLonG To Youth Services conducted a ‘LGBTI+ Life in Lockdown’ survey to try to understand what life is like for LGBTI+ youth during the pandemic, in order to provide the most appropriate support to them.  You can read the findings at: https://belongto.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/LGBTI-Life-in-Lockdown-Key-Findings.pdf

COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways.  It's caused by a virus called Coronavirus.  This is spread in sneeze or cough droplets, and infects you via your eyes, nose or mouth.  However, there’s a lot of false information being circulated, so it’s crucial to follow the official up-to-date guidance from the Health Service Executive in the Republic of Ireland (https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus) and the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland (https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus).  Everyone's lives and daily routines are affected by the measures that have been introduced to disrupt the spread of the virus, and keep us all safe.  It's normal to be worried or to feel stressed during this difficult time, but there are many things we can do to help us mind our mental health and wellbeing.  Start by checking out: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/together

In recognition of both Carers Week (8th-14th June), and Men’s Health Week (15th-21st June) 2020, a research group in Ulster University (UU) launched the findings of a three year study exploring the impact of support services in identifying and meeting the needs of older male caregivers.  The research team, led by Dr Anne Fee and Professors Sonia McIlfatrick and Assumpta Ryan from the Institute of Nursing and Health Research at UU, believe that the necessity to raise awareness of, and to support, male carers is more crucial now than ever - as this is a sub-group whose support needs are not commonly understood.  The report can be downloaded at: www.mhfi.org/OlderMaleCaregivers.pdf

The Coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic appears to be having a disproportionate impact upon men.  While there is a broadly similar incidence and prevalence rate to women, men: are faster at developing serious illness; recover slower from the virus; and have a higher death rate.  There is also a broad range of mental health and social impacts upon males and the wider community which are a cause for concern.  To find out more about this situation, visit: www.mhfi.org/coronavirus.html

In Western countries, a significantly greater proportion of men (relative to women) are overweight and obese.  Despite this, relatively few weight loss interventions have been developed that target men.  This lack of male-focused initiatives may be because ‘traditional’ weight loss programmes are unappealing to, what is considered, a ‘hard-to-reach’ population.  However, one programme that appears to appeal to men is the ‘MAN v FAT’ football programme in the United Kingdom.  This encourages men’s participation in a community-based intervention that incentivises weight loss through participation in a football league and, since 2016, has supported the weight loss efforts of several thousand men.  Read more at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324325

Last year, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) launched its 'Real Cost of Cancer' report.  This research highlighted the need to examine the barriers faced by those previously diagnosed with cancer who seek to return to work.  ICS wants to hear from people with experience of this issue, in order to make recommendations for change and to develop best practices for both people returning to the workplace and their employers.  An online questionnaire is open to anyone aged 18-65, who has been diagnosed with cancer in the last ten years, and who was in paid employment (including self-employment) at the time of their most recent diagnosis / episode.  It takes about 15 minutes to complete.  ICS is particularly keen to hear from men.  You can participate at: www.cancer.ie/returningtowork

Gender equality is a central component of any humanitarian development response.  In the context of COVID-19, this is also the case.  Women and men, boys and girls are all affected by COVID-19.  Much of the commentary, to date, has focused on the impact upon women and the secondary consequences of COVID (such as domestic violence) upon them.  However, men seem more prone to severe episodes of the disease, and are more likely to die than women.  Men also work in some sectors of the economy (e.g. transport and construction) that might put them at a higher risk.  On Friday 17th July 2020, the Irish Global Health Network and ESTHER Alliance for Global Health Partnerships ran a webinar focusing upon how men are affected by COVID-19 and how responses are addressing the particular needs of men.  A recording of the proceedings can be watched at: https://youtu.be/wlYabT0MKv0