Worry and anxiety are commonplace across Northern Ireland.  With the legacy of the Troubles, the challenges that face our young people and, now, the added strain of Coronavirus, strengthening our resilience is more important than ever.  The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust - in partnership with ASCERT - has produced a booklet to help people do deal with worry.  You can download the booklet and see their short video at: https://www.ascert.biz/community-services/resources/dealing-with-worry-in-difficult-times

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland is inviting you to take part in an online, anonymous, international survey to help understand how people are coping during the Covid-19 pandemic.  The survey has been developed by the International Loneliness and Social Isolation Research Network (I-LINK) that includes the Institute of Public Health along with Ulster University, Trinity College Dublin and Maynooth University, as well as colleagues from the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.  The study seeks to learn about the issues people are facing, and how they are managing with social distancing and changes to everyday life - so gaining valuable insights into life before and during the Covid-19 pandemic, including key challenges and coping strategies.  If you would be willing to participate in this survey, visit: https://bit.ly/36PxDg1

As the good weather encourages more people to be outside, there is an increasing need to be ‘sun smart’ - as skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Ireland.  Find out how at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWMEL5OuesA  and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSvudyajTyI

The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) is a large-scale, nationally representative, longitudinal study on ageing in Ireland.  The overarching aim is to make Ireland the best place in the world to grow old.  TILDA has recently launched a new YouTube Channel to house their video materials.  Visit it at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjC99Fw_VIqxgfuT2Es_eQQ

Helplink Mental Health run a free national counselling service for people with gambling problems / issues / addictions.  This service is available online or by phone nationwide, seven days a week, and out-of-hours.  Counselling appointments are available for people aged 16 years and upwards facing difficulties, and also for family members of loved ones with gambling issues / addictions.  Go to www.helplink.ie for more information, or Tel: 0818 998880 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The aim of this pan-European survey is to link alcohol intake to experiences regarding the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.  With the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in Europe, political actions by national governments led to changes in daily and public life in many places, including possible changes in alcohol consumption.  Since the current pandemic is an unprecedented situation, with hitherto unknown consequences for everyday life, a questionnaire was developed to investigate its implications - particularly with regard to drinking.  This survey resulted from a collaboration of scientists from multiple research institutes in Europe, and is available in 20+ languages.  To participate, visit: http://www.covid19-and-alcohol.eu

The Northern Ireland Executive Office has asked the Commission for Victims and Survivors to provide advice on informing a new strategy for victims and survivors.  A new strategy will shape how issues relating to victims and survivors are addressed.  This includes important areas such as the delivery of services, addressing the legacy of our past, and building for the future.  Views are being sought via an online survey: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/TPE464

The research findings in these reports are based on surveys by Amárach Research on behalf of the Department of Health in the Republic of Ireland.  The polls are conducted using Amárach’s SmartPoll panel and weighted to the demographics of the adult population.  Follow the results of these regular polls at: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/6b4401-view-the-amarach-public-opinion-survey