In March 2018, a landmark report titled ‘Middle-Aged Men and Suicide in Ireland’ (www.mhfi.org/MAMRMreport.pdf) was launched.  This was commissioned / coordinated by the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention, and researched by the National Centre for Men’s Health in the Institute of Technology in Carlow.  The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the factors underpinning the high suicide rate among middle-aged men (40-59 years old) in the Republic of Ireland, with a view to providing more effective and gender specific programmes, services, and resources that can support their mental health and wellbeing.

The report highlighted that: over the past ten years, the suicide rate among middle-aged men in the Republic of Ireland has been the highest of all age cohorts; suicide and suicidal behaviour is more prevalent among certain ‘at risk’ groups’; a range of mid-life transitions are associated with challenges for these men; reaching a crisis point is the most common trigger to seeking help for many men; there is a diverse range of barriers and enablers which influence the dynamics of engaging with middle-aged men in relation to their mental health.

To meet the need from practitioners to develop meaningful relationships with this target group, the Engage National Men’s Health Training Programme has now developed a new workshop called ‘Men in the Middle’.  Applications are being sought from experienced facilitators to participate in a Training for Trainers programme to upskill them to deliver this workshop across the Republic of Ireland.  More details can be found at: www.mhfi.org/Engage7Overview.pdf

Global Action on Men's Health (GAMH) is hosting a webinar for NGOs and men's health advocates working in Europe to discuss how they can use the WHO Europe Men's Health Strategy as an advocacy tool.  This webinar will take place on Friday 20th September 2019 at 9.30am Ireland / 10.30am CET.  The speakers include: Isabel Yordi Aguirre (WHO Europe) who will introduce the men's health strategy; Alan White, Emeritus Professor of Men's Health, Leeds Beckett University, UK; Dr Noel Richardson, Director of the National Centre for Men's Health, Ireland; and Dr Svend Aage Madsen, President of the Men's Health Society in Denmark.  For more details, visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/improving-mens-health-in-europe-webinar-on-the-who-mens-health-strategy-tickets-62915211090

Congratulations to Keith Kelly and all the lads in Ballybrack in Dublin for helping to create the newest health craze for men in Ireland - 'Jumpers for Goalposts'.  It's great to think how such a small and simple idea can bring together so many men to enjoy each other's company, have a bit of craic, and improve their mental (and physical) health!  Are you intrigued yet? …  If so, find out more by checking out some of their videos (www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZh_jxuZ0-M) or visiting their new website at: www.jumpersforgoalposts.ie

On International Men’s Day, Tuesday 19th November 2019, the School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), in partnership with the Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education, Galway, are hosting the first ever Men’s Health Symposium at NUIG.  This free to attend event for health and allied professionals aims to highlight current issues that affect men’s health across their lifespan.  The event particularly focuses on the influence masculinity has on men’s health, building resilience and promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.  This day-long symposium will include experts, practitioners, researchers in men’s health, and several high-profile men’s health advocates.  Registration will open on Friday 20th September 2019.  Be sure to save the date!  Address all enquiries to the Symposium Chairperson, Dr. Bróna Mooney, at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

'Men on the Move' is a 12-week programme for inactive men in Ireland.  It uses physical activity as a ‘hook’ to engage men, with a view to improving their overall health and wellbeing.  An evaluation report on the project was published during Men's Health Week 2019.  This showed the positive impact of the project, and recommended that it should be further developed and extended across the Republic of Ireland.  View the report online at: www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/media/pressrel/men-on-the-move-evaluation-report.pdf

From September 2019, the HPV vaccine will be made freely available to boys as well as girls in their first year of secondary school in the Republic of Ireland.  This is part of the HSE’s National Immunisation Programme, and is the first year that boys will be offered this jab.  Each year, around 400 people are diagnosed with a HPV-caused cancer in Ireland - and one in five of these diagnoses will occur in men.  Around 100 people die from HPV-related cancers in Ireland annually.  Therefore, high uptake of the vaccination programme is an essential step towards eliminating these cancers.  Parents are encouraged to find out more about the vaccination programme in order to reassure themselves of both the need for it and how safe it is.  A good place to start is at: www.hpv.ie

The Heath, Wellbeing and Inclusion Research Group within the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen's University Belfast (QUB) is hosting an event titled: ‘Suicide Prevention: We all have a part to play’.  This will take place on Monday 16th September 2019, from 10.30am - 12.30pm, in Room OG074, the Lanyon Building, QUB.  The speaker will be Dr Jerry Reed, who is an internationally recognised figure in the field of suicide prevention, and who has helped to inform and drive public policy changes in the USA.  This is a free, open access event, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Eating Disorders are not unique to one gender, nor are they solely a 'female issue'.  In 2017, The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, Bodywhys, recorded a 128% increase in men attending face-to-face support groups.  The organisation report that this is not surprising as extreme dieting and purging has increased amongst men in recent years.  For anyone struggling with an eating disorder, Bodywhys have a broad range of support and information available including a helpline, face-to-face support groups, online groups, email support, and access to key information on recovery and where to go to get help.  See www.bodywhys.ie