In many countries, smoking rates are higher among men than women - highlighting the importance of focusing on factors that influence smoking prevalence among men.  Expressed masculinities occur within settings that can influence men’s perspectives and behaviours towards smoking.  This scoping review provides an overview of key aspects of how masculinities underpin men’s behaviours regarding tobacco smoking.  It can be accessed online at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/16549716.2019.1589763

Childhood obesity continues to be a major health issue on the island of Ireland, with many interventions underway to tackle the issue. This event will explore childhood obesity through the lens of children's rights; highlighting challenges and exploring clinical and public health interventions.  It will take place on Tuesday 11th June 2019, from 10.00am - 1.30pm, in the Ulster Museum, Belfast.  To find out more, see: www.safefood.eu/Professional/Events/All-island-Obesity-Action-Forum-Children%E2%80%99s-rights,-children%E2%80%99s-weight.aspx

In March 2019, the Information Analysis Directorate within the Department of Health in Northern Ireland released its annual report into health inequalities.  This can be accessed online at: www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/hscims-report-2019.pdf

Irish men have received little critical attention as gendered subjects.  Historically, masculinities were invisible in Irish society.  This journal article seeks to contribute to the visibility of Irish masculinities and the critical study of men by sociologically examining Irish men’s conceptualisation of masculinity and their understanding of what it means to be a man in contemporary Irish society.  Read the article at: https://arrow.dit.ie/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1323&context=ijass

Children in Northern Ireland and Relate NI have been commissioned by the Health and Social Care Board to deliver a regional parenting helpline in Northern Ireland.  The helpline is called ‘Parentline NI’, and is for parents, carers and family members.  Parentline offers advice on specific parenting issues and more general support and guidance.  The helpline is open from 9.00am - 9.00pm from Monday to Thursday | 9.00am - 5.00pm on Friday | 9.00am -1.00pm on Saturday.  The service is available through a range of different channels including telephone, face-to-face and online.  Call free on 0808 8020 400; find out more or chat online at: www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline-ni; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; follow on Twitter (@childreninni) or Facebook.

A doctoral researcher at Dublin City University is looking for participants to take part in a study looking at the use of online mental health self-help programmes for support with a mental health problem.  The study is for people who: are aged over 18; are resident in Ireland; have / have had a mental health problem (a clinical diagnosis is not required); and have used apps / online programmes to help with their mental health.  Taking part involves completing an online survey (15-20 minutes) and an optional follow-up interview.  Participation is voluntary, and all information shared is confidential.  You can find more and take the survey at: https://omhshp-research-study.com or contact Manuela, the researcher conducting the study, by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

HSE Health Promotion and Improvement is inviting applications for free places on a 'Connecting with Young Men' workshop being held on Wednesday 20th March 2019, from 9.30am - 4.00pm, in the Regional Education Centre, St. Brigid’s Complex, Ardee, Co. Louth.  The aim of this workshop is to assist a broad range of practitioners to effectively connect with young men on mental health and wellbeing issues.  It focuses on the engagement process (i.e. WHY and HOW to build relationships with young men), rather than offering a new mental health programme (i.e. what to offer them).  To book a place / get further details, contact Orla Brady at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   Tel: 046 9076443.

Join Volunteer Now for an information day on health, hobbies and activities for men.  This will take place on Tuesday 5th March 2019, from 10.30am - 2.00pm, in Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast.  Refreshments will be provided.  To book a place, Tel: 02890 232020 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.