International Men's Day (IMD) takes place on the 19th of November each year.  This day offers an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the important contribution that men and boys make to their families, friends, communities, workplaces, society and the world.  However, it is also a time to highlight some of the key issues facing males, and to provide practical support and positive encouragement to overcome these.  Keep an eye out for IMD activities and events in your area.

The Health and Social Care Business Services Organisation has published its Family Practitioner Services Statistics for Northern Ireland 2017-18.  The report contains high level summary information on activity and payments in relation to General Medical, General Dental, Ophthalmic and Pharmaceutical Services.  Information is provided at Northern Ireland level, with further breakdowns presented at both Local Commissioning Group (LCG) and Local Government District (LGD) level.  The publication is available on the Business Services Organisation’s website at: www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/services/2990.htm

The Health Service Executive and Men’s Development Network invite you to join with leading Irish men and women to talk about the need for gender equality and to highlight the International White Ribbon campaign.  This event will take place on Monday 19th November 2018, from 10.00am - 1.00pm, in Dr Steevens' Hospital, Dublin.  To book a place, visit: www.eventbrite.ie/e/white-ribbon-ireland-seminar-tickets-52207779875

In recent years, the health and wellbeing of men has received increasing attention in the WHO European Region.  A key trigger for this attention has been the high level of premature mortality among men - particularly in Eastern Europe.  However, the focus on men’s health has also been driven by a growing body of evidence that provides a better understanding of how gender intersects with social, economic, environmental, political and cultural determinants which influence exposure to risk factors and interactions with health systems.  At a meeting of the WHO Europe Regional Committee in Rome on 19th September 2018, the delegates approved a new men's health strategy which aims to inform action by Member States to improve men’s health and wellbeing while promoting gender equality.  Find out more at: www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/378165/68wd12e_MensHealthStrategy_180480.pdf?ua=1

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland invites you to attend their annual Men’s Health Conference.  This will be held in the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim, Co. Antrim, on Wednesday 7th November 2018, from 9.15am to 1.15pm.  This event is free, but places are limited.  To register, or get further information on this event, contact Denise Bownes at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As the 2018/19 academic year gets underway, are you aware of the 'Please Talk' initiative which is based in third level institutions across Ireland? …  Please Talk is a student-led mental health movement which signposts students to both on-campus and off-campus support services.  It also aims to empower students to look after their mental health and to reduce stigma around mental health on campus.  Find out more at: www.pleasetalk.org

International Men's Health Week (MHW) always begins on the Monday before Father's Day and ends on Father's Day itself.  In 2019, it will run from Monday 10th until Sunday 16th June.  Every year the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) convenes an all-island Planning Group for the week.  Would you be interested in joining with others from across the island of Ireland to help to shape MHW 2019? …  This can be done in many ways - from participating in meetings to electronic communication.  All input is very welcome, and helps to make the week stronger and more relevant.  The first meeting of the Planning Group will take place on Friday 9th November, from 10.45am - 1.45pm (including lunch), in Dundalk, Co. Louth.  However, even if you cannot make the meetings, your ongoing feedback on developments via email / phone would still be very helpful.  If you would be interested in being part of the planning process for 2019 (in any way), email Colin Fowler at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The South Eastern Domestic and Sexual Violence Partnership and Vital Voices Global Partnership, are pleased to invite you to participate in leadership training on gender violence prevention with Jackson Katz (www.jacksonkatz.com) - an internationally known expert in the field.  'Men’s Leadership in Gender Based Violence - Let’s End the Silence' will be held on Wednesday 28th November 2018, from 10.00am to 4.00pm, in the Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle, Co. Down.  Jackson Katz is the co-founder of Mentors in Violence Prevention, and has achieved global recognition for his pioneering work and activism on issues of gender, race and violence.  To find out more, contact Patricia McMurray, Coordinator, South Eastern Domestic and Sexual Violence Partnership at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tel: 02844 615208.