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.

Mental Health Week is taking place from the 8th - 12th October in Ireland this year.  The theme is 'Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World'.  See Change has partnered with Mental Health Ireland and St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin to host an event in the Cathedral to launch the week.  This will take place on Friday 5th October 2018 at 7.00pm, and will include guest speakers, information on support services available, and access to the 'Look Beyond' exhibition.  This event is free and open to everyone.  For more information, visit: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/6801c5ffebc98d6478c0e34e3/images/2e1270bd-470c-4315-b76e-129a767eb3a8.jpg

Men in the WHO European Region are living healthier and longer lives than before.  The Region is setting an example through an impressive reduction of premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and is likely to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals target on reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one third earlier than 2030.  Despite this, too many men die young in the Region.  Although life expectancy of men has steadily increased in all countries in recent decades, there is still up to 17 years difference between the lowest and highest-ranking countries, and within-country differences remain large.  The higher risk for premature mortality for men compared to women, and the large differences among men, is not news.  In fact, it has been observed in many countries for so long now that it is almost considered a natural phenomenon.  However, it is not, and should not be regarded as such. This report goes behind the data to investigate the causes of the differences in more detail.  Download a copy at: www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/380716/mhr-report-eng.pdf

Parenting NI invites you to an event titled 'Making Parenting Work' led by Josh Levs which will focus on men, modern parenthood, and gender equality.  This seminar will address: how businesses can engage men on issues of gender equality and diversity; how equal caregiving options attract and retain the best employees; how to support both male and female employees who seek work-life balance; proven methods to achieve all of this while lifting profits.  This event will take place in Windsor Park Football Stadium, Belfast, on Monday 22nd October 2018, from 9.00am - 11.30am.  The cost (£25.00) includes breakfast and an optional tour of the stadium.  For more information, or to book a place, contact Maria on Tel: 02890 310891 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Are you a man who wants to start looking after your health more? …  If so, this free programme offers: weekly health information talks; physical activity sessions; dedicated staff to support you with your goals; health checks.  It will run for eight weeks - every Thursday at 7.00pm, from 1st November - 20th December 2018.  It will be held in Ardmore Recreation Centre, Armagh City, Co. Armagh.  If you are interested in hearing more, contact Mark Doran, Health Improvement Officer, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Rainbow Project's Gay and Bi Dads' Group aims to provide gay and bisexual men - who may be married or who are still not out - with a safe and confidential space to meet with other men in similar situations.  The group meets monthly, from 7.00pm - 9.00pm, and offers: support and advice on coming out; managing family life as a gay or bisexual man; an opportunity to talk openly and safely about being either a gay or bisexual man.  For more details, Tel: 02890 319030 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.