Do you want to become a highly skilled facilitator, advance within your chosen profession, or seek new employment opportunities? …  If so, you might consider the Master of Arts in Advanced Facilitation Skills for Promoting Health and Wellbeing - an innovative practice orientated programme which is the only one of its kind in the Republic of Ireland.  It is designed to enhance personal growth and to advance the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies required for effective facilitation of health and wellbeing initiatives with groups, individuals and key populations.  This is a full-time programme, but its delivery reflects the flexibility required for adult learners.  It is delivered two days per month each semester (in Dublin) and entails three residential weekends throughout the year.  For more information, see: www.wit.ie/courses/school/health_sciences/department_of_health_sport_exercise_studies/ma-in-advanced-facilitation-skills-for-promoting-health-and-well-being

The International Journal of Men’s Social and Community Health (IJMSCH) is an interdisciplinary journal that aims to contribute to the advancement of men’s health by publishing high quality research, policy and practice papers of contemporary relevance.  There is a specific focus on health experiences, social context and on community-based approaches to maintaining or improving men’s health.  View the current issue at: www.ijmsch.com

The Men’s Development Network is currently recruiting for the post of Chief Executive Officer to be based in their office in Waterford.  Full details of the job role and how to apply can be accessed at: www.activelink.ie/content/vacancies/community/37690

WHO-Europe is working on its first Men’s Health Strategy.  In March this year, they consulted with a wide range of non-governmental stakeholders and experts about different aspects of the strategy at an event held in Dublin on Friday 16th March.  There were 33 attendees at the symposium from five countries.  A report on the Dublin event, summarising the key messages, can be accessed at: http://gamh.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Report-of-WHO-Consultation-Mens-Health-Strategy-16-March-2018.Final_-1.pdf

You are invited to be part of a men’s health and wellbeing event which is being held on Friday 27th July 2018, from 11am - 2pm, in Bike Park Ireland, Ballingarry, Roscrea, Co Tipperary.  This event is being organised by the Offaly Local Development Company, and will include a range of activities - from cycling to walking - suitable for all levels of ability and interest.  There will be a bus available to those who wish to avail of the service, and food and refreshments will be offered as part of the day.  Booking is essential.  Contact Paul on Tel: 087 6925276 or Wayne at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Men’s health is widely known to be problematic at the national and global levels.  Recent WHO data shows that, in 2016, global male life expectancy at birth was a little under 70 years.  Over 20 countries, mostly in Africa, had a male life expectancy below 60 years.  This paper by Global Action on Men's Health highlights some of the key statistics and issues, as well as the benefits of taking action: http://gamh.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Hiding-in-Plain-Sight.GAMH-report.june2018.final_.pdf

This research explores the barriers and solutions to seeking professional help for mental health problems among young men living in the North West of Ireland.  A qualitative approach - using two focus groups with six participants each and five face-to-face interviews - was conducted with men aged 18 to 24 years (total N = 17).  Data were analysed using thematic analysis.  Seven key barriers to help seeking were identified: acceptance from peers; personal challenges; cultural and environmental influences; self-medicating with alcohol; perspectives around seeking professional help; fear of homophobic responses; and traditional masculine ideals.  Five key solutions to these barriers included: tailored mental health advertising; integrating mental health into formal education; education through semi-formal support services; accessible mental health care; and making new meaning.  Read the full journal article at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5734535

Everyone involved in Men’s Health Week (MHW) 2018 would like to thank James Vincent from the Institute of Public Health in Ireland for the time and effort that he put into creating a short MHW animation this year.  This clip was viewed over 4,000 times within the first 48 hours of appearing on the MHW Twitter feed - as well as being seen on many other social media platforms.  If you haven’t had a look yet, check it out on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/iEra_ZtedFY