Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.  But, there is hope, and things can be done to change this situation by empowering men to understand and improve their mental health.  This free event (on Monday 5th March 2018, starting at 9.30am finishing with lunch at 1.30pm, in the Student Zone, Northwest Regional College, Derry~Londonderry) is aimed at anyone who works with men or who has an interest in men’s health.  It will: explore theories of preventing suicide in men; look at how to make a difference in practice; highlight the real life experiences of local men (portrayed through drama); offer an opportunity to take part in interactive, practical workshops to improve wellbeing.  Places are limited, so early booking is advised.  If you would like to attend, please email Sonia Montgomery, Health Improvement Department, WHSCT at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Believe it or not, it’s that time again.  Yes, it’s time to get the most important date of the year into your new 2018 diary …  International Men's Health Week (MHW) always begins on the Monday before Father's Day and ends on Father's Day itself.  This coming year, it will run from Monday 11th until Sunday 17th June 2018.

Every year the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) convenes an all-island Planning Group for Men’s Health Week (MHW).  Would you be interested in joining with others from across the island of Ireland to help to shape MHW 2018?  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 Wednesday 10th January 2018, 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 2018 (in any way), email Colin Fowler at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Even if this is not possible, why not put the dates of MHW 2018 into your new diary, and start thinking about how your group / workplace / church / community / sports club ...  could do something to mark this week?

A Symposium is being held in Dublin on Friday 16th March 2018 to review and discuss a draft of the first ever Strategy on the Health and Wellbeing of Men in the World Health Organisation (WHO) European Region.  The aims of this event are to seek the views of stakeholders and experts working in the area of gender and men’s health on key elements of the draft strategy, and to develop a set of recommendations based on the outcomes of the symposium for consideration by WHO when drawing-up the final strategy.  The Symposium is, primarily, for non-governmental organisations across the 53 countries of the WHO-Europe region who have a particular interest in the health and wellbeing of men and boys and/or the role of men in promoting gender equality.  The Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, Men’s Health Forum (GB) and Global Action on Men’s Health are hosting the event, in association with WHO-Europe and with the support of the Health Service Executive in Ireland.  For more information, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A campaign has been launched to address the pressing need for greater awareness about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and its potential impact on millions of men and boys in the United Kingdom every year.  'Jabs for the Boys' aims to improve public education about HPV and the HPV vaccination.  This follows new research which points to a startling lack of knowledge about the infection.  The initiative’s website - www.jabsfortheboys.uk - looks to boost public knowledge of HPV, while offering advice and guidance to the parents of boys, boys themselves, and adult men about the pros and cons of HPV vaccination.

The Zero Suicide Alliance is a partnership of Health Service Trusts, businesses and individuals who are committed to suicide prevention in the United Kingdom and beyond.  The Alliance has launched a new, free, twenty minute online suicide prevention training programme.  The aims of this training are to: enable people to identify when someone is presenting with suicidal thoughts / behaviour; help them to speak out in a supportive manner; empower them to signpost the individual to the correct services or support.  To find out more, or to take the training, visit: www.zerosuicidealliance.com

Over the past three decades, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased markedly in Ireland and worldwide.  While the personal and social costs of this global phenomenon are incalculable, researchers and policy makers in a number of countries have estimated the economic costs of overweight and obesity.  Safefood has commissioned a report on current and projected lifetime costs on the island of Ireland as part of its ongoing work to guide and inform responses to this public health crisis.  The report can be accessed online at: www.safefood.eu/SafeFood/media/SafeFoodLibrary/Documents/Publications/Research%20Reports/Cost-of-childhood-obesity-Report.pdf

The first-ever guide to help men to keep working during or after a cancer diagnosis has just been published.  ‘Working With Cancer’ (by the European Men’s Health Forum) is a 12-page booklet that answers all the questions that working men (whether employed, self-employed or freelance) might have when cancer strikes.  It was written by a working man with cancer; developed alongside a steering group which included working men with cancer; and read and commented on by working men with cancer.  The booklet also addresses the employer’s perspective, the legal position and issues around money and general health.  To find out more and download a copy, visit: www.emhf.org/new-guide-working-with-cancer

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.  For example, the Belfast Men’s Health Group will be setting-up a stall in St. Georges Market, Belfast, on Friday 17th November 2017, from 9.30am - 1.00pm, and men of all ages are invited to drop by and avail of the following free services: blood pressure checks, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessment, smoking cessation advice (including carbon monoxide checks), healthy eating guidance, physical activity opportunities, self-help booklets / leaflets  …  Keep an eye out for IMD activities and events in your area.  Better still, why not organise something yourself to mark this day!