Every year there are hundreds of events throughout Ireland to celebrate Men’s Health Week (MHW).  Some of these are well publicised, but most are only known about by a few people.  This year, the Men's Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) had a section on its website to promote the details of any activities or events that were being held throughout Ireland during the week (see: www.mhfi.org/mhw2017events.pdf)   However, a lot of the activities which took place are still not recorded, and it would be great to flag them up.  It’s not too late to complete and submit a MHW Event Form at: www.mhfi.org/mhw/promote-an-event.html  Other submission options are also available at: www.mhfi.org/mhw/mhw-2017.html#TellOthers

Throughout Men’s Health Week, everyone was kept up-to-date with the latest news and developments in the field of men’s work via Facebook (www.facebook.com/MensHealthWeek) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/MensHealthIRL).  However, these social media outlets exist all year round, and seek to highlight what is happening on the island of Ireland and further afield.

Do you want to become a highly skilled facilitator, advance within your chosen profession, and/or seek new employment opportunities? …  If so, you might consider applying for a place on the Master of Arts in Advanced Facilitation Skills for Promoting Health and Wellbeing.  This is an innovative practice orientated programme; the only one of its kind nationally.  It is designed to enhance personal growth and development to advance knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies required for effective facilitation of health and wellbeing work with groups, individuals and key populations.  The skills acquired on this programme are essential when engaging with men or working with men’s groups.  This is a full-time course, and its delivery reflects the flexibility required for adult learners.  The programme is delivered in Dublin on one Friday and Saturday per month per semester and three residential weekends dispersed across the three semesters from January 2018.  For further information, visit www.wit.ie/wd591 or contact the Course Leaders via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  |  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Family Mediation Northern Ireland is inviting applications for their Foundation Training Programme 2017.  Family Mediation offers an alternative to conflict when families experience difficulties in relationships; particularly during or after separation and divorce.  By managing conflict, and offering an independent and impartial process, it empowers (ex) partners to negotiate solutions which meet the needs of their family, especially those of their children.  For full details, see: www.mhfi.org/familymediation2017.pdf

Fathers have a critical - yet poorly recognised - role in giving their children the best chance of good mental health throughout their lives according to a briefing paper published by the Centre for Mental Health.  ‘Fatherhood’, by Lorraine Khan, reviews evidence about the role of fathers in children’s mental health.  It finds evidence that fathers have a big influence on their children’s mental health, yet few get any help or support to fulfil their potential as parents.  See: www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/briefing-50-fatherhood

Millions of men across the United Kingdom are hiding feelings of loneliness according to research released at the start of May 2017.  This study found that an estimated eight million (35%) men feel lonely at least once a week whilst, for nearly three million (11%), it’s a daily occurrence.  More than one in ten men also say they are lonely, but would not admit it to anyone.  The research, conducted for the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness by Royal Voluntary Service, also reveals the triggers to loneliness.  To find out more, visit: www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/news-and-events/news/new-research-on-behalf-of-jo-cox-commission-on-loneliness-suggests-millions-of-men-young-and-old-are-experiencing-loneliness-but-suffering-in-silence

EIGE’s Gender Statistics Database reveals that even though work-related accidents are not very common in the EU, the vast majority of them happen to men - who account for approximately 78% of victims.  Explore more statistics on safety and wellbeing at work at: http://eige.europa.eu/gender-statistics/dgs/browse/ta/ta_wrk/ta_wrk_env/ta_wrk_env_safe

The Health and Social Care Board and the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of misusing prescription medication.  It is estimated that the misuse of prescription medication such as Tramadol, Diazepam and anti-depressants was responsible for 27 times more deaths than illicit drugs such as cocaine in 2015.  Joe Brogan, Head of Pharmacy, Health and Social Care Board said: ‘We have one of the highest rates of deaths in Northern Ireland as a result of prescription medicine abuse.  We want people to understand that while prescription medicine can be beneficial when prescribed correctly, it can cause serious harm and, sadly, as we have seen recently, death when misused, abused or mixed with other drugs or alcohol’.  This will, predominantly, be a social media campaign, targeting not just young people but also parents to raise greater awareness about the dangers of misusing medicine.  A video explaining the issues is available at https://business.facebook.com/healthandsocialcareboard/videos/1888910497989989