Every two years, Family Carers Ireland conducts the ‘State of Caring’ survey - a comprehensive study to better understand the lives and experiences of family members who are currently providing care.  Previous reports have highlighted the impact of being a carer, and provided evidence for submissions to decision makers and policy makers.  The 2024 survey has now been launched, and they are eager to have input from a broad range of carers - especially men.  The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, and can be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/StateOfCaring2024  If you know of any carers who would prefer a paper copy of the survey, or who would like some support with completing it, please direct them to Joanne Murphy at Tel: 086 0326187 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Did you know that there are 11,000 people in Northern Ireland who identify themselves as deafblind? …  Deafblind UK supports people who have any level of combined sight and hearing loss (as well as those around them) to live with their condition and to build their confidence and independence.  They offer understanding, advice, practical help, residential support, care and social opportunities.  This includes: a friendly helpline to answer questions and offer support; help with technology, so that everyone can stay connected; opportunities to socialise and make new friends; seaside holidays, so that participants can relax and unwind; wellbeing and emotional support for difficult times; care and support at home if needed.  To learn more, visit: www.deafblind.org.uk   You can also contact Deafblind UK via their free Helpline: 0800 132 320  |  Text: 07903 572885  |  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Text Relay: 18001 then 0800 132320   |  BSL Video Relay: deafblind.org.uk/bsl

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 2024 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 10th until Sunday 16th June 2024.

Every year, the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) convenes an all-island Planning Group for MHW.  This group held its first meeting for 2024 on Monday 18th December, and already a theme for the week is developing.  Would you be interested in being a part of this process, and joining with others from across the island of Ireland to help to shape MHW 2024?  This can be done in many ways - from participating in meetings, to occasional electronic communication.  All input is very welcome, and helps to make the week stronger and more relevant.

If you would be interested in being part of the planning process for 2024 (in any way), email Colin Fowler at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

However, even if this is not possible, why not put the dates of MHW 2024 into your new diary, and start thinking about how your group / workplace / church / community / sports club ...  could do something to mark this week?  It’s never too early to start planning.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone in the Men's Health Forum in Ireland!  However, we also know that the holidays can often be a stressful and worrying time for many people.  Therefore, please remember that if you - or anyone you know - needs help and support over the Christmas period, you can always contact ...

-  The Samaritans (all Ireland) - Freephone 116 123
-  Pieta House (RoI) - Freephone 1800 247 247
-  Lifeline (NI) - Freephone 0808 808 8000

or visit: https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health  |  https://www.mindingyourhead.info

'MANifest: Connecting Men with Mind Fitness' is a workshop which was developed by the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, Western Health and Social Care Trust and Men’s Action Network.  It evolved in response to the growing demand from service providers in Northern Ireland for support to: improve their engagement with men; increase their knowledge and skills in recognising mental distress in adult men; ensure that men are referred to the most appropriate services to meet their needs.  Applications are, currently, being sought from individuals who would be interested in applying for a place on the MANifest Facilitator Training Programme which will take place in February 2024.  Find out more at: https://www.mhfi.org/MANifestOverview2023.pdf

Are you a man?  Would you be interested in taking part in a ten week health and lifestyle programme? …  If so, you might like to join a group in either Dromore, Co. Down (beginning on Thursday 11th January 2024) or Craigavon, Co. Armagh (beginning on Wednesday 17th January 2024) for health checks, weekly physical activity sessions, and support and guidance from dedicated staff to ensure that you get the best from the programme.  Sessions begin at 7.00pm each week.  For more information, contact Frances Haughey, Health Inequalities Officer, by Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  |  Tel: 075 0077 2905.

The Healthy Ireland Survey is conducted annually, with a representative sample of the population aged 15 and older living in the Republic of Ireland.  The Survey gives an up-to-date picture of the health of the nation, reporting on many health-related lifestyle behaviours.  The 2023 Survey includes data on smoking, alcohol and drug usage rates, mental health, social connectedness and suicide awareness, general health, antibiotic awareness and health service utilisation.  Download the report from: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/73c9d-healthy-ireland-survey-2023

What are the factors affecting mental health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland? …  Accurate information and data is vital - not only to allow us to plan effective mental health services, but also to increase knowledge and understanding about the structural factors and inequalities that influence mental health and wellbeing.  This report helps to increase understanding of the nature of the issues, the origins of these difficulties, and the actions that must be taken to improve everyone’s lives.  Read it at: http://tinyurl.com/3f5bfzbn