'Let’s Talk About Suicide' is a free online suicide prevention training programme that helps people to develop their skills to keep others safe.  It assists participants to: identify people who are at risk; confidently ask about the topic of suicide; and connect them with resources that can help them to stay safe.  The programme was developed by the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), and is available to anyone over 18 years of age.  It uses a mix of guided online content, video and interactive questions.  Participants can pause and recommence the programme at their own convenience.  On average, the programme takes 60-90 minutes to complete, but participants can work at their own pace.  Find out how to access it at: https://traininghub.nosp.ie

The HSE Health and Wellbeing Annual Report for 2023 is now available.  This report outlines the key activities that HSE Health and Wellbeing delivered both nationally and locally last year, with insights shared from across their policy areas, partners and various work streams.  View and download a copy at: https://publuu.com/flip-book/647102/1465321

'How's the Form?' is a new podcast series from Age NI aimed at men aged 50+.  Hosted by Joe Lindsay, this podcast speaks to some of Northern Ireland's most high profile men about life in their later years.  Every episode also contains advice from a GP and a psychotherapist looking at how to keep your body and your mind fit beyond 50.  Catch-up on all the episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZgroTgDNfICgFIz9Olqt5z8lR71ia0ea

Belfast Men’s Health Group invites you to join them on a men’s ‘Walk and Talk’ event to mark International Men’s Day on Tuesday 19th November 2024.  This will begin at 11.00am from the Forthspring Community Centre on the Springfield Road in Belfast, and will also include lunch, alternative therapies and a range of health activities.  Register for a place at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/international-mens-health-day-mens-walk-and-talk-event-tickets-1041887161547

Suicide among male construction workers is reported to be disproportionally high compared to the working age population.  However, there is minimal understanding globally of the prevalence and associated factors for suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury, and suicide attempt among this occupational group.  A journal article titled 'Prevalence and associated risk factors for suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempt among male construction workers in Ireland' attempts to shine some light on this area.  Download a copy of it at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-024-18483-0

Did you know that over 2,500 cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year in the Republic of Ireland, and that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Ireland (with over 1,900 deaths annually)?  However, if lung cancer is found early, it’s easier to treat and there’s a better chance of recovery.  One of the common symptoms of lung cancer is a persistent new cough, and everyone is advised to contact their doctor without delay if they develop a cough that does not go away after three weeks.  Know the signs and find out more at: www.hse.ie/checkthatcough

A major UK study, led by health experts at the University of Stirling, has found that offering financial incentives is effective in helping men to lose weight.  585 men living with obesity across Scotland, England and Northern Ireland took part in the research, and were randomly split into three groups.  One received daily supportive text messages plus the opportunity to earn £400 for meeting weight loss goals, the second received only text messages, and the third received no extra support or financial incentive.  The men were given targets of 5% weight loss at three months, 10% at six months and maintain 10% weight loss at 12 months - at which point the cash was paid to the group offered the monetary incentive.  The research found that, after one year, the men receiving both text messages and the opportunity to get cash lost the most weight.  Read more at: https://www.stir.ac.uk/news/2024/may-2024-news/cash-incentives-drive-weight-loss-in-men

Have you listened to the 'Focus on Fatherhood' podcast yet?  This is part of the HSE's Talking Health and Wellbeing series of recordings.  In this episode, Fergal Fox and guest Shane Lynch discuss the crucial role of fatherhood.  Shane shares insights from his work at Deansrath Family Centre.  Listen in at: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-fter6-163b57d