Could you help to highlight the reality of what it means to care for a family member or friend in 2016? ...  The ‘State of Caring Survey’ is run each year to find out what life is like for people who are in caring roles, and what needs to change to make life better for them.  In Northern Ireland, a number of changes to social security will come into force over the course of this year as a result of the Welfare Reform Act 2012.  Your evidence will help to assess the impact of this and how carers will be affected.  The Government is also looking at carers as part of its Review of Social Care, so it’s an important time to gather evidence on how local carers experience health and social care services.  To complete the survey, visit: http://carersuk-news.org/74C-435SJ-O8VSA-20KM0O-1/c.aspx

The Alcohol Health Alliance is a new initiative to support the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, a piece of legislation that has the potential to significantly reduce the harm caused by alcohol consumption in Ireland.  The Alcohol Health Alliance will work together to: highlight the rising levels of alcohol-related health harm; propose evidence-based solutions to reduce this harm; campaign for the implementation of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015; advocate for positive action to address the damage caused by alcohol misuse.  Established by Alcohol Action Ireland and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI), the Alcohol Health Alliance brings together a wide range of public health campaigners, NGOs, charities and medical representative organisations.  Its mission is to reduce the harm caused by alcohol.  To see current members, and for details of how to join the Alliance, visit: www.alcoholireland.ie/members-of-the-alcohol-health-alliance

Sometimes we over-complicate health promotion messages.  This free seminar (organised by the Southern Area Men’s Health Group) seeks to bring us ‘back to basics’, and to look at some of the obvious natural starting points for improving men’s health i.e. physical activity, eating well, looking after your head, having a laugh ...  It will take place on the morning of Friday 4th March 2016, in the Tommy Makem Arts and Community Centre, Keady, Co. Armagh.  Participants will: hear from Professor Niall Moyna, Head of School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University; get valuable insights into healthy eating and looking after your emotional wellbeing; have the opportunity to try Spin, Taekwondo and Chi Me; witness the power of laughter; be offered health checks; get a great lunch.  The Southern Area Men’s Health Steering Group is a partnership comprised of the Public Health Agency, YouthAction NI, the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Men’s Advisory Project, Cancer Focus NI, and the Closing the Gap Project within Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.  Put a spring in your step by contacting Leo Foy on Tel: 02837 414557 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information and a booking form.

Would you like to help to shape Men’s Health Week (MHW) this year?  If ‘yes’, then why not contribute to the second all-island Planning Group for MHW 2016?  Every year, the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) hosts a number of meetings (some face-to-face and some via video-conference between Dublin and Belfast) to discuss the week and develop ideas.  The second meeting of this body will take place on the morning of Thursday 25th February in Dundalk, Co. Louth.  If you would be interested in contributing to the planning process, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  As space is very limited, prior booking is essential.

The Irish Cancer Society recently launched their Lung Cancer Awareness Campaign.  As part of this, they have developed an online Lung Health Checker which helps the user to find out how healthy their lungs are and to learn more about the symptoms of lung cancer.  But why is this needed? ...  Well, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death; 64% of lung cancer patients were diagnosed at an advanced stage; with early detection, patients can have more effective treatment options.  To have a look at the checker, visit: www.cancer.ie/lung/checker

Dads Direct is a group which aims to promote the value of actively engaged fathers in their children’s lives.  It is comprised of representatives from Contact Centres, Family Mediation NI, Home-Start NI, Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, Parenting NI, Relate NI and Sure Starts.  Dads Direct is conducting a short online survey which seeks the views of policy makers, service providers, family work practitioners and dedicated father-workers.  The aim of this survey is to identify and collate information which can be used to inform and influence how fathers are supported in our society.  The findings will help to provide evidence of need, as well as address gaps in policy, practice, training and research.  The survey takes no longer than 10 minutes to complete, and the respondent will remain completely anonymous throughout.  To take part, visit: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/supportingdads

In January 2016, Minister for Health Leo Varadkar launched safefood’s ‘Weight-Mate’ App.  This App aims to help adults to lose weight in a healthy way through goal setting, planning to eat healthy, balanced meals, and regular exercise.  The App monitors exercise and nutrition goals, and motivates the user to accomplish these goals.  It features over 400 recipes developed by safefood’s nutritionists to cater for individual weight loss needs.  There is also a ‘Groups’ feature - for communities, workplace groups, families or friends to work together to achieve their goals.  ‘Weight-Mate’ is free to download for iPhone and Android.  For more details, visit: www.safefood.eu/Healthy-Eating/Weight-Loss/weight-mate.aspx

If you’re aged 50+ why not join Volunteer Now for a free bus trip with a difference, and spend a morning visiting a community allotment and a Men’s Shed in Belfast.  Each participant will also receive a goody bag, and the outing will end with a three course lunch.  There will be four trips: North Belfast (Tuesday 1st March), East Belfast (Tuesday 8th March), South Belfast (Tuesday 15th March) and West Belfast (Tuesday 22nd March).  Places are limited, and will be allocated on a first-come basis.  For more information / to book a place, contact Deirdre Murphy on Tel: 02890 232020.