On Thursday 4th February 2016, Prof Steve Robertson (Leeds Beckett University) delivered a lecture in Waterford Institute of Technology on the topic of: ‘Men’s Health: Implications for Health Promotion and Public Health’.  Steve is the Professor of Men, Gender and Health / Co-Director of The Centre for Men's Health at Leeds Beckett University, Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Men's Health, and is a qualified nurse and health visitor.  A video of his talk can be viewed at: https://media.heanet.ie/page/4b906e5420e29b78722995ed62783f17

This all-island conference will explore innovative and practical ways of providing knowledge support for the implementation of two public health frameworks: 'Healthy Ireland: A Framework for Improved Health & Wellbeing 2013-2025' in the Republic of Ireland, and 'Making Life Better - A Whole System Strategic Framework for Public Health 2013-2023' in Northern Ireland.  The event is being co-hosted by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland and the Department of Health (Republic of Ireland).  It will take place on Wednesday 25th May 2016, in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin, from 10.00am - 4.00pm.  You are invited to find out more / register for this free event by visiting: www.knowledge4health.net

Fathers and their children are invited to a ‘Dads’ Big Day Out’ on Saturday 9th April 2016 in Gosford Forest Park, Markethill, Co. Armagh.  This event is part of the work of Dads Direct, has been funded by The Big Lottery, and is being coordinated by Sure Start projects in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area.  There’ll be lots of activities on offer, and it’s all free for dads and their kids.  For more information, contact Conor McArdle, Sure Start South Armagh, at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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