It's 10 days to World Mental Health Day 2015 (#WMHDay) ...  The Men's Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) has partnered with Niamh, Age NI, NICEM, The Rainbow Project and Carers NI to launch a campaign which calls for everyone in our society to be treated with dignity and respect in order to protect and enhance their mental wellbeing. Each of the partners will focus upon a different issue each day, so keep an eye to their websites / Facebook pages / Twitter feeds!  Find out more at: http://bit.ly/1YQqDWE

A new briefing paper titled 'The Dad Factor - How Fathers Improve Child Outcomes' was launched on Monday 21st September 2015 in The Long Gallery, Stormont, Belfast.  This publication was produced by the Dads Direct group in Northern Ireland (comprised of Contact Centres, Family Mediation NI, Home-Start NI, Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, Parenting NI, Relate NI and Sure Starts), and was based upon research collated by Dr Helga Sneddon.  To access a PDF version of this document, visit: www.mhfi.org/TheDadFactor.pdf

Mental health problems are increasingly common.  Too much stress can: damage your immune system and heart; increase your chance of serious health problems; reduce your life-expectancy; damage your sex life ...  'Beat Stress, Feel Better' is a new booklet from the Men’s Health Forum in England and Wales which looks at the causes of stress, how it affects us, and what we can do about it.  It is full of simple, practical tips.  To view an online PDF version of this booklet, visit: http://issuu.com/menshealthforum/docs/beat_stress_v7_toprint_lr

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a consultation on the future of the Lifeline crisis intervention service.  This consultation will run until the 19th of November 2015.  Lifeline is Northern Ireland’s crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair.  The current Lifeline contract was due to end on the 31st of March 2015, but was extended until the 31st of December 2015 - with potential for a further extension to the 30th of September 2016.  The PHA is keen to engage with the public and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the future service specification is appropriately informed.  During this consultation period, the PHA will also host a series of workshops to ensure that all stakeholders have the opportunity to input fully.  For more information, see: www.publichealth.hscni.net/consultation-lifeline-crisis-response-service

AWARE would like to invite you to the first in a series of public talks that they will be hosting across Northern Ireland titled: ‘Let's Talk About It ...  A Conversation on Depression’.  As depression affects 1 in 4 of the population at some stage in their lives, it is vital for people with depression - and those close to them - to know how the illness might affect them and how to take steps to overcome it.  This first event will take place on Wednesday 23rd September 2015, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm (refreshments from 6.45pm), in The Marine Court Hotel, Bangor, Co. Down.  For more information, visit www.aware-ni.org or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A Hobbies and Health Fair for men will take place in Banbridge Enterprise Centre, Banbridge, Co. Down, on Thursday 24th September 2015, from 6.30pm - 9.00pm.  This evening will offer light refreshments, health information stands, signposting opportunities to activities for men, and free health checks on the Cancer Focus NI 'Man Van'.  A key objective of this event will be to assess the interest of local men in the development of a ‘Men's Shed’ for the Banbridge area.  For more details, contact Wendy on Tel: 02846 20243 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Volunteer Now is currently looking for men aged 50+ who would be willing to 'buddy' with and support isolated older men for a short period of time.  The key objective is to help these men to build their confidence so that they can join with and integrate into existing men’s groups and other activities - eventually feeling able to do so on their own.  The 'Buddies' need to be able to offer 1-4 hours per week.  Full training and support will be given, and they will be able to claim volunteer expenses for travel etc.  If you're up for the challenge, contact Frank Johnston at Tel: 02890 232020 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Marie Keating Foundation is hosting a free five week cancer survivorship workshop in Cork as part of its ‘Survive and Thrive’ series.  The workshop will include advice from experts on issues that cancer survivors often face including coping with emotions, managing stress and fatigue, and changing nutritional needs.  There will also be advice on physical activity and mindfulness.  The course is open to both men and women who have survived any type of cancer.  The programme will operate every Thursday between 17th September and 15th October 2015, from 6.30pm - 8.30pm, in the Kingsley Hotel, Victoria Cross, Cork.  To register, contact Angela Egan at Tel: 01 628 3726 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.