{jcomments off}Closing the Gap, in conjunction with the Muslim Association of Craigavon, is running a new eight week Muslim Male Health and Wellbeing Programme which will commence on Tuesday 13th January 2015, at 7.00pm, in the Legahory Centre, Craigavon, Co. Armagh.  The aim of this programme is to promote and encourage physical activity amongst males currently not considered active, to develop interaction between men, and to help sustain new local networks which encourage positive mental health by increasing engagement and interaction.  The programme will provide weekly health information for men, and will address their health issues (particularly physical activity, heart disease, cancer, healthy eating, mental health, physical activity, drugs, alcohol and smoking).  Participants will benefit from a health check at the beginning and at the end of the programme - to help to monitor any changes over time.  On completion of the programme, participants will receive a time-bounded gym membership to help sustain their health and wellbeing changes.  Expressions of interest must be sent before Noon on Friday 2nd January 2015 to Shameem Qureshi, Muslim Association of Craigavon, 131 Bleary Road, Portadown BT63 5NG  |  Tel: 07889 392570.

{jcomments off}Connect, the Freephone National Counselling and Support Service for adults who experienced abuse in childhood, will, once again, extend its service to open every evening from Wednesday 17th December 2014 to Sunday 4th January 2015, from 6.00pm - 10.00pm.  Each year, Connect has noticed an increase in men availing of this service - very often to speak confidentially and anonymously with a professionally trained psychotherapist about experiences of childhood neglect and trauma.  The Christmas period can be quite an isolating and stressful time, and we encourage anyone to avail of the service which is Freephone 1800 477 477 to callers from the Republic of Ireland, and 00800 477 477 77 to callers from Northern Ireland / the UK.

{jcomments off}On Monday 8th December 2014, Safefood will be publishing a report on Men’s Food Behaviour.  This will explore key food-related public health issues, including both food safety and nutrition, and will examine relevant socio-cultural influences, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.  The report shows that, in Ireland, men are generally less engaged with food - both in terms of food hygiene and healthy eating - and this is having a detrimental effect on their health.  Qualitative research with men revealed a number of influences on men’s food behaviour, such as overcoming traditional gender stereotypes, perception of ability, life stage, and influence of the media.  It concludes that we have a responsibility to tackle this challenge, particularly by raising awareness of weight as a major men’s health issue, but also by teaching boys basic food skills such as shopping and cooking, and by creating positive role models for men’s day-to-day involvement in safe and healthy food.  For a copy of the report (on or after 8th December 2014) visit: www.safefood.eu/Publications/Research-reports/Consumer-Focused-Review-Of-Men’s-Food-Behaviour.aspx

{jcomments off}Closing the Gap is organising an eight week Men’s Health and Wellbeing Programme which will target men from across the most deprived areas within the Banbridge District Council area.  This will commence on Tuesday 13th January 2015, at 7.00pm, in Banbridge Leisure Centre, Banbridge, Co. Down.  This programme aims to: encourage physical activity amongst males currently not considered active; develop interaction between men; increase awareness and knowledge of health and wellbeing choices.  The programme will offer weekly physical activity sessions and support.  Eligible participants will benefit from a health check at the beginning and end of the programme, and will also receive a time-bounded gym membership to help to sustain these changes after the programme has ended.  Interested individuals must complete and return an expression of interest form, which can be obtained from Emma McCabe by emailing: emma.mccabe@banbridge.gov.uk or phoning: 028 4062 8800.  Completed forms must be returned before Noon on Friday 2nd January 2015.

{jcomments off}To mark the launch of their new website, 'Men's Health West' will be offering free health checks (BMI, blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure) to men in the ASDA supermarket in Enniskillen (Noon - 3.00pm, Friday 21st November 2014) and Foyleside Shopping Centre in Derry / Londonderry (1.00pm - 4.00pm, Sunday 23rd November 2014).  Men of all ages are welcome to turn up on the day - no appointment is necessary!

{jcomments off}The Department of Finance and Personnel has commenced a public consultation on the law relating to parental responsibility for unmarried fathers and contact with their children post-separation.  To access the consultation paper, please download the Portable Document Format (PDF) file at: www.dfpni.gov.uk/consultation-paper-parental-responsibility-and-contact-with-children-post-separation.pdf  The consultation will end on Monday 19th January 2015.

{jcomments off}Improving Children’s Lives, in association with Parenting NI, Family Mediation NI and the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, is hosting a seminar on 'The Importance of Fathers in Children's Lives: Outcomes, Evidence and Rights into Practice'.  This will take place on Thursday 12th February 2015, from 9.00am - 2.00pm, in the Canada Room, Queen's University Belfast.  Visit www.mhfi.org/QUB2015.pdf for more details.  This is a free, open event, but registration is essential - as places are limited.  To register for a place, please contact David Piekaar, Improving Children’s Lives Administrator, at Email: d.piekaar@qub.ac.uk

{jcomments off}Did you know that it will be International Men’s Day on Wednesday 19th November 2014?...  The theme for 2014 is ‘Working Together for Men and Boys’.  There are six aims for this day: promote positive male role models; celebrate men’s contributions; focus on men’s health and well-being; highlight discrimination against males; improve gender relations and gender equality; create a safer, better world.  To find out more, visit: www.internationalmensday.com