{jcomments off}A new report reveals that the number of boys and young men being sexually exploited is much higher than previously thought.  NatCen, working in partnership with Barnardos and University College London, published the findings from their research in August 2014.  These also reveal a lack of public and professional awareness about this type of abuse.  This research explored the ways in which boys and young men are being sexually exploited, whether boys’ experiences and support needs are different to girls’, and what services are currently available for boys and young men.  More information is available at: www.natcen.ac.uk/our-research/research/understanding-the-sexual-exploitation-of-boys-and-young-men-in-the-uk/

{jcomments off}To coincide with World Mental Health Day (10th October 2014), the 4th National Research Conference on Youth Mental Health will take place in Cork.  This dynamic and multi-disciplinary one day event (co-hosted by the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Special Interest Group in Youth Mental Health, the Inspire Ireland Foundation, and the National Suicide Research Foundation) will: bring together researchers, clinicians, policy-makers and others who care for and work with adolescents and young adults; showcase the latest research and innovation in the area of youth mental health; address the multiple transitions (mental health, developmental, social, psychological and service transitions) faced by young people; draw together a multi-disciplinary audience across specialties and services; highlight the role young people can and do play in promoting good policy and practice in mental health.  Participation from students, clinicians, community organisations and researchers is greatly encouraged.  Further details are available from Fenella Murphy, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}The Rainbow Project is Northern Ireland’s largest LGB and T sector organisation, and has been commissioned to deliver a number of training events funded through the Public Health Agency and Protect Life.  Places on these courses are free to participants.  There are two types of training on offer: (1) Sexual Orientation Awareness Raising [one day] and (2) Introduction to Gay Affirmative Therapy [two days].  The topics covered in the training will include: understanding same-sex attraction and use of appropriate terminology; understanding gender identity and expression and use of appropriate terminology; key health inequalities experienced by people who are same-sex attracted; forms of homophobia, heterosexism and internalised homophobia; barriers to accessing mainstream statutory service provision; legislative and social policy context; common issues when counselling LGB and T clients; tips for improvement of practice.  For more details, visit: www.rainbow-project.org/training

{jcomments off}You are invited to a Northern Ireland Fertility Information Day which will be held on Saturday 27th September 2014, from 9.30am - 4.30pm, in Riddel Hall, Stranmillis Road, Belfast.  Zita West (Midwife and fertility expert) will speak about ‘Body, Mind and Lifestyle Management’, while other themes to be explored on the day will include: NHS treatment and funding; clinical treatment options; fertility counselling; camera technology; male fertility; donor treatment options; and local adoption.  The cost is £10 for patients / individuals and £20 for professionals (includes tea / coffee and lunch).  To book a place visit www.infertilitynetworkuk.com   For further information, contact Sharon Davidson on Tel: 02890 825677 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}An independent review of the impact of Ireland’s National Men’s Health Policy 2008-2013 has been commissioned by the Department of Health / Health Services Executive.  This review will also inform the future direction of men’s health policy in the context of the 'Healthy Ireland' policy.  An online survey forms an important part of the review, and anyone with knowledge of men’s health issues in Ireland is encouraged to complete it.  The survey can be accessed at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/Ireland-Mens-Health-Policy-Review  To enable the greatest amount of participation, the deadline for submissions has been extended to Friday 17th October 2014.  Individual responses will not be published - only aggregated data will be made available.  The Men’s Health Policy Review is of huge importance to the men’s health sector in Ireland, and it is essential that it gets the support it needs.  Please help by responding to the survey.  More information about the review can be found at www.pbmenshealth.co.uk/review-of-irelands-national-mens-health-policy-2/#more-371 where there is also a facility for requesting more information and submitting additional views and comments.

{jcomments off}This September, Ireland’s Heart Month will focus on alcohol and the link to heart disease and stroke.  The aim is to encourage people to ‘say when’ sooner.  There are many messages about whether alcohol is good or bad for the heart.  There are also many unanswered questions such as: ‘How much is too much?’  ‘What is the recommended maximum weekly level that should be consumed?’  ‘What is a standard drink?’ ...  Materials, including posters and a free colour magazine exploring issues related to alcohol and heart health, are available to order from the Irish Heart Foundation.  For more details, visit: www.irishheart.ie/iopen24/irish-heart-month-september-2014-t-8_201_1422.html

{jcomments off}‘Danderball’ (walking football) is one of the new sporting crazes to hit Ireland.  It is a social / fitness / sporting initiative for men aged 50 years and over.  The programme is designed to complement other physical activities for people aged 50 years plus, and is particularly attractive to men who can no longer play regular football.  Danderball is a 5-a-side non-contact version of football.  Anyone who sprints, runs or jogs while the ball is in play will be penalised - with a free kick awarded to the other team.  To find out more about it and how it’s played, have a look at: www.mhfi.org/danderball.pdf

{jcomments off}Turn2Me is an online mental health organisation providing a range of services to adults affected by mental health / well-being difficulties of various sorts.  These services include support forums, support groups, information, a mood-tracking tool called ‘Thought Catcher’, and counselling (provided by fully qualified staff).  Turn2Me delivers the free online counselling through an eight week ‘Engage Programme’.  This uses online chat software.  To participate, visit www.turn2me.org/engage and apply.  Whilst ‘Engage’ is open to any adult in Ireland, there is a particular focus upon providing this service to men.  Some men may be less inclined to access emotional support.  Doing so online may feel more comfortable, and is also easier to access from home.  Turn2Me is supported by the National Office for Suicide Prevention.