{jcomments off}Parenting NI is, once again, running a Summer programme for practitioners.  This will include workshops on Engaging Dads (10th July in Derry / Londonderry and 7th August in Belfast) and Supporting Separated Fathers (29th July in Belfast and 12th August in Derry / Londonderry).  For further information, contact Louise on Tel: 02890 310891 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}In Ireland, the burden of alcohol related harm is often experienced by those around the drinker - be they family member, friend, co-worker or innocent ‘bystander’.  Alcohol’s harm to others (AH2O) undermines public safety, and is experienced in every community.  The negative effects from other people’s drinking are visible in the public domain, and can range from the nuisance factor, feeling unsafe in public places, to violent attack by an intoxicated drinker.  Physical assaults and driving a car while under the influence of alcohol can contribute to injuries, accidents, disabilities and the death of innocent people.  Although not often publicly visible, alcohol’s harm to others within the family can have very serious consequences for the safety and well-being of family members - with children being the most vulnerable.  This report from the Health Service Executive (HSE) examines alcohol’s harm to others in three Irish settings - the general population, the workplace and children in families.  The information is based on self-reported responses in the national drinking surveys of 2006 and 2010, and you can download the report as a PDF file at: www.hse.ie/eng/services/Publications/topics/alcohol/ah2oreport.pdf

{jcomments off}Research funded by the Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland (CARDI) has found that regular exercise reduces depression in older people - whether patients report pain or not.  The all-Ireland study led by Dr Frank Doyle, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, examined the links between physical activity, pain, and depressive symptoms across three datasets.  The study found that pain is associated with increased depression and physical activity is associated with lower depression levels.  It also found that having pain does not stop people benefitting from physical activity.  Overall, the findings suggest that health professionals can consider and promote physical activity for the treatment of depressive symptoms and mental well-being, irrespective of pain levels.  For a copy of the full report, see: www.cardi.ie/news/exercisereducesdepressioninolderpeople

{jcomments off}The Central Statistics Office (CSO) in the Republic of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) have just released a new publication which presents, for the first time, results from both censuses.  This explores the similarities and differences in the two populations, as well as looking at how these populations have changed over time.  This large document (which is 5.5MB in size) is available online for free downloading at: www.cso.ie/en/media/csoie/releasespublications/documents/population/2011/Cen2011IrelandNorthernIreland.pdf

{jcomments off}Fewer men join weight loss programmes, but they are more likely than women to stick with them, according to analysis of international obesity studies.  Men also prefer the use of simple ‘business-like’ language, welcome humour used sensitively, and benefit from the moral support of other men in strategies to tackle obesity.  These are some of the findings in a new report which suggests that, if weight loss programmes were specifically designed for men, these might be more effective at helping them to lose weight.  Researchers from the Universities of Aberdeen, Bournemouth and Stirling analysed evidence from around the world - gathered from weight loss trials and studies that have also taken on-board men’s views. The team particularly investigated what would make services more appealing to men.  View the launch press release at: www.mhfi.org/obesitystudy.pdf and the full report on the study at: www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/volume-18/issue-35  The Men's Health Forum in Ireland was delighted to play a supporting role in this research.

{jcomments off}In recent years, a National Men’s Health Training programme (called ‘Engage’) has been rolled-out in the Republic of Ireland.  Engage was developed in response to the growing demand from service providers for support to improve their engagement and work with men.  The content is based upon evidence from academic and evaluation literature, the authors’ practice experience, and an extensive 24 month pilot phase.  During September and October 2014, a further Training for Trainers programme will be delivered in the Republic of Ireland.  Participants will be selected on the basis that they represent the broadest possible range of men’s work experience, geographic locations, workplace settings and interest groups throughout the Republic.  On completion of the course, they will each be required to deliver sessions to front line practitioners.  Applications are now being accepted for this programme.  A full overview of the programme is available at: www.mhfi.org/engagetraining2014RoI.pdf while application forms can be accessed at: www.mhfi.org/engageapplication2014RoI.doc   Please note that the deadline for submission of applications is 5.00pm on Friday 6th June 2014.

{jcomments off}During May 2014, See Change will be coordinating a month long Green Ribbon Campaign to get people in Ireland talking openly about mental health problems.  More than 300,000 green ribbons will be distributed nationwide (free of charge) to spark a national conversation about mental health in boardrooms, break-rooms, chat rooms, clubhouses, arts venues, college campuses and around kitchen tables throughout Ireland.  The aim is to make the month of May synonymous with promoting open conversation about mental health, and challenging the stigma which is often attached to mental health problems.  For more information, visit: www.greenribbon.ie

{jcomments off}Cancer Focus Northern Ireland invites you to attend the 2014 ManAlive Conference.  This event will examine communication strategies in health and wellbeing, with a focus on effective messaging and empowering men to improve their health, make healthier choices, and access support where it is needed.  It will also look at how men receive and interpret information.  It will be held on Wednesday 4th June 2014, from 9.00am to 1.30pm, in the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim.  The event is free and places are limited.  To register your attendance, or for further information, contact Eilish Martin by Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tel: 02890 680743.