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Do You Know Your Numbers for Men's Health Week?

During Men's Health Week, there are three different types of numbers that you might need to think about ...

1.  Statistics on the state of men's health that policy makers and service providers need to know if they are to pursue evidence-informed practice.
2.  Key numbers that men need to know, to take control over some elements of their own health.
3.  Critical contact numbers for help and support services that everyone needs to know at times of difficulty or crisis.

To get you started thinking about these important numbers, have a look at: www.mhfi.org/resources/key-facts.html 

However, there is also a 'Do You Know Your Numbers?' resource, and this 'z-card' is being made available this year in both electronic and hard copy.  See what it looks like by visiting: https://www.mhfi.org/MensHealthInNumbers.pdf 

There are two ways to obtain hard copies of this resource:

-  If you work in the Republic of Ireland, and require less than 500 copies, visit https://www.healthpromotion.ie  This will allow a maximum of 500 copies to be ordered by registered users and 100 for unregistered users.  Registration is free.

-  If you work in Northern Ireland, or require more than 500 copies, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and: (a) state how many copies you would like; (b) name who they should be sent to; (c) give the full postal address - including Postcode / Eircode; and (d) offer a contact phone number - in case there is an issue with delivery.

Free 'Action Man' Manuals for 2026

There’s no denying that the state of men’s health on the island of Ireland is often poor.  However, there are things which can be done to change this situation and men, themselves, can play a key role in doing this.  ‘Action Man - ten top tips for men’s health’ is a free Man Manual which has been revised and updated by the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland to mark Men’s Health Week 2026.

This booklet doesn't preach or lecture - it simply explains: (i) WHY an action is needed; (ii) WHAT can be done about it; and (iii) HOW to find support if you need it.  Thus, the ten top tips put you into the driving seat, and give you the tools and DIY instructions to make positive changes - if you choose to be your own ‘Action Man’.

During Men’s Health Week 2026, this booklet will be available in hard copy and in electronic format.  There are two ways to obtain free hard copies of this resource:

-  If you work in the Republic of Ireland, and require less than 200 copies, visit https://www.healthpromotion.ie and search for Men’s Health.  This will allow a maximum of 200 copies to be ordered by registered users and 50 for unregistered users.  Registration is free.

-  If you work in Northern Ireland, or require more than 200 copies, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and: (a) state how many copies you would like; (b) name who they should be sent to; (c) give the full postal address - including Postcode / Eircode; and (d) offer a contact phone number - in case there is an issue with delivery.

The online version of the Manual can be downloaded at: https://mhfi.org/ActionMan.pdf 

The publication of this booklet has only been possible because of the generous support given by the Health Service Executive Health and Wellbeing, Healthy Ireland within the Department of Health, the Public Health Agency and the authors - Finian Murray and Colin Fowler.

Men’s Health Week 2026 Postcards

Every year since 2014, there has been a Men's Health Week (MHW) postcard to publicise the week.  Traditionally, these cards can be displayed as small flyers in public spaces, and are often sent by organisations to the men that they have contact with.  This has proved to be a very successful means of letting local men know about the week.

Some groups also use them as 'pledge cards'.  For example, this year, men could be asked to think about what steps they are going to take to improve their health and to write this on the card.  Later on, they can keep this beside their desk, on their work bench, attached to their dashboard etc. to remind them of what they want to do and hope to achieve.  Simply posting a card to a man that you know will let them know that they are in your thoughts and that they are connected to the wider world. 

The postcards are available in both hard copy and as online electronic files.  To order hard copies of the postcard, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating:

-  How many copies you would like.
-  The name of the person to send them to.
-  The full postal address (including a Postcode / Eircode) for delivery.
-  A contact telephone number - in case there is a problem with delivery.

For an electronic download, see: http://www.mhfi.org/mhw/mhw-image-pack.html#Postcard2026 

The front of the postcard has a similar design to the MHW poster, and the back has a pre-written message. 

Men’s Health Week 2026 Posters

To promote Men's Health Week (MHW) 2026, a bespoke poster has been designed.  Posters are available in electronic format at both A3 and A4 size.  To order hard copies of the poster, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating:

-  How many copies you would like.
-  The name of the person to send them to.
-  The full postal address (including a Postcode / Eircode) for delivery.
-  A contact telephone number - in case there is a problem with delivery.

Copies of the online electronic resource can be downloaded from: http://www.mhfi.org/mhw/mhw-image-pack.html#Poster2026 

Even people who don't have time to do anything else for MHW 2026 are encouraged to put up a poster - in public view - to let everyone know when it is taking place.  Although this costs little to do, it will make a big difference to promoting the week!

What Can I Do To Mark Men's Health Week 2026

Everyone can do something to support and celebrate Men’s Health Week (MHW) each year.  The focus for MHW 2026 (i.e. ‘One Step at a Time’) lends itself to a wide range of ways to mark this occasion.  However, there is no need to stick rigidly to this particular theme.  Anything which promotes the week and encourages men and boys to lead healthier lifestyles, to be more aware of preventable health problems, and to seek early detection and treatment for health difficulties will be very welcome!

Some people might have the time, energy, resources and skill to plan something elaborate.  However, even if this is not possible, there are still many simple, free and easy ways to get involved / show support - such as putting-up the poster in public spaces, giving out copies of the postcard to men that you know, social media posting, directing men to the free ‘Action Man’ booklet, offering copies of the 'Do You Know Your Numbers?' Z-Card to men, using the MHW graphics ...

For practical ideas and inspiration, you are invited to check out a paper titled 'What Can I Do To Mark This Week?' at: www.mhfi.org/mhw2026celebrateit.pdf

The Countdown to Men's Health Week 2026 Begins

We’re now only weeks away from International Men's Health Week (MHW), which begins on Monday 15th June and runs until Sunday 21st June 2026 (Father’s Day).

As always, the overarching aims of MHW are to:

-  Heighten awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages.
-  Support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices and activities.
-  Encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties in males.

During the week, everyone is being asked to simply take ONE STEP AT A TIME and to work towards making progress rather than seeking perfection - to take small steps that can have big results for the health of men and boys.  However, you don’t have to stick rigidly to this particular theme.  Anything which promotes the week and improves male health will be very welcome!

The focus for MHW this year lends itself to a wide range of ways to mark this occasion.  Everyone (health professionals, service providers, youth groups, sporting bodies, community organisations, employers, Churches, policy makers, family workers, pharmacists, the media, parents, individuals ...) is being asked to set themselves a simple, realistic and practical target to improve the health of men, and to go for it.

To find out more about the week, visit: www.mhfi.org/mhw/mhw-2026.html

Carers’ Week 2026

Carers’ Week 2026 takes place across Ireland from 8th-14th June 2026.  This week aims to raise awareness, deliver events nationwide, and connect with those who may not yet recognise themselves as carers.  Many men don't consider themselves to be a carer and, instead, think they are simply helping to look after a partner, supporting a child, checking in on a neighbour, or managing day-to-day tasks for someone who needs it.  However, if you regularly provide unpaid support to someone with a long-term illness, disability or age-related need, then you are a carer.  In the Republic of Ireland, 611,828 people are carers, and 39% of these carers are men.  That's hundreds of thousands of men balancing work, family life, and caring responsibilities.  During Carers’ Week, there will be events, information sessions, and informal gatherings happening across the country - offering practical advice and a chance to talk to others in similar situations.  Find out more at: www.carersweek.ie

Free DIY Woodworking Workshop

If you have experienced the loss of someone to suicide, and are over 18 years old, you are invited to take part in a hands-on DIY Woodworking Workshop.  Led by master carpenter, Martin Glynn, this day is about learning practical skills, getting stuck into a project, and spending time with others who have shared experiences of suicide loss.  Expect a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere.  You'll leave with new skills, and a few new connections.  Spaces are limited, so early registration is recommended.  This will take place on Saturday 23rd May 2026, from 9.45am to 3.30pm (complimentary refreshments and lunch), in Tallaght Library, Dublin 24.  Register at: https://tinyurl.com/38sj5hdc or call: 01 513 4048.