Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone in the Men's Health Forum in Ireland!  However, we also know that the holidays can often be a stressful and worrying time for many people.  Therefore, please remember that if you or anyone you know needs help and support over the Christmas period, you can always contact ...

-  The Samaritans (all Ireland) - Freephone 116 123
-  Pieta House (RoI) - Freephone 1800 247 247
-  Lifeline (NI) - Freephone 0808 808 8000

or visit: https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health  |  https://www.mindingyourhead.info

The focus of ‘Dry January’ is to support and encourage people to abstain from drinking alcohol for that whole month.  ‘Feel Good February’ seeks to encourage maintenance of some of the good habits or alternatives started in January.  Find out more about how to get support and join in the activities planned at: https://drugsandalcoholni.info/campaigns/djfgf

'Mind Your Nuck' is a new website that has been developed by Pavee Point and the Eastern Region Traveller Health Unit to support the mental health needs of young Travellers.  Check it out at: https://youngpavees.ie

To mark International Men's Day 2022, Bodywhys produced a podcast focusing upon men’s and boys' experiences of eating disorders.  This broadcast featured Keith Russell (a man who has faced eating disorders), Dr Jason Nagata (a researcher and expert in this field) and Jenny Langley (a mother who supported her son to overcome his eating disorders).  Listen in at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6YQ7AG7g1YgszrZgkXzoJY

Have you ever read the YouthAction NI Impact Report on their 'Everyday Life: Young Men and Violence' initiative? ...  If not, have a look, and get inspired by hearing the voices of some of the young men who took part.  You can see it at: https://www.mhfi.org/EverydayLife.pdf

Improving knowledge of cancer signs and symptoms is important because people who can recognise signs / symptoms, and who seek early medical intervention, are generally more likely to have less advanced disease and better prospects for treatment.  In September 2022, the HSE National Cancer Control Programme published a report titled 'National Survey on Cancer Awareness and Attitudes'.  This research was conducted with a nationally representative sample of 2,874 adults aged 18 and over living in the Republic of Ireland.  The survey showed that the majority of adults are aware that tobacco smoking and unprotected sun exposure can cause cancer.  However, there are lower levels of awareness of the cancer risk associated with alcohol consumption, dietary factors, physical activity, body weight, breastfeeding, infection and medication.  Download a copy of the report at: https://tinyurl.com/bz8y74p2

The Irish Probable Suicide Deaths Study presents information on probable suicide deaths in Ireland, for a four year period, from 2015 to 2018.  The aims of the study were to: improve understanding of the characteristics of people who have died by probable suicide; identify risk factors for probable suicide; and inform the planning, implementation and evaluation of suicide prevention measures.  In Ireland, the current legal test for a Coroner’s verdict of suicide includes a requirement that the self-killing and intention are proved ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’.  However, this study also includes additional deaths that are ‘more likely than not’ to have been death by suicide - that is, on the ‘balance of probabilities’.  Thus, this study has captured, analysed and presented more deaths than are typically included in official suicide statistics in Ireland.  It also provides much more in-depth information on the characteristics of the people who have died.  As 76% of the probable suicide deaths were men, this report will be of interest to anyone who works in this field.  Find out more at: https://tinyurl.com/mrze2544

Belfast City Council's community centres are opening their doors this winter to support older people in the community.  Their 'Warm Spaces, Warm Welcomes' campaign will see community centres dedicate time each week for older people to drop into their local centre for company, chat and a hot cuppa.  Men are particularly welcome!  Find out more at: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/warmspaces