On Wednesday 17th June 2026, the Irish Men's Sheds Association is inviting Sheds across the island of Ireland to organise a Slí to celebrate Men's Health Week 2026 (15th-21st June).  The overall theme for Men's Health Week this year is 'One Step at a Time' - so that's exactly what they are encouraging their Shedders to do!  The Slí is an organised walk for Shedders, potential Shedders and supporters of the Men's Sheds.  You can organise a Slí for your own shed or join with other sheds in your area.  The Slí you organise can be any size - whatever suits you and your members.  You decide where and how your Slí will run.  Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to express your interest.

HUGG, Ireland's national suicide bereavement organisation, is supporting two research studies: (i) factors influencing the uptake of support by UK and Ireland adult men bereaved by suicide [John Whitebrook, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide]; and (ii) men's experiences of coping after suicide loss [Ben Hogan, University College Cork].  Both are important and, together, they will help to build a clearer picture of what men need and where services need to improve.  If you've been bereaved by suicide, your input can make a real difference.  To participate in the Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide study, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   To participate in the UCC Coping after Suicide Loss study, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Compared to other occupational groups, construction workers are considered particularly vulnerable to mental ill-health and suicide.  While there is often a focus on health and safety in the construction industry, research has found that these workers are six times more likely to die by suicide than from a workplace accident.  Indeed, in high income countries - such as the USA and Australia - suicide rates among male construction industry workers are twice that of men working in other industries.  CAIRDE (Construction Alliance to Reduce Suicide) is an evidence-based Irish initiative which seeks to reduce suicide stigma, enhance knowledge around suicide, and encourage help-seeking and help-offering in the construction industry.  Two free workshops are, currently, being offered to construction companies in the Republic of Ireland - General Awareness Training (for all staff) and 'Connector' training (for those with a health or safety or managerial remit).  Find out how to get involved at: https://mhfi.org/CAIRDEworkshops.pdf

It is with great sadness that the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) would like to offer our condolences to the family of our founder, Dr Ian Banks, who passed away on Friday 13th February 2026.

Since the 1990s, Ian has been the leading light of men’s health issues and needs across the island of Ireland, Great Britain, other parts of Europe and, occasionally, further afield!  He has also been an inspiration to - and good friend of - everyone in MHFI.  He will be sorely missed by us all.

 May he rest in peace | Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

While overall health outcomes have improved in recent decades, men continue to experience lower life expectancy and higher mortality rates from the leading causes of death.  The Engage National Men’s Health Training Programme was developed to support service providers to work more effectively with men, by providing practical strategies to improve engagement, understanding and health outcomes.  Engage is a free, one-day, interactive workshop which focuses on evidence-based approaches.  During the workshop, participants: develop a clearer understanding of why men’s health matters; explore how gender influences men’s attitudes, behaviours and engagement; reflect on their own experiences, expectations and skills when working with men; learn what 'male-friendly' services look like; discover relevant tools and resources; explore how to create safe spaces where men feel comfortable seeking support.  Find out more at: https://youtu.be/rPDJkaiANBs 

Barbers are more than stylists - they’re trusted listeners.  ‘Talking Heads’ is an initiative which seeks to embed ‘Let’s Talk About Suicide’ across Fingal communities.  It’s designed to encourage young men to talk more openly about their mental health, and equips local barbers with the skills to make a difference.  Through training, barbers learn to recognise signs of distress, start supportive conversations, listen well, and connect their customers with the help they need.  These everyday interactions can be life-changing.  Watch the Talking Heads video and see how barbers are stepping-up to support mental health and prevent suicide in Fingal and North Dublin: https://youtu.be/IN9AEsocqWQ

New figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal how many healthy years of life men and women in every Northern Irish council area can expect: https://tinyurl.com/2vkb9y5a

Research Ireland has announced 63 ‘New Foundations’ awards supporting community-engaged projects across the country, including three significant initiatives led by TU Dublin.  One of these, ‘Men Engage’, is a major collaboration with the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland and other partners, focusing on improving men’s understanding of prostate cancer and exploring their experiences - from testing through to survivorship.  Working closely with Irish Men’s Sheds, the project will co‑create an accessible resource to demystify prostate cancer and gather men’s real‑world perspectives to inform future awareness work.  Findings will be shared during Men’s Health Week - strengthening national efforts to support early detection and men’s wellbeing.  See: www.tudublin.ie/research-innovation/news/tu-dublin-researchers-secure-new-foundations-awards-for-community-engaged-projects.html