The 2021 Northern Ireland Life and Times (NILT) survey recorded the attitudes of people living across Northern Ireland to key social issues, including mental health, COVID, criminal justice system and good relations.  Results from all questions, as well as the questionnaire, dataset and technical reports are available from: https://www.ark.ac.uk/nilt

If you work outdoors, you are exposed to 2-3 times more UV radiation from the sun than people who work indoors - putting you at a higher risk of skin cancer.  If you spend all or part of the day regularly working outdoors you can reduce your risk of skin cancer and eye damage by protecting your skin and eyes from the sun.  Unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage.  While sunburn is the most damaging, long term exposure (like working outdoors most days - even without burning) - also significantly increases the risk of skin cancer.  Find out more at: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/cancer/prevention/skin-cancer-prevention-sunsmart.html

This journal article seeks to critically synthesise the literature that describes men's help-seeking and engagement with General Practice.  Thematic analysis revealed four themes related to structural barriers, internal barriers, men's understanding of the role of General Practice, and self-care / help-seeking.  The findings indicate that men: find General Practice unwelcoming and unaccommodating; can experience psychological barriers that impact engagement and help-seeking; and predominantly view General Practice as a source of acute health care - rather than a source of preventive health care and advice.  See the article at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jan.15240

Alcohol places a significant health burden on Ireland.  Understanding the extent of this burden is an important element in policy decisions around alcohol.  Data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study indicates that previous measures of alcohol related deaths and illnesses are underestimates, and that 5% of all deaths in Ireland in 2019 are attributable to alcohol.  Read more at: https://tinyurl.com/3eb6j3fa

This research was commissioned by Simon Community NI and undertaken by a team based at Ulster University.  The aim of the research was to examine the issue of ‘hidden’ homelessness in Northern Ireland - that is, people who are homeless but whose situation is not ‘visible’.  It looked at why individuals become vulnerable to hidden homelessness, the barriers and challenges they encounter in seeking help and support, and the most discernible impacts upon those affected by it.  Access the report and find out more about this research at: https://www.ark.ac.uk/ARK/projects/HH

How has the academic view of masculinity been described?  Is there a link between masculinity and health? ... Test your knowledge (and maybe learn something new) with this short 12 question quiz from The Centre for Male Psychology: https://tinyurl.com/3xecwtja

The Northern Ireland Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme is a regional programme offering screening to men registered with a GP in Northern Ireland when they turn 65 years old.  The aim of the programme is to reduce AAA-related deaths, by identifying them at an early stage using a simple, painless ultrasound scan.  The aorta is the main artery that supplies blood to your body. It runs from your heart down through your chest and abdomen (stomach).  As some people get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can weaken and balloon out to form an aneurysm, rather like a bulge in a worn car tyre.  This is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.  At the age of 65, about 1 in every 65 men will have an AAA.  The aneurysm usually causes no symptoms and most people are not aware they have it.  However, about a third of these will rupture (burst) if not treated, which can be fatal.  Any man aged over 65, who has not been screened before, can ask for a screening appointment by calling 028 9615 1212.  For further information, visit: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/aaa

MenPower is a twelve week training programme to help men to build their mental and physical fitness, engage with local services, set goals and develop a life plan.  It is run by Offaly Local Development Company.  The next programme will commence on Wednesday 1st June 2022, and the group will operate on Wednesdays (10.00am - 1.00pm) and Thursdays (10.00am - 2.00pm) in Millennium House, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.  For more details, contact Aoife Kelly on Tel: 087 7385989 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.