Offaly Local Development Company’s ‘MenPower’ is a free group training programme for adult men who may feel lost, confused, down or lacking direction or focus.  The programme also supports men experiencing employment related issues.  The programme takes place on two mornings per week in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, and in various locations within the county.  It combines a unique mix of mental health, adult guidance and physical activity, and also provides a social space that affords men the opportunity to explore: how to be and stay well; barriers to achieving their goals and desires; and how to plan for their future.  On Wednesdays, the focus of the sessions is mental fitness, while the Thursday sessions focus on taking positive action to move forward and develop a life plan.  The programme adheres to government guidelines regarding COVID-19 protocols.  Graduates of the 12 week programme can become a member of Tearmann na bhFear (Men’s Haven).  This group has its own committee and is supported by a staff member.  They meet on a regular basis and engage in a range of activities such as cookery classes, sports, mindfulness etc.  For more information, visit: www.offalyldc.ie  | email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  | call: 057 9322850 / 087 6028801.

For the month of September, Shine Cork’s exhibit 'Steps of Hope Cork' will be displayed on billboards across the city.  This is a collection of creative works by people who have experienced, or are on their journey to, mental health recovery.  The pieces of art and writing express messages and images of hope about something that many people think is not possible - living well with, and recovery from, severe mental health experiences.  Ireland has one of the highest rates of mental illness in Europe (ranked third out of 36 countries), with an estimated one in four people experiencing a mental health difficulty in their lifetime.  Corkonians, and visitors to the city, are encouraged to walk a 6km route (walking route map available) to view the exhibition.  For more details, visit: https://shine.ie/events/steps-of-hope

You are invited to a World Suicide Prevention Day webinar hosted by the National Suicide Research Foundation.  This will take place on Friday 10th September 2021, from 2.30pm - 4.00pm via Zoom.  Find out more and book a place at: https://tinyurl.com/ps267pbh

The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly illustrated the need for an urgent and comprehensive men’s health policy response.  This webinar (organised by Global Action on Men’s Health and the International Journal of Men’s Social and Community Health) will share information about progress on men’s health policymaking around the world, and how the case can be made for its further development.  It will take place on Monday 27th September 2021 at 9.00pm, and will last for 90 minutes.  To book a place, visit: https://tinyurl.com/455twayv

During Men’s Health Week 2021, the Samaritans launched a new handbook titled 'Engaging Men in Ireland Earlier: A Guide to Service Design'.  This is based on insights from a series of workshops that they ran with men, and provides five key principles for anyone designing, running or commissioning wellbeing groups for males.  Download a copy at: https://tinyurl.com/xb9p85tz

An Cosán - in partnership with organisations in Iceland, Spain and Greece - is working on an exciting Erasmus+ Project on Fatherhood.  This aims to empower young fathers in their parenting role - through online training, networking and support.  To inform the process, they are carrying out online interviews with a range of stakeholders - with the goal of gathering insights into what fathers want in relation to information and training.  To participate or find out more, visit: https://www.ancosan.ie/fatherhood-project

Over the last half-century, the women's health movement has been a powerful driver in health policy, linking gender norms to sex differences in health and wellbeing.  Even though gender norms also affect males, there has been little emphasis on gender in health policies for males - especially in relation to the mental health of boys and young men.  Gender norms around masculinity commonly confer power and status to boys and young men, which might - in part - explain why norms around masculinity are difficult to shift.  Paradoxically, these dominant masculinities carry risks for poor mental health.  Globally, the rate of male suicide is two to four times that of females, and males fare poorly on indices of substance misuse, risk taking-related injury, conduct problems, violence, aggression, and by extension incarceration ...  Read more of this article in 'The Lancet' at: https://tinyurl.com/2djj43mz

Due to the discrimination and stigma that older LGBTI+ people have faced in their lifetime, many experience considerable social isolation and loneliness as they age.  A new Telefriending Service offers a once-a-week telephone call by a friendly volunteer, who is trained and Garda vetted.  Telefriending provides friendship, security and support to alleviate loneliness, isolation and improve overall mental health and wellbeing.  It is also a great opportunity for members to talk regularly with other people who also identify as members of the LGBTI+ community.  Find out more at: https://lgbt.ie/telefriending