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. 

You are invited to attend a free event to hear more about what CAIRDE is, how it was developed, and what is being offered to construction companies / sites.  This will take place on Wednesday 26th November 2025, from 3.00pm - 4.30pm, in Dublin.  It will be of particular interest to anyone in the construction sector, but also to anyone who has an interest in improving mental health and preventing suicide in other workplace settings.  Places are extremely limited and booking is essential.  Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register for a place.

New survey results, released by parkrun Ireland on World Mental Health Day 2025, revealed the profound impact that regular participation at parkrun can have on mental health and overall wellbeing.  According to the parkrun Ireland Health and Wellbeing Survey 2025, conducted in collaboration with the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University, an overwhelming majority of participants reported positive effects on their mental wellbeing, including improvements in mood, stress levels and social connection: 92% reported an improved sense of personal achievement; 87% reported increased happiness; 85% reported improved mental wellbeing; and 71% reported improved confidence.  Find out more at: https://tinyurl.com/2azfjjhw

To mark International Men’s Day 2025, Belfast Men’s Health Group is hosting a free event in Belfast City Centre on Wednesday 19th November 2025.  This will include information stands, music, refreshments, health checks, demonstrations of crafts, taster activities, a bit of craic…  For more information, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

International Men's Day (IMD) is held on the 19th of November each year - though many places also hold events and activities to mark it both in the days before and after this date.  It is a global celebration of the important contribution that men and boys make to their families, communities, society and the world, and seeks to highlight key issues such as health and wellbeing, positive role models, tackling inequalities and improving gender relations.  For a quick overview, watch this short video clip: https://youtu.be/0xyTHUSVVVQ or visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Men%27s_Day   If you want to do something simple, and free to mark IMD 2025, why not order some ‘Action Man’ manuals to give to your family, friends, colleagues, employees …

Sport Northern Ireland has produced an online e-learning course offering an interactive introduction to mental health and wellbeing, and providing participants with a foundation on which to develop knowledge, understanding and awareness of mental health within sport.  The course can be completed at the individual’s own pace, and will provide certification and a badge upon completion.  This programme is aimed at people aged 18+.  Find out more at: https://www.sportlearningni.com/product?catalog=1715792606TQrQq

The Men’s Minds Matter project (within Parenting Focus NI) was born from a recognition that men in our communities often face barriers to accessing mental health and wellbeing support.  Through co-design with local men, Parenting Focus helped create safe and meaningful spaces where men could connect, share experiences and shape the services they need.  Over the past three years, the project established men’s cafés, activity groups, public ‘Empathy Tent’ events, and collaborative partnerships with community and statutory services - all rooted in amplifying men’s voices and reducing isolation.  This work has demonstrated the importance of father/male-focused wellbeing initiatives in strengthening families and communities.   Although Parenting Focus has now closed, their father work legacy will continue to inform, shape and inspire practice and community supports in the years ahead.  Download a copy of the final report at: www.mhfi.org/MensMindsMatter.pdf

While drinking among Irish young people declined from the mid-2000s to the mid-2010s, since 2015, that downward trend has reversed - with consumption by 15-24 year olds increasing from 66% in 2018 to 75% in 2024.  What is also clear is that when drinking is initiated, it is accompanied by high levels of particularly risky and hazardous consumption - 64% regularly binge drink, and one in three young drinkers has an Alcohol Use Disorder.  This report by Alcohol Action Ireland outlines the current situation.  See: https://alcoholireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Youth-Drinking-in-Ireland-FINAL.pdf

With rising life expectancy, and a rapidly ageing population, loneliness and isolation among older adults is set to increase.  Today, one in five people in the EU is over 65, and older men make up over 41 million of Europe’s population.  But what does this mean for wellbeing and social inclusion? …  This new report, authored by TASC and commissioned by Friends of the Elderly Ireland, explores these questions across Ireland, Poland and Romania.  Published to mark the 20th anniversary of the EU’s Eastern Enlargement, it provides fresh insights into the causes of loneliness, its impact, and solutions that can make a difference.  Download a copy at: https://www.tasc.ie/assets/files/pdf/tasc_friends_of_the_elderly_ireland_october_2025.pdf