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

USI and Ulster University are conducting a survey into gambling, drugs and mental health among students on the Island of Ireland.  They are hoping to better understand these three factors, and how they might relate to one another.  Any student who is, currently, registered in a higher education institute on the island of Ireland is eligible to participate at: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/ulster/usi-drugs-gambling-mental-health-survey

The HSE Health and Wellbeing Annual Report for 2024 in now available.  This provides detail on key work, ongoing initiatives, and a range of resources and publications developed last year.  Download a copy at: https://publuu.com/flip-book/647102/2122537

At an event in Queen's University Belfast on 8th September 2025, ARK launched new research commissioned by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland.  This study explored how children and young people in Northern Ireland navigate the online world - how they use the internet and social media, the risks they encounter, and how confident they feel in reporting online harms.  The study draws on data from ARK's Kids’ Life and Times (KLT) and Young Life and Times (YLT) surveys.  It provides a valuable evidence base to inform the delivery of Northern Ireland’s Online Safety Strategy and Action Plan.  The report is available at: https://www.ark.ac.uk/ARK/sites/default/files/2025-09/SSSMreport.pdf

In September, the Department of Health in Northern Ireland published their Health Inequalities Annual Report 2025.  This publication presents a comprehensive analysis of health inequality gaps between the most and least deprived areas of Northern Ireland, and sub-regional gaps within Health and Social Care Trust and Local Government District areas across a range of health indicators.  Read more at: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/health-inequalities-annual-report-2025

How can we turn the tide on commercial factors that influence our health and well-being? ...  The 2025 Joint North~South Public Health Conference, held on Thursday 18th September, sought to address this important question by focusing upon how we can address the commercial and political determinants of health and the rise in misinformation and disinformation in the public health arena.  To view recordings and slides from the event, visit: https://tinyurl.com/3utptanr