Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is an abnormal widening of the abdominal section of the aorta (the main blood vessel that leads away from the heart).  Over time, the pressure from blood flowing through the aorta can cause the AAA to expand.  If an AAA bursts, it can lead to massive internal bleeding, which is often fatal.  AAA often develops slowly and without symptoms, making it difficult to detect.  The most common risk factors for AAA include being male, increasing age, family history of AAA, smoking, and cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension.  A public consultation on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening for men in the Republic of Ireland was recently launched.  Your input to this is being sought at: https://www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/consultation/draft-health-technology-assessment-screening-abdominal-aortic

In ancient times, cultures around the world recognised the importance of guiding young men through the transition from boyhood to manhood.  These rites of passage provided challenges, wisdom and the support of elders - something deeply missing in today’s society.  'Thresholds' is a transformative experience designed to fill this gap.  Over three days, young men (aged 16-22) embark on an initiation journey, stepping into their strength, responsibility and authentic self.  Read more at: https://www.thresholds.ie

Globally, suicide is presented as a significant concern within agricultural communities, but there is little information on farmer suicide in the Republic of Ireland to guide the development of suicide prevention interventions.  To address this gap, this study used coronial data to determine whether males identified as ‘farmers’ or ‘agricultural workers’ (combined to form a single group named ‘farmers’) have higher suicide incidence rates than non-farmers.  It also examined the characteristics that differentiate suicide among male farmers from male non-farmer suicides, with the overall objective of examining whether coronial data can improve our understanding.  See: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1059924X.2025.2498339

Does the question of what it means to be a man feel complex and leave you searching? …  Many men long for the camaraderie and guidance of a supportive brotherhood as they navigate the path towards a more grounded masculinity, deeper maturity, and a richer connection to themselves and the unknown.  MALEs Ireland is hosting a five day soul-stirring experience in July 2025, which will tap into ancient traditions of male initiation through powerful rituals and insightful teachings.  Read about it at: https://www.malesireland.ie/rites-2

Living Well is a free group self-management programme for adults 18 years and older with long-term or chronic health conditions.  The programme supports participants to develop the skills and confidence that will help them to self-manage and live well with their condition.  Find out more at: www.mhfi.org/LivingWell.pdf

NIPSA is running a Men's Mental Health Survey.  The aim is to get a better understanding of the mental health issues facing their male members, the barriers they may encounter in accessing support and, ultimately, to get an insight into how NIPSA - as a Trade Union - can seek improvements in the resources available to support male members’ mental health, both in their workplace and in the wider community.  Find out more at: https://nipsa.org.uk/mmhs-a

Are you interested in free training to increase workers', volunteers' and frontline service providers' understanding of best practice in relation to engaging men in services? ...  If so, you might want to check out this free full day Engage workshop in Navan, Co. Meath on the 19th of June 2025: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/EngageTrainingConnectingwithMen

One in six of us will experience mental ill health.  At some point in our lives, we will know someone who is struggling.  That could be us personally or a partner, family member, friend or colleague.  Sooner or later, we will all know someone who is struggling.  Here is a series of self-help guides covering a wide range of topics (such as depression, anxiety and stress) which offer users the opportunity to find out more about the causes of mental health issues and provide some tools to work through feelings and emotions: https://selfhelp.cntw.nhs.uk/organisation/belfast-health-and-social-care-trust