Family Mediation Northern Ireland (FMNI) is inviting applications for Stage 1 of the three step comprehensive training route to accreditation as a Family Mediator - recognised in the United Kingdom and Ireland.  This mediation focuses upon the needs of the children of separating couples, and offers an opportunity for parents to reach their own agreements during and after separation about their children, finances and living arrangements.  The first step to becoming an accredited Family Mediator is to successfully complete the Foundation Training Programme.  FMNI is approved by both The College of Mediators in the UK and The Mediators’ Institute of Ireland to deliver a programme comprised of generic mediation skills and a specialist element for working with separating couples.  The twelve day Stage 1 training programme begins in September 2015, and details can be found at: www.familymediationni.org.uk/training-careers/training

In May 2008, the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) published ‘Gender Equality Strategy: A Baseline Picture’, which provided data on a wide range of indicators on gender differences in Northern Ireland.  These indicators were selected to provide an overview of changes in the relative position of males and females across a range of policy areas, and to facilitate a review of the Gender Equality Strategy by providing a broad contextual picture and chart trends over time.  Update reports were produced in June 2011, July 2013 and August 2014.  This fifth report in the series was published in July 2015.  As with the previous reports, time series data are presented (where available) in order to give the reader a better insight into the long-term trends of the statistical indicators.  You can download a Portable Document Format (PDF) version of this report at: www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/gender-equality-stats-update-2015.pdf

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) is currently refining gender equality policy priorities and recommendations, and is seeking the views of stakeholders to help to shape and inform them.  The proposed priorities cover a number of areas including tackling gender stereotypes, education, employment, care, health, sport, gender law reform, and the necessary architecture for delivering equality.  In advance of a bigger, more general engagement event, they are holding a small Roundtable (Wednesday 2nd September 2015, in Equality House, Belfast, from Noon - 2.00pm) to set out their proposals and to hear men’s perspectives.  You are invited to attend.  For space / catering arrangements, it is important to book a place with Liz Law from ECNI (Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tel: 028 9050 0573) and to let her know if you require any reasonable adjustments or have any dietary requirements.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is, currently, conducting a consultation on their proposed model of support for anyone bereaved by suicide.  They are seeking feedback on this model.  All responses must be received by 4.00pm on Friday 14th August 2015.  Following the end of the consultation period, the PHA will consider all responses, and these will inform the development of the final model of support for those bereaved by suicide.  The consultation documents can be accessed at: www.publichealth.hscni.net/consultation-support-model-those-bereaved-suicide-0

The Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) is offering comprehensive one-day training on the basics of sexual and reproductive health.  This training is recommended for health professionals, educators, carers, youth, social and community workers, or anyone who wants to know more about sexual and reproductive health.  The course content includes: contraception; sexually transmitted infections; unplanned or crisis pregnancy; sexual health; healthy relationships; legislation and the age of consent.  The next training takes place on Thursday 17th September 2015.  To find out more, visit: www.ifpa.ie/Education-Training/Programmes/Sexual-Health

Frequent urination is one of several urinary problems that are common in men as they become older.  For some men, problems urinating could be a sign that they have a prostate problem - usually an enlarged prostate.  Enlargement of the prostate gland can be a factor, and is medically referred to as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).  Comedian Brendan Grace recently launched the ‘More Than Once a Night Man’ awareness campaign which is aimed at men aged over 50.  This initiative is supported by GSK, and encourages men to see their doctor if they visit the bathroom more than once during the night.  A BPH booklet and questionnaire has also been produced to help to inform men about this condition.  These materials can be accessed at: www.morethanonceanight.ie

You are invited to attend the launch of the first National Hepatitis C Awareness Week in Ireland.  This week will be launched by Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD – Minister of State for New Communities, Culture, Equality and Drugs Strategy.  The guest speaker will be Marianne Faithfull, and there will be a special performance by the High Hopes Choir.  The launch event will take place on Monday 27th July 2015, at 6.00pm, in the Smock Alley Theatre, 6/7 Exchange Street Lower, Dublin 8.  Space is limited, so email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible to book a place.

{jcomments off}The Dads Direct group in Northern Ireland (comprised of Contact Centres, Family Mediation NI, Home-Start NI, Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, Parenting NI, Relate NI and Sure Starts) will be launching their new briefing paper titled 'The Dad Factor - the positive impact of dads on their children’s lives' on Monday 21st September 2015, at 11.00am, in The Long Gallery, Stormont.  To register your interest in attending this launch, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.