{jcomments off}The second Institute of Public Health (IPH) Open Conference will be held on Tuesday 8th October 2013 in Croke Park, Dublin.  This all-island free ‘Open Conference’ is unique.  The programme is suggested and developed by the participants, and gives everyone an opportunity to offer to present on a topic of their choice.  IPH is now accepting proposals for presentations.  The deadline for submission is Friday 16th August 2013.  Following this date, all registered participants will vote for the presentations they would like to hear at the Conference.  After voting, the presentations will be ranked according to popularity, and those ranked highest will form the programme for the Conference.  The programme will give an opportunity for 24 papers to be delivered, and attendees can choose which papers to attend.  This will enable participants to develop a conference programme to suit their needs.  For more detail, visit: www.iphopenconference.com

{jcomments off}Are you male?  Do you live in the Keady area of Co. Armagh? ...  If so, you may be interested in a new, free, 12 week Men’s Health and Lifestyle Programme.  Participants will benefit from: regular health, lifestyle and physical activity sessions; dedicated staff to support them with their goals; free access to facilities at Keady Recreation Centre; and health checks.  The programme will begin on Tuesday 24th September 2013, but applications must be received before Noon on Monday 9th September.  See www.mhfi.org/keady12weeks.pdf for more information and details on how to apply.

{jcomments off}The Community Development and Health Network (CDHN) invites you to a networking event with the Stormont Outreach Team and members of the Northern Ireland Executive.  This will take place in the All-Saints Parish Centre, Ballymena, Co. Antrim on Thursday 3rd October 2013.  This event will: provide an opportunity to engage with MLAs; help to increase knowledge of Northern Ireland Assembly structures; develop skills and confidence in engaging with elected representatives on issues relating to health inequalities.  To register, contact Caroline McNulty at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or Tel: 02830 264606.

{jcomments off}As part of its work with the Man Matters Project, Parenting NI will be facilitating three seminars for practitioners working with fathers in Northern Ireland.  To ensure that the seminars address the issues of most relevance, you are invited to complete an online survey about your experience in this field.  It will only take a few minutes to submit your answers at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/NQ88GFP   The responses received will help to shape the focus and content of the seminars.  For further information, contact Pauline Martin on Tel: 028 9031 0891 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}During June 2013, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) launched 'A Report on the Excess Burden of Cancer among Men in the Republic of Ireland' to mark Men’s Health Week 2013.  This report shows that men are at greater risk of getting cancer and dying from it than women.  ICS commissioned the Centre for Men’s Health in the Institute of Technology Carlow and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland to produce this landmark document.  It is the first of its kind to look at cancer incidence and mortality from a gender perspective in Ireland.  The full report and an executive summary can be downloaded from: www.cancer.ie/content/irish-men-more-risk-getting-and-dying-cancer-women

{jcomments off}Evidence-informed action to tackle health inequalities and the social determinants of health requires active participation by the community and voluntary sector in research and evaluation, and engagement with public funders.  This workshop (co-hosted by the Institute of Public Health, Community Development and Health Network and Community Evaluation Northern Ireland) will provide an opportunity to discuss the role of the community and voluntary sector, and begin to plan for the support it needs to participate in research and evaluation in Northern Ireland.  It will be of particular interest to anyone with a focus on tackling health inequalities.  The workshop will take place on Thursday 5th September 2013 in Farset International, Springfield Road, Belfast BT12 7DW.  To find out more, contact Leah Friend by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}Pathways to Health Level 2 Training (coordinated by the Community Development and Health Network) is designed for people who engage with communities to address a range of social issues.  It focuses upon the importance of participation and empowerment when working with individuals and communities to identify and tackle the root causes of inequalities.  The next course will be held in Ballymena, Co. Antrim, and will take place during September and October 2013.  Applications are now being invited.  Visit www.cdhn.org/pages/index.asp?title=Pathways_to_Health_Level_2_Training_Dates for details of the content, training dates, and how to register your interest.

{jcomments off}The Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland is inviting submissions to a public consultation on a range of proposed measures designed to give parents greater flexibility over their shared childcare arrangements.  The proposals consist of a system of shared parental leave and pay that will enable mothers and adopters to retain a closer connection to the workplace, while affording those who share parental responsibility the opportunity to take a more active role with their new baby or adopted child during the crucial first year following the birth or adoption.  This consultation will close on Friday 23rd August 2013.  See www.delni.gov.uk/index/consultation-zone/working-parents-rights.htm for full details.