The Heath, Wellbeing and Inclusion Research Group within the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen's University Belfast (QUB) is hosting an event titled: ‘Suicide Prevention: We all have a part to play’.  This will take place on Monday 16th September 2019, from 10.30am - 12.30pm, in Room OG074, the Lanyon Building, QUB.  The speaker will be Dr Jerry Reed, who is an internationally recognised figure in the field of suicide prevention, and who has helped to inform and drive public policy changes in the USA.  This is a free, open access event, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Eating Disorders are not unique to one gender, nor are they solely a 'female issue'.  In 2017, The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, Bodywhys, recorded a 128% increase in men attending face-to-face support groups.  The organisation report that this is not surprising as extreme dieting and purging has increased amongst men in recent years.  For anyone struggling with an eating disorder, Bodywhys have a broad range of support and information available including a helpline, face-to-face support groups, online groups, email support, and access to key information on recovery and where to go to get help.  See www.bodywhys.ie

The Elevate Capacity Building Team within the Community Development and Health Network is delivering practical programmes in each Health and Social Care Trust area in Northern Ireland.  This is a free, interactive, activity-based, two-day training course which focuses upon community development as a way to reduce health inequalities.  The sessions will cover: the values and principles of community development; what health inequalities are, why they exist and how they look in your community; how to know you are making a difference in your community and how to share this learning with others; how to action plan and take ideas forward in your local community.  Anyone, from any sector, with an interest in community development and health inequalities is invited to apply for a place.  Participants must be available for both days of the training.  However, there are limited places on each training programme and booking is essential.  Find out more at: https://elevateni.org

Do you want to become a highly skilled facilitator and advance within your chosen profession or seek new employment opportunities? …  If so, the Master of Arts in Advanced Facilitation Skills for Promoting Health and Wellbeing is an innovative practice orientated programme; the only one of its kind nationally.  It is designed to enhance personal growth and development, and to advance the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies required to effectively promote health and wellbeing with groups, individuals and key populations.  Experiential learning is central to the course, and this supports students to develop their skills through the medium of the group process, reflective practice, practical experience and research.  For more information, visit: www.wit.ie/wd591

Do you provide care to a family member or loved one? ...  If so, researchers on the CHERISH initiative at Maynooth University, who aim to promote a ‘Think Carer’ approach in health and social care services, would love to hear about your experiences.  Over 39% of family carers in Ireland are men and, therefore, the research team would like to encourage the participation of men in this important research.  Please consider taking the time to complete this anonymous and confidential survey, and share it with men who may be providing care.  It will take about 10-15 minutes to complete, and the responses will be used to inform the design of future services to carers in community healthcare settings.  You can take part by visiting: https://maynoothpsychology.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e4Kc6cRdqhaxwUZ

The 2018 Northern Ireland Life and Times (NILT) survey included a set of questions exploring public attitudes towards transgender people.  This is the first time that NILT has explored this area, and the results provide a useful baseline of public opinion.  Analysis of the data was undertaken by Gail Neil (Ulster University) and Siobhan McAlister (Queen's University), who published a Research Update titled:  'The Missing T: Baselining Attitudes Towards Transgender People in Northern Ireland'.  You can download this paper at: www.ark.ac.uk/ARK/sites/default/files/2019-06/update128.pdf

The Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement Department of the Western Health and Social Care Trust is linking World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September 2019 and World Mental Health Day on 10th October 2019 to encourage people to talk about the ‘elephant in the room’ - in other words, the things that we often choose to ignore: our emotions and how we feel.  You are cordially invited to a half day launch event to showcase the ‘Elephant’ interactive campaign pack and a range of resources that you can use in your community, school or workplace to start the conversation.  There will be presentations from Conor McCafferty, Director of Zest and the North Star Health and Wellbeing Centre.  The launch will take place on Tuesday 10th September 2019, from 10.00am until 1.00pm, in the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh.  Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided.  Places are limited, so early booking is advised at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/whsct-elephant-in-the-room-campaign-launch-tickets-66194179573

The Independent Living Movement Ireland (ILMI) launched their #DeclarationofIndependence video campaign on Sunday 5th May 2019 as part of European Day on Independent Living.  The short film features twenty disabled activists from across the country talking about the need for disabled people to work together, and for issues disabled people face to be seen as equality and human rights issues.  Check out this powerful and inspirational clip at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=68CF8q8tuXM