Action Cancer is running a group support programme called the ‘Positive Living Programme’ on 25th and 26th February 2017 in the White Horse Hotel, Derry / Londonderry.  This is a free two day programme aimed at supporting individuals and family members who have been impacted by cancer.  The programme helps participants to reflect on their cancer journey and to learn new ways to cope.  If you are interested in attending, please call Mary Morrow on Tel: 0781 3044178.  In addition, Action Cancer provide 1:1 counselling and complementary therapies to any child/adult impacted by cancer.  In the North West area, they work in partnership with the Pink Ladies, Derry Well Women and LCDI to provide these services in five different venues in Derry / Londonderry, Limavady and Strabane.  To avail of these services, Tel: 02890 803344.

You are invited to a seminar which will be held on Wednesday 1st February 2017, from 12.30pm to 2.00pm, in Seminar Room 21D51, Dalriada House, Ulster University at Jordanstown.  Dr Heleen Touquet is a researcher and lecturer at the University of Leuven (KUL) in Belgium and a research associate at the Centre d'Etudes de Conflits et Crises Internationaux at the Universite de Louvain La Neuve.   Her current research focuses on gender, masculinities and sexual violence in conflict.  Dr Touquet will talk about male victims of sexual violence during the conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina.  She will focus, specifically, on how the discursive space for talking about the topic has evolved over the last ten years and how (some) male victims have got recognition, reflecting on what this implies for theories of gender and nationalism and theoretical analyses of men as victims of conflict-related sexual violence. RSVP: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Male carers play a vitally important, but often unrecognised, role in our society.  To rectify this situation, the Southern Area Men's Health Group Annual Seminar for 2017 will focus upon 'Men Who Care ...  Who Cares For Men?'  This free event will explore: the valuable role that male carers play; what it’s like to be a male carer; support available to male carers; how these carers can have their voice heard; ways to help men to care for themselves.  The seminar will take place on Friday 31st March 2017, from 9.30am - 1.30pm, in Brownlow Community Hub, Craigavon, Co. Armagh.  To register for a place, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Researchers at University College Cork (UCC) are looking for men to complete a short survey about awareness of cancer risk factors.  The number of cancers occurring worldwide is increasing.  This is partly because populations are living longer, but also because of an increase in cancer causing behaviours.  It is estimated that at least one third of all cancers could be prevented through adopting a healthy diet, staying active and maintaining a healthy body weight.  Researchers at UCC are asking men living in Ireland to complete this survey in order to assess how much they understand about cancer risk factors.  This knowledge is important, as it will help health professionals and policy makers to develop better cancer awareness programmes for Irish men in the future.  The research has been approved by the Social Research Ethics Committee at UCC, participation is completely voluntary, and respondents may withdraw from the survey at any time.  To participate, visit: www.surveymonkey.com/r/QBDVF93

Men's Health Week (MHW) 2017 will run from Monday 12th June - Sunday 18th June.  Every year the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) convenes an all-island Planning Group for MHW.  The first meeting of this body for 2017 will take place on the morning of Monday 30th January 2017, in Dundalk, Co. Louth.  The location, format and frequency of further meetings will be determined by group members at each gathering, and may include face-to-face meetings and/or video-conferencing between Belfast and Dublin and/or email discussion.  Your input to any or all parts of this process would be very welcome.  MHFI fully appreciates that most people cannot commit to all aspects of the planning process, but encourages you to participate in whatever way is appropriate.  Even if you cannot make the meetings / video-conferences, your feedback on developments via email / phone would still be greatly appreciated.  If you would be interested in contributing to the planning process for 2017 in any way, please email Colin Fowler at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone in the Men's Health Forum in Ireland.

However, remember that if you need help and support over the Christmas period, you can always contact ...
 
     The Samaritans (all Ireland) - Freephone 116 123
     Lifeline (NI) - Freephone 0808 808 8000

or visit: www.yourmentalhealth.ie/supports-services/urgent-help.html  |  www.mindingyourhead.info

 

Family Mediation NI (FMNI) is the lead service provider and training organisation for family mediation in Northern Ireland.  They are inviting eligible candidates to apply for Stage One of the three-step comprehensive training route to accreditation as a Family Mediator recognised in the United Kingdom and Ireland.  The mediation service offered by FMNI focuses on the needs of the children of separating couples.  FMNI offers separating couples the opportunity to reach their own agreements during and after separation about their children, finances and living arrangements.  This is widely accepted as a more sustainable outcome than one imposed on them by, for example, the Court process.  The first step to becoming an accredited family mediator is to successfully complete the Foundation Training Programme (FTP).  FMNI is approved by both The College of Mediators (UK) and The Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (MII) to deliver a programme comprised of generic mediation training and a specialist element for working with separating couples.  FMNI is offering the twelve day FTP (Stage One) over six two-day modules in Belfast during early 2017.  For more information, see: www.familymediationni.org.uk/training/approved-foundation-training-programme

The All-Ireland Traveller Health Study 2010 showed a high rate of ill health and suicide within the Traveller community: suicide accounts for 11% of all Traveller deaths; the suicide rate for Traveller men is 7 times higher than the national average; suicide is most common in young Traveller men aged 15-25 years; life expectancy for Traveller men is 15 years less than settled men; cancer and heart disease are the main causes of death among Traveller men ...  On Wednesday 23rd November 2016, local legends - Christy Moore and Bressie - helped Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre to launch a Position Paper on Traveller Men's Health which highlights this need and makes suggestions for future actions.  You can find out more / access the report at: www.paveepoint.ie/christy-moore-and-bressie-back-calls-for-targeted-action-on-traveller-mens-health