{jcomments off}Whilst self-harm and suicidal behaviour are important issues worldwide, Northern Ireland, in particular, has seen an increase in the suicide rate over the last two decades - especially among young males. Collecting evidence and monitoring change on mental health and self-harm is, therefore, important to inform policy making.  A new ARK Research Update, released in January 2015, seeks to shed some light on this subject by collating the available evidence.  The paper is titled: 'Self-harm and seeking help among 16 year olds: Changes between 2008 and 2013', and it can be downloaded as a PDF file at: www.ark.ac.uk/publications/updates/update96.pdf

{jcomments off}Throughout 2015, the Men's Development Network (MDN) will be delivering their highly successful training programme across Ireland to anyone who is interested in engaging with men.  This day is facilitated in an open, friendly and experiential way, and draws upon discussion, group work and presentations.  Issues are explored via ‘7 Key Questions’ which have been developed by MDN.  These questions can be used in a number of settings to positively address issues which impact upon men's lives and to map next steps to a better life.  The training provides a valuable insight into why supporting men is crucial, explores successful ways to support men, and highlights best practice for engaging men with health and life issues.  For further information, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}The Community Development and Health Network is delivering Community Health Champions training in Belfast on the 9th and 10th of March 2015.  This two day programme is designed to equip community workers and volunteers with the knowledge, skills and support to increase their confidence, and help them to engage proactively with communities.  Community Health Champions training is based on an assets approach which builds on the skills, knowledge, experience, networks and resources that individuals and communities have access to.  It is underpinned by the belief that everyone has the potential to implement change and have a positive impact on individual and community health.  For more details, see: www.cdhn.org/pages/index.asp?title=Community_Health_Champions_Training_-_Belfast_

{jcomments off}Replay Theatre Company has been making theatre adventures for younger audiences since 1988.  In autumn 2014, they created a brand new show called ‘COMET’.  Written by award-winning writer John McCann, COMET had the specific aim of engaging that notoriously difficult-to-engage demographic that is teenage boys.  Inspired by hours of interviews that John did with young men in a diverse range of settings, COMET was performed directly and unexpectedly in the classroom - with each performance being uniquely influenced by how the audience responded.  With 100% of teachers saying that they would book the show again, and responses from the audience including 'it makes you want to rip your heart out and throw it on the stage', Replay will be retouring COMET to schools and community centres in Autumn 2015.  To read the script and the evaluation report, go to: www.replaytheatreco.org/projects/resources.php   For further information, or to enquire about booking COMET, contact Anna Newell, Artistic Director, Replay Theatre Company at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}The Community Development and Health Network (CDHN) has opened up a new round of funding through their Building the Community-Pharmacy Partnership (BCPP) programme.  They are seeking new community-pharmacy partnerships throughout Northern Ireland, and will continue to support partnerships previously involved in the programme.  The BCPP programme promotes and supports local communities to work in partnership with community pharmacists to address local health and social wellbeing needs using a community development approach.  For more details, visit: www.cdhn.org/pages/index.asp?title=Building_the_Community-Pharmacy_Partnership

{jcomments off}The Southern Area Men’s Health Steering Group invites you to their Annual Men's Health Seminar for 2015.  This will take place on Friday 27th March 2015, from 9.30am - 1.30pm, in Ranfurly Arts and Visitors Centre, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone.  The theme for this year's event is: 'Safe Spaces and Places for Men'.  There are a small number of free places still available.  Register your interest with Frances Haughey by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}Dads Direct is inviting researchers to tender for the preparation a Briefing Paper on ‘The Importance of Dads’.  This piece of work is funded by Awards for All within the Big Lottery Fund.  This Briefing Paper will evidence available research on the important role of fathers in the lives of their children, and how the involvement of fathers in a child’s life can improve the outcomes for children.  Full details of the tender are available at: www.mhfi.org/dadsdirect.pdf  The closing date for submissions is Noon on Wednesday 11th February 2015.

 

{jcomments off}Are you a man aged 50+ in the Belfast area, who is interested in hearing about the opportunities to set up a men’s group / Men's Shed or how to become more active in your community? ...  The benefits include making new friends, learning new skills, social opportunities, and better physical and mental health.  Hear how other men aged 50+ have already done this locally.  There will be information and advice on: the benefits of setting up a men’s group; who can help and advise you on setting up a group (including sources of funding); volunteering opportunities for men aged 50+; other ways to stay active.  There will be four events taking place throughout Belfast in February and March 2015.  See www.mhfi.org/men50plus.pdf for more details of the dates, times and venues.  The first gathering will take place on Monday 2nd February 2015, at 10.30am, in Mountpottinger Presbyterian Church, Castlereagh Street, Belfast.  Lunch and refreshments will be provided.