{jcomments off}Walking in your Community - a new initiative launched by Outdoor Recreation NI - has announced a training opportunity for community groups and volunteers in Belfast.  The programme offers Community Walk Leader training that will enable participants to lead short, safe and accessible walks within their own community.  The benefits of walking regularly are indisputable - as it boosts physical and mental health.  The scheme also provides an opportunity for participants to build friendships and create local connections.  The next training will be on Saturday 12th November 2013, at Belfast Activity Centre, Barnett Demesne, Belfast, and it will run from 9.30am to 5.00pm.  For more information or to register for this training, visit: www.walkinginyourcommunity.com  or 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 continue to support partnerships previously involved in BCPP.  Level 2 funding is for those who have a clear vision of what the project wants to achieve.  It consists of a maximum of £10,000 for a project that can last for up to two years.  Level 3 funding is available to those who have completed several Level 2 projects.  The closing date for Level 2 and Level 3 funding is Thursday 14th November 2013.  Application packs can be downloaded from www.cdhn.org/bcpp   For further information, Tel: 028 3026 4606.

{jcomments off}The Rejuvenate Project within North Belfast Partnership will be officially opening their Men's Shed on Monday 21st October 2013 at an event in NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast BT15 2GB.  The event will run from 10.45am - 1.00pm, and a light lunch will be provided.  Comedian Tim McGarry (from the 'Hole in the Wall Gang', 'Give My Head Peace' and 'The Blame Game') will be the guest speaker.  For more details, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}Is there something about your body that you would do anything to change?  The producers of 'Embarrassing Bodies' have started work on the third series of 'My Naked Secret'.  They are looking for members of the public who are suffering in silence because of something they hate about their bodies: psoriasis, burns, scarring, micro-penis, genital problems, post-surgery damage ... or other conditions where the physical symptoms have caused the sufferer to hide away under layers of clothing or make up.  My Naked Secret links successful applicants with medical / surgical treatment along with psychological support, and welcomes applicants from across the UK, both male and female.  All applications are treated in confidence.  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tel: 0121 224 8463.

{jcomments off}You are invited to a seminar which will provide an insight into two current arts projects for the Men's Group associated with the Lighthouse organisation in North Belfast.  These include a photographic exhibition and a short performance devised by group members to highlight the importance of mental health issues for them and their peers.  Lighthouse is a voluntary organisation based at an 'interface' area which provides support for people affected by suicide.  Studies show that suicide is prevalent in the area - especially among middle-aged males living amid the continuing social and political tensions associated with the protracted Peace Process.  This event will take place on Thursday 17th October 2013, in the Rehearsal Room of the Drama and Film Centre, 20 University Square, Belfast.  It will last from 6.00pm - 7.15pm.

{jcomments off}World Mental Health Day is on Thursday 10th October 2013.  The theme this year is ‘Mental health and older adults’.  For more information visit: www.who.int/mental_health/world-mental-health-day/en/index.html

{jcomments off}The Irish Men's Sheds Association invites you to join them for their 2013 National Conference and Exhibition which will take place in the Galway and Mayo Institute of Technology, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, on the 15th and 16th of November.  Guest speakers will include: Mícheál O’Muircheartaigh, Sean Coughlin from Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, and Maghnus Collins - an adventurer with an inspirational story.  There will also be an exhibition hall where all the Sheds are invited to show off some of the projects that they have been involved in over the last year.  For more information or to book a place, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the Castlebar Men’s Shed webpage at: http://castlebarmensshed.weebly.com

{jcomments off}As part of its work with the Man Matters project, Parenting NI will be facilitating three seminars across Northern Ireland to support practitioners who work with fathers.  These free seminars will focus upon: ‘Engaging Fathers’ (Tuesday 5th November 2013 in Belfast), ‘The Value of Fathers’ (Wednesday 20th November 2013 in Coleraine), and ‘Good Practice in Work with Fathers’ (Tuesday 4th February 2014 in Omagh).  There will also be opportunities for discussion, networking, sharing knowledge / experience, and questions.  For more information, contact Pauline Martin at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  /  Tel: 02890 310891.