{jcomments off}Clergy, church youth workers, church lay leaders, lay pastoral workers and other church staff are invited to attend one of five Focus Groups which will be held throughout November and December 2013.  These events will focus upon the issue of suicide and mental health.  The organisers (Flourish!) are keen to hear feedback on a range of materials that have been developed to support churches in this field.  Flourish! is a partnership between the Churches’ Community Work Alliance NI, Lighthouse Ireland, and clergy from across the Christian churches in Northern Ireland.  The initiative has the support of the leaders of the four larger churches in Ireland, and has been developed in partnership with, and supported by, the Public Health Agency.  To register click here or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}Pathways to Health training aims to ensure that community development workers and volunteers have increased understanding of factors impacting on individual and community health.  The course will review health it in its broadest context and discuss the effectiveness of community development approaches.  Participants will become familiar with the wider determinants of health, the social model of health, and the values and principles of community development.  The next Level 1 training will take place on Tuesday 12th November 2013 and Tuesday 19th November 2013, from 9.30am to 4.00pm, in Groundwork Northern Ireland, Belfast.  Visit: www.cdhn.org/pages/index.asp?title=Pathways_to_Health for information or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}We've all heard them... most of us have said them... but the 80+ organisations behind the See Change partnership have launched a new video tackling those old mental health clichés that are unhelpful when supporting someone who is going through a tough time.  Stigma breeds silence around mental health, stops people seeking help, and makes the experience of being unwell much harder.  See Change research found that one in two Irish people would rather suffer in silence.  Yet, it doesn't have to be this way.  You don’t need to be an expert to start talking about mental health or have all the answers.  Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is to let someone know that you are there for them and simply listen.  See this video to help you start your conversation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUUwEv8q4LI&feature=youtu.be

{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.