{jcomments off}As part of its work with the Man Matters Project, Parenting NI will be facilitating three seminars for practitioners working with fathers in Northern Ireland.  To ensure that the seminars address the issues of most relevance, you are invited to complete an online survey about your experience in this field.  It will only take a few minutes to submit your answers at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/NQ88GFP   The responses received will help to shape the focus and content of the seminars.  For further information, contact Pauline Martin on Tel: 028 9031 0891 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}During June 2013, the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) launched 'A Report on the Excess Burden of Cancer among Men in the Republic of Ireland' to mark Men’s Health Week 2013.  This report shows that men are at greater risk of getting cancer and dying from it than women.  ICS commissioned the Centre for Men’s Health in the Institute of Technology Carlow and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland to produce this landmark document.  It is the first of its kind to look at cancer incidence and mortality from a gender perspective in Ireland.  The full report and an executive summary can be downloaded from: www.cancer.ie/content/irish-men-more-risk-getting-and-dying-cancer-women

{jcomments off}Evidence-informed action to tackle health inequalities and the social determinants of health requires active participation by the community and voluntary sector in research and evaluation, and engagement with public funders.  This workshop (co-hosted by the Institute of Public Health, Community Development and Health Network and Community Evaluation Northern Ireland) will provide an opportunity to discuss the role of the community and voluntary sector, and begin to plan for the support it needs to participate in research and evaluation in Northern Ireland.  It will be of particular interest to anyone with a focus on tackling health inequalities.  The workshop will take place on Thursday 5th September 2013 in Farset International, Springfield Road, Belfast BT12 7DW.  To find out more, contact Leah Friend by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}Pathways to Health Level 2 Training (coordinated by the Community Development and Health Network) is designed for people who engage with communities to address a range of social issues.  It focuses upon the importance of participation and empowerment when working with individuals and communities to identify and tackle the root causes of inequalities.  The next course will be held in Ballymena, Co. Antrim, and will take place during September and October 2013.  Applications are now being invited.  Visit www.cdhn.org/pages/index.asp?title=Pathways_to_Health_Level_2_Training_Dates for details of the content, training dates, and how to register your interest.

{jcomments off}The Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland is inviting submissions to a public consultation on a range of proposed measures designed to give parents greater flexibility over their shared childcare arrangements.  The proposals consist of a system of shared parental leave and pay that will enable mothers and adopters to retain a closer connection to the workplace, while affording those who share parental responsibility the opportunity to take a more active role with their new baby or adopted child during the crucial first year following the birth or adoption.  This consultation will close on Friday 23rd August 2013.  See www.delni.gov.uk/index/consultation-zone/working-parents-rights.htm for full details.

{jcomments off}Are you the father of a bride-to-be?  Are you afraid of speaking in public?  Is your daughter getting married this year? ...  Tyrone Productions are offering fathers of the bride a unique opportunity to overcome their fear of public speaking as part of a new television programme.  If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Gary at Tel: 0044 7729 720876 / 01 8894900 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a very common male health problem.  Most cases are caused by cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological problems and urological surgery.  ED is now known to be an early warning sign of coronary artery disease - making it essential that the condition is accurately diagnosed and treated.  However, because of the embarrassing nature of the condition, many men delay seeking help.  On average, men wait 2.5 years before seeing a doctor.  Despite the significance of ED, men often find it difficult to access clear, independent and authoritative information about the symptoms, causes and treatments.  'Erection: The User’s Guide' - written by international expert on the subject Dr Ronald Virag - seeks to fill this gap.  Aimed at ‘the man in the street’ and also non-specialist doctors, the book provides essential and accessible information on how erections work, what can go wrong with them, and how any problems can be effectively treated.  The eBook format also makes it possible for men to read it discreetly.  For more information see: www.mhfi.org/ronaldvirag.pdf

{jcomments off}Would you like to learn the skills of Mediation?  Would you like to make a difference to families? ...  A trained mediator is able to offer alternatives to those in conflict, and to assist them to find agreement instead of reverting to a Court process or more destructive techniques.  Family Mediation NI (FMNI) will be delivering a Family Mediation Foundation Training Course in Northern Ireland commencing in September 2013. This course is approved by the College of Mediators (UK), and the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland.  It also complies with the European Union Directive on mediation.  To find out more about this course (which will consist of 12 days intensive training and approximately 20 hours of reading and preparation), visit: www.mhfi.org/familymediation2013.pdf