{jcomments off}In association with the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Men's Development Network is organising a White Ribbon Conference titled: ‘What Men Can Do’.  This will take place on Thursday 18th April, 2013, from 10.00am - 4.30pm, in the Gibson Hotel, Point Village, Dublin.  The Keynote Speaker will be Michael Kaufman.  Michael will address the audience on the subject of: ‘Men and Women Engaging Men and Boys to End Violence Against Women and Promote Gender Equality’.  See www.whiteribbon.ie for more details.

{jcomments off}A new report from the Men’s Health Forum in England and Wales has revealed the lack of emotional support for men in relationship difficulties.  ‘Try to see it my way: Improving relationship support for men’, published with Relate, explores men’s attitudes to seeking relationship support.  It is part of a national awareness campaign by Relate to encourage men to think about their relationships, and increase their participation in support programmes such as psychological therapies and relationship coaching. 

According to the report, men have less access to emotional support from relatives and friends than women, are less likely to seek professional help for personal problems, and are less likely to consult relationship counselling services.  They are also more prone to ‘avoidance strategies’ such as the increased consumption of alcohol.  The report suggests work is a key factor.  Men’s tendency to work longer working hours can cause conflicts with their life-work balance, while financial difficulties can increase pressure on males - who are often still the primary breadwinners in families. 

A Portable Document Format (PDF) version of the report is available online at: www.menshealthforum.org.uk/sites/menshealthforum.org.uk/files/MHF_Relate_TryToSee.pdf

{jcomments off}The next ARK seminar, ‘Taking Boys Seriously: A five year longitudinal study of adolescent male school-life experiences’ takes place on Tuesday 23rd April 2013.  Ken Harland and Sam McCready (University of Ulster) and Michael McKenna (YouthAction NI) will present the findings of their study of 378 adolescent boys, aged 11-16, from across Northern Ireland.  The longitudinal aspect of the research will help participants to understand the reasons why certain boys may not achieve more successful educational outcomes.  The study offers recommendations and suggestions for pragmatic and cost neutral ways for teachers, practitioners and policymakers to help boys make better connections between school and their wider social, emotional and developmental needs.  The seminar will be held in NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, from Noon to 1.00pm, and will be followed by a sandwich lunch.  Everyone is welcome, and the seminar is free.  However, places must be booked in advance by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 028 7167 5513.

{jcomments off}County Monaghan VEC is facilitating the opening of a Men’s Shed - called the ‘Men’s HUB’ - in Monaghan town.  As part of the programme, a FETAC Level 4 Woodcraft course will be delivered at The Blackwater Learning Centre, Knockconan, Emyvale (date to be confirmed). 

The course will take place one evening per week for approximately fifteen weeks, from 7.00pm - 10.00pm.  If you are interested in taking part in the training, or becoming involved in the project in any way, please phone Mary at the Blackwater Centre on Tel: 047 87049 or text Caroline Flanagan (VEC Project Coordinator) on 087 7945395.  Participation in the programme and project is free and open to all men.  For more information visit www.monaghanmenshub.ie

{jcomments off}Helplink's national online or by phone counselling service is offering 14 free counselling sessions to men to mark International Men's Health Week this year.  They are giving away two sessions a day throughout the week.  All you have to do is email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name and a phone number, quoting 'IMH Week', and they will offer session dates and times during that week for you to choose from.

{jcomments off}Pathways to Health Level 3 is a training programme for community and voluntary sector leaders who are committed to tackling inequalities in health using a community development approach.  The benefit of this training is the chance to link grass roots practice with operational, strategic and policy working.  It will provide participants with the opportunity to tackle health inequality in a unified way, underpinned by the principles and practice of community development. 

The training will be delivered as a series of master classes - one a fortnight for 12 weeks - in the Tower Hotel, Derry / Londonderry.   Each master class will be led by relevant experts, and will focus on one of six main themes: Health Inequalities (10th April), Community Development (24th April), Sustainability and Health (8th May), Economy and Health (15th May), Research and Health (5th June), and Local Government and Health (12th June). 

To register, contact Caroline McNulty at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or Tel: 02830 264606.  Alternatively, you can download an application form at: www.cdhn.org/pages/index.asp?title=Level_3_-_Pathway_to_Health&catID=536

{jcomments off}A new six week programme for older men in rural parts of County Cavan - called ‘Men, Moving, More’ - not only aims to get men active, but also seeks to promote their social inclusion.  The three activities planned are pitch-and-putt, fishing and hill-walking, and the dates are: Fishing (Killeshandra) 9th and 16th March; Hill-walking (TBC) 23rd and 30th March; Pitch-and-Putt (Cornafean) 6th and 13th April.  To book a place, contact Dean McElroy at Tel: 049 4378582 or 087 2623956.

{jcomments off}Families Need Fathers NI (FNFNI) is a support organisation in Northern Ireland for parents (predominantly, but not exclusively, fathers) seeking to maintain a relationship with their children following divorce or separation.  FNFNI hosts meetings where you can get together with other parents, and receive advice from more experienced members who understand your situation and can support you.  FNFNI can also offer advice on legal options if you need to go to court to secure a relationship with your children.  For those entitled to Legal Aid, or who are able to pay for legal representation, FNFNI can recommend solicitors and barristers.  For those who wish to represent themselves, FNFNI can advise on this, and can often offer the assistance of a ‘McKenzie Friend’ - a lay legal advisor who can attend court with you and support you through the process.  Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month, at 7.30pm, in Greater Whitewell Community Surgery, 878 Shore Road, Belfast, BT36 7DQ.  For more information, visit: www.fnfni.info  or Tel: David (0780 4909135), Jim (0770 2582136) or Simon (0799 0866640).