{jcomments off}Increasingly, funders and social policy makers are looking for reliable evidence before they fund a project or implement policies or strategies.  As public sector funding cuts begin to bite - and the economic situation of the voluntary and community sector becomes more volatile - it is vital that organisations provide solid evidence of their effectiveness and value.  “Research on the Road” is a half-day event which includes both a ‘rough guide’ to research methods, and a ‘surgery’ where future or on-going projects can be discussed.  The seminars will take place in Omagh Community House (Wednesday 2nd November 2011) and in Ballybot House, Newry (Friday 4th November 2011), from 10.00am - 1.00pm on each day.  These free events are being facilitated by ARK and NICVA and are part of the ‘Festival of Social Science’.  Places are free, but must be booked in advance with Cathy Breslin in NICVA at Tel: 028 9087 7777 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   Spaces will be limited to one person per organisation, and are for voluntary and community organisations only.    Further details can be found on the ARK Events page.

{jcomments off}A series of courses related to the scientific study of suicide (suicidology) is being offered during the next academic year in the Open Learning Programme of the School of Education at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).  In most cultures, death by suicide is predominantly a male occurrence - particularly affecting both younger and older men.  A special invitation to participate is, therefore, extended to men, but everyone is welcome to register for these practical courses.  Each course offers participants the opportunity to reflect upon, and develop further insights into, human suicidal behaviour.  The next scheduled courses in suicidology are: “An Introduction to Suicidology” (20 session / 40 hour course during the Autumn 2011 and Winter 2012 semesters); “Suicidology - Further Studies” (10 session / 20 hour course, available in Autumn 2011 - for those with a good basic knowledge of the principles of suicidology); “Researching Suicide” (5 sessions / 10 hour course scheduled for Spring 2012).    The course tutor, Philip O’Keeffe, is an experienced counsellor, supervisor, tutor and researcher.  Further information and application forms are available on the QUB website at: www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofEducation/OpenLearning  or Tel 02890 973323.

{jcomments off}The Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) is, currently, undertaking an action-research project into the high rate of suicide among boys and young men on the island of Ireland.  The purpose of the research is to develop and share best practice on how to promote positive models of mental health and to prevent suicide in this target group.  To date, an online questionnaire has been distributed and a literature review of effective practice has been undertaken.  This will be used to inform the design of two practical interventions in the near future.  However, MHFI would like to explore some issues in more depth before moving on to the next phase of development.  If you have an interest or experience in this area, you are invited to attend one of two Stakeholder Meetings.  These will be held on Wednesday 14th September 2011 (Belfast, 11.00am - 1.30pm) and Thursday 15th September 2011 (Dublin, 11.00am - 1.30pm).  For more information, or to register your interest, please contact Colin Fowler at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}The Men’s Policy Forum in NICVA is hosting an event in The Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Stormont, on the morning of Tuesday 27th September 2011.  This free event (including lunch - sponsored by the Man Matters project) seeks to bring together a diverse range of organisations from across Northern Ireland, and will provide an opportunity to make contacts, build relationships, and share ideas and current practice.  Booking is essential.  To express your interest in attending, contact Patricia Stewart in NICVA at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}Is your organisation interested in developing work with fathers?  If so, then the Parenting Forum NI (within Parents Advice Centre) would like to invite you to a Presentation Morning which will showcase some of the learning arising from the "Kick Start 2011" project - a seven month package of training, support, networking, reflection and practical action for groups that are trying to, or wishing to, engage with fathers.  The Kick Start 2011 trainees are now coming to the end of their time on the programme, and have organised an event to help others to: understand why we need increased engagement with fathers; get a sense of what Kick Start offers; hear about the practical experience of a number of trainees; meet Kick Start participants, and find out about the hands-on things involved in running an activity for fathers.  This free event will take place on Thursday 15th September 2011 in Grosvenor House Conference Centre, Belfast.  To download a booking form, please visit: www.parentsadvicecentre.org/projects/parentingforum/events.asp  or contact Pauline on Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / Tel: 028 9031 0891.

{jcomments off}Autism Spectrum Disorders are a range of very complex, unique, and hidden disabilities that impact on both the individual with a diagnosis and the whole family.  In particular, fathers often struggle to come to terms with their child’s diagnosis and try to be strong for their family - ignoring their own need for information and support.  Autism NI has produced a new factsheet for fathers, written by parents for parents.  It explores the impact of diagnosis and the range of typical feelings fathers may have.  It deals with how to feel involved in your child’s life and identifies what fathers can do to help.  It also looks at the stress of living with ASD on relationships and highlights concerns fathers may have about having ASD themselves.  It includes tips and hints, and signposts readers to further resources specifically for fathers.  This factsheet is downloadable from the Autism NI website for free.  Hard copies can be accessed by contacting the Autism NI Central Office at Tel: 02890 401729.  Further resources and information are also available from Autism NI.

{jcomments off}This September, the Irish Heart Foundation’s Heart Month Campaign will focus on men.  More men die from heart attacks and stroke than any other cause of death.  As part of Heart Month, the Irish Heart Foundation will run a nationwide TV campaign which encourages men to know about the signs of a heart attack and to call 999 before it’s too late.  A resource for men - informing them of how they can make positive lifestyle changes and limit their risk of heart attack - will be widely available.  The Irish Heart Foundation is asking you to support and promote this campaign by: ordering and displaying Heart Month materials (booklets, posters and leaflets); distributing Heart Month materials to men; including a piece on Heart Month on your organisation’s website or newsletter; hosting an event for men (and friends and family).  If you would like to order free promotional materials / find out more, contact Mairéad O’Callaghan at Tel: 01 668 5001 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

{jcomments off}The Irish Cancer Society is, currently, recruiting both men and women who have had a bowel cancer diagnosis, are post treatment, and 12 months post surgery, to take part in a physical activity programme which will start in the Autumn.  The programme will be based in Dublin, and will last for 15 weeks.  There is compelling evidence to suggest that physical activity (of a minimum of 2-3 hours per week) after diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the risk of bowel cancer recurrence and can help to improve quality of life.  To register your interest and get further information, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or call Eimear on Tel: 01 231 6624.