Do you want to become a highly skilled facilitator and advance within your chosen profession or seek new employment opportunities? ...  If so, you might consider the Master of Arts in Advanced Facilitation Skills for Promoting Health and Wellbeing.  This is an innovative practice-orientated programme; the only one of its kind nationally.  It is designed to enhance personal growth and development, and to advance the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies required for effective facilitation of health and wellbeing programmes with groups, individuals and key populations.  This is a full time course, and its delivery reflects the flexibility required for adult learners.  The programme is delivered in Dublin on one Friday and Saturday per month per semester, and via three residential weekends - dispersed across the three semesters from September 2021.  For further information, check out www.wit.ie/wd591   For all queries, please contact the course leaders by email at: 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.

The Rainbow Project is undertaking a survey to explore the needs, experiences and views of LGBTQIA+ people living in Northern Ireland.  This will look at a range of issues including crime, health and employment.  The data gathered will help to inform the development of new services and campaigns which are reflective of the needs of this community.  To participate, or find out more, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/86RV7VT

The Irish Heart Foundation is doing a review of all the printed leaflets and other information that they provide to the public.  In order to provide the best information possible, in a way that is easy to understand, they are seeking participants for a short 5-10 minute survey.  Find out more at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FMGLKQY

To date, over two million people worldwide have died with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.  To describe the experience in Ireland, this study examined associations between underlying conditions and the following outcomes: mortality, admission to hospital, or admission to intensive care units among those infected with COVID-19.  This research highlights that the risk of death is significantly higher for men, as is the risk of hospitalisation and ICU admission.  Read more about this study in an article in 'The Lancet' at: www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(21)00074-0/fulltext

In April, the Department of Health in Northern Ireland published the Health Inequalities Annual Report 2021.  This publication presents a comprehensive analysis of regional health inequality gaps between the most and least deprived areas of NI, and sub-regional gaps within Health and Social Care Trust and Local Government District areas across a range of health indicators.  The report is accompanied by downloadable data tables which contain all figures, including District Electoral Areas as well as urban and rural breakdowns.  Download the findings at: www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/health-inequalities-annual-report-2021

Loneliness has emerged as a key public health challenge for the population during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Evidence shows that loneliness is a significant issue for population health - as people who experience loneliness have a poorer overall quality of life and poorer physical and mental health.  If you missed the webinar hosted by the Institute of Public Health, which focused on COVID-19 and rethinking loneliness on the island of Ireland, you can watch it at: https://youtu.be/zRr2YtE8qEU

A new report from the Health Research Board presents an overview of alcohol consumption and harm in Ireland, analysing trends and assessing the impact of policy changes over time.  Download the report at: https://tinyurl.com/4424wa22

A new partnership between Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid, Foyle Family Justice Centre and the Men’s Advisory Project has been set up.  This will deliver a Northern Ireland-wide advocacy service for victims of domestic and sexual violence and abuse.  The overall purpose of this initiative is to provide coordinated and tailored support - responsive to individual need - in partnership with established services.  This service has been jointly commissioned by the Department of Justice and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.  Applications are, currently, being sought for 20 new jobs as Advocates.  For full details, see: https://belfastwomensaid.org.uk/work-with-us/advocates-advocacy-project