Family Mediation NI (FMNI) is inviting applications for their comprehensive training route to becoming an accredited Family Mediator, recognised in the UK and Ireland.  The first step to achieving this is to successfully complete a Foundation Training Programme.  FMNI is approved by The College of Mediators (UK) and The Mediators’ Institute of Ireland to deliver a course comprised of both generic mediation training and a specialist element for working with separating couples.  FMNI is offering the twelve day Foundation Training Programme this Autumn over six two day modules in Belfast.  Download the application pack at: www.familymediationni.org.uk/training/approved-foundation-training-programme

In March this year, the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) worked in partnership with Men’s Action Network and the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland to run an event in Derry / Londonderry titled ‘Hope from Hopelessness’.  This focused upon men and mental health.  To build upon the energy generated at this conference, the partners have arranged to run an ‘Engage’ Training for Trainers (TfT) programme between October and December 2018.  ‘Engage’ was developed in the Republic of Ireland as part of the National Men’s Health Policy in response to the growing demand from service providers for support to improve their engagement and work with men.

This TfT will create a team of facilitators who understand why and how to engage more effectively with men of all ages, and who are willing to cascade their learning (via workshops) throughout the WHSCT catchment area during 2019.  To be eligible for a place on this free training, you must: work (at least partially) within the WHSCT area; have regular contact with men; have the backing of your employer / organisation to participate; be an experienced group facilitator; be aware of men’s health needs; be willing to participate in all elements of the programme (five days training, one follow-up day and the delivery at least three workshops afterwards).  Applications are welcomed from both men and women, and from people working in the voluntary, community and statutory sectors.  For more information, email Sonia Montgomery at: sonia.montgomery@westerntrust.hscni.net

On the 24th of July 2018, Ministers at the Department of Health and Social Care accepted the advice of the government’s vaccination advisory committee (JCVI) that the national HPV vaccination programme should be extended to include adolescent boys in England.  During the preceding week, Health Ministers in Wales and Scotland confirmed that they would be introducing vaccinations for boys.  This means that, each year, around 400,000 boys can be protected against HPV infection and the diseases that it causes, including cancer.  It brings the UK into line with around 20 other countries that already vaccinate boys or which plan to do so soon.  HPV Action is now calling for: (i) immediate confirmation that boys in Northern Ireland will also be vaccinated; (ii) the early publication of an implementation plan for a national rollout; (iii) a catch-up programme for boys which parallels that available for girls; (iv) the production of information materials targeted at boys, their parents and teachers; and (v) a national campaign which seeks to maximise vaccine uptake in both sexes.  Find out more at: www.hpvaction.org

The ‘SSaMs’ (Sports Students as Mentors) Project is an exciting new initiative which aims to prevent early school leaving and to improve educational attainment among boys through the mentoring capabilities of sports students.  The National Centre for Men’s Health in the Institute of Technology Carlow is working alongside the University of Gloucestershire (UK), University of Thessaly (Greece), Palacký University (Czech Republic), University of Murcia (Spain) and CESIE (Italy) to develop gender-sensitive resources for use within Higher Education Institutes.  These will: (a) enhance the knowledge of undergraduate sports students with regard to working with young males; and (b) enable sport students to provide mentoring support in future vocational settings involving work with young males to motivate them to stay at school. To find out more, visit: www.sportsmentors.eu

This free programme is open to all men and offers: weekly health information talks; physical activity sessions; dedicated staff to support you with your goals; health checks.  It will run for ten weeks - every Thursday at 7.00pm, from 6th September - 8th November 2018.  It will be held in Brownlow Community Hub, Craigavon, Co. Armagh.  If you are interested in hearing more, contact Frances Haughey (Health Improvement Officer, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council) at Email: frances.haughey@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk  | Tel: 07500 772905.

On Wednesday 13th June 2018, The Loneliness Taskforce launched a report recommending that Government take action on loneliness and social isolation in Ireland.  In this document, they highlight that loneliness is the public health crisis of this generation, and the report seeks to spark a nationwide conversation about this issue.  The report is titled 'A Connected Island - An Ireland Free From Loneliness', and it can be accessed online at: https://lonelinesstaskforce.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/loneliness-taskforce-a-connected-island-an-ireland-free-from-loneliness.pdf

Alcohol Action Ireland has published the results of their Alcohol Market Review and Price Survey 2018.  This reveals that alcohol is now so cheap that men in the Republic of Ireland can drink to the weekly low risk threshold for as little as €8.49, and highlights the urgent necessity to implement the Public Health Alcohol Bill - which includes Minimum Unit Pricing to ensure that the low cost of the strongest alcohol can be tackled.  Find out more at: http://alcoholireland.ie/alcohol-action-ireland-release-annual-alcohol-market-review-price-survey-2018

GSK’s IMPACT Awards reward charities that are doing excellent work to improve people’s health.  Organisations must: be at least three years old; work in a health-related field in the UK; have an income between £80,000 and £2.5 million.  Up to 20 awards will be made ranging from £3,000 to £40,000, plus free training valued at up to £6,000.  Organisations will also have a film made, receive help with press and publicity, and be given a set of promotional materials.  The closing date for applications is Thursday 20th September 2018.  To apply, or to view previous winners’ films, visit: www.kingsfund.org.uk/gskimpactawards