The Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) is the most comprehensive worldwide observational epidemiological study to date.  It describes mortality and morbidity from major diseases, injuries and risk factors to health at global, national and regional levels.  Examining trends from 1990 to the present, and making comparisons across populations, enables understanding of the changing health challenges facing people across the world in the 21st century.  See the full story at: http://thelancet.com/gbd

The Patient and Client Council (PCC) was created on 1st April 2009 as an independent voice for patients, clients, carers and communities in Northern Ireland.  It has four statutory functions: (1) listen and act on people’s views; (2) encourage people to get involved; (3) help people to make a complaint; (4) promote advice and information.  Over the past seven years, the PCC has engaged with tens of thousands of people on a wide range of health and social care-related issues through surveys, face-to-face interviews, workshops and contact with the general public at events.  The PCC has also enabled service users to work in partnership with Health and Social Care to co-design and deliver meaningful service improvement in areas such as mental health and learning disability, chronic pain and rare diseases, as well as specific conditions such as fibromyalgia, ME, Stage IV endometriosis and recurrent miscarriage.  For more information, visit: www.patientclientcouncil.hscni.net

Are you living with a cancer diagnosis?  Would you or a family member benefit from someone to support you through your journey? ...  If so, Action Cancer can provide a free Peer Mentoring service - available to both the patient and their family - throughout Northern Ireland.  Trained volunteers, who have all come through their own personal cancer experience, offer a listening ear, support and guidance for your journey.  For further information, contact Jane Gilmore at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  |  Tel: 02890 803356.

Are you feeling like you have lost your Mojo?  Have you been affected by employment issues?  Are you feeling stressed?  Are you: motivated to change; over 18; living in South County Dublin; able to participate in a programme for four weeks every Tuesday from 2.00pm - 4.00pm from 14th November until 5th December 2017? …  If so, this short programme (which will be held in Tus Nua, New Nangor Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22) might be of interest to you.  To find out more, contact: Catherine Mooney, Mojo Progamme Manager, at Tel: 087 1471152.

September is Irish Heart Month, and this year the campaign is focusing upon stroke prevention.  Over 2,000 people under 65 have a stroke each year, but the good news is that 80% of premature strokes are preventable.  By making small changes to your lifestyle you can reduce your chances of having a stroke both now and in the future.  Find out what you can do to avoid having a stroke by visiting: www.irishheart.ie/campaigns/strike-stroke

The Laurence Trust invites you to a ‘Chill Out and Laugh’ evening on Wednesday 27th September 2017 in The Blackbox, Belfast.  This event will provide: ‘lite bites’ of alternative therapies; information on courses being run by Belfast Met that give people an opportunity to proactively channel energies into an enjoyable hobby or pastime; leisure activities to participate in.  The main attraction is a young man called Dave Chawner from London who suffered an Eating Disorder.  Dave is now a regular Edinburgh Fringe Festival comedian who has turned his mental health issues into a comedy show which highlights the issues people face and how he has overcome them.  His motivational routine is well worth hearing. Families of sufferers are very welcome.