The number of male family carers in Northern Ireland is rising and, currently, around 42% of family carers are male.  Ulster University is conducting research into the experience of men who are at home looking after a spouse/partner who is living with a long-term illness or disability.  The researcher, Anne Fee (PhD Student), is recruiting male participants for the current phase of the study which comprises one-to-one interviews about their experience of caring for their spouse/partner.  Interviews will last around one hour, and will be conducted at home or in a local day centre.  If necessary, expenses can be provided to arrange alternative care while the interview is taking place, and all participants will be offered a £20 voucher in recognition of their time.  For further information about the study, or to register interest to be interviewed, contact Anne Fee at Tel: 0790 7579875, or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative (HaPAI) Team has opened the call for applications to the 'Community Intervention to Increase Physical Activity Levels in Adults Over 50 Years of Age in Ireland' programme.  This award is co-funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies and the HSE Health and Wellbeing Division.  It is a two-step process involving an Expression of Interest (Step 1) and Full Application for successful Expression of Interest applicants (Step 2).  The closing date for receipt of Step 1 applications is Wednesday 20th September 2017 at 4.30pm.  For informal queries, contact: Mary Clare O’Hara, Research Call Lead, HSE Health and Wellbeing Division at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Macmillan Cancer Support is expanding their Community Helper Scheme across Northern Ireland and are looking for volunteers to support local people living with cancer - volunteers like Victor Tedford, who says: ‘Having witnessed first-hand the great work Macmillan does for local people living with cancer, it made perfect sense to me to start volunteering once I had retired from work.  I would encourage anyone to give volunteering a try.  It can be emotional, but it is very fulfilling.  It’s very rewarding helping someone when they need it most.’  Macmillan organises local volunteers to spend a few hours a week, helping with light household tasks such as shopping, cleaning or just offering a listening ear.  If you could spare a few hours a week to help someone living near you, contact Alex, Rachel or Sarah at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 02890 708610.

Contact will be holding their 7th ‘Suicide Prevention - What Works?’ conference on Thursday 16th November 2017 in the Titanic Centre, Belfast.  More details will soon be available at: www.contactni.com

The Community Foundation for Ireland is particularly keen to hear the opinions of men in their 'VitalSigns' survey for 2017. This research grades twelve key issus that affect the quality of life of those who live, work, play and learn in Ireland. It combines public perception, factual data, and community leaders’ perceptions in order to tell a more nuanced and complete story of Ireland’s vibrancy, and to highlight areas in which challenges still need to be overcome. It is hoped that the better we understand our communities, the better equipped we are to make decisions and take positive action. To participate, visit: www.surveymonkey.com/r/vitalsigns2017

In this, their 30th Anniversary Year, HIV Ireland will be running a conference which will explore the history of HIV, stigma and social inclusion within the areas of addiction, homelessness, sex work, the LGBT community, the migrant community and, specifically, people living with HIV in Ireland since 1987.  They will also be launching Ireland’s first National HIV Stigma Survey since 2007.  The conference is titled 'HIV, Social Inclusion, Stigma and Social Policy', and will take place on Thursday 28th September 2017, in the Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin.

Mojo is a 12 week training programme - developed by a collective of organisations - to reduce the high level of male suicide in Ireland.  In the programme, men learn to build their mental and physical fitness, while developing the ability to engage with local services, set goals and develop a life plan.  The next Mojo programme for South Dublin will start on 20th September 2017 (with registration on 13th September).  The target group is men who have been directly affected by the recession and employment issues, and who are: 18 years or older; motivated to change; keen to get their Mojo back; willing to participate in a 12 week programme (2 mornings per week); able to take personal responsibility.  Participation on this course does not affect social welfare benefits.  To find out more, call Catherine Mooney on Tel: 087 1471152 or 01 4649300 | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  |  Visit: www.mojo-programme.org

This 30 week City and Guilds accredited course will begin in October 2017, and take place in the North West Regional College, Strand Road, Derry / Londonderry on Wednesdays from 5.30pm - 9.30pm.  The focus of the qualification is on working with adults, aged 18 - 65 years, who are in contact with mental health care and support services.  The course will provide an opportunity for individuals to reflect upon their own experience as practitioners in order to enhance their practice, skills and knowledge in the area of mental health care.  Elements covered will include: mental wellbeing; mental health promotion; mental health problems; interventions; the legal, policy and service framework in mental health; care, support, planning and risk management; effective communication and building relationships; enabling service users and carers to manage change; effective team and joint working.  For further information, contact Margaret McChrystal at Tel: 02871 276173  |  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.