Family Mediation NI (FMNI) is the lead service provider and training organisation for family mediation in Northern Ireland.  They are inviting eligible candidates to apply for Stage One of the three-step comprehensive training route to accreditation as a Family Mediator recognised in the United Kingdom and Ireland.  The mediation service offered by FMNI focuses on the needs of the children of separating couples.  FMNI offers separating couples the opportunity to reach their own agreements during and after separation about their children, finances and living arrangements.  This is widely accepted as a more sustainable outcome than one imposed on them by, for example, the Court process.  The first step to becoming an accredited family mediator is to successfully complete the Foundation Training Programme (FTP).  FMNI is approved by both The College of Mediators (UK) and The Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (MII) to deliver a programme comprised of generic mediation training and a specialist element for working with separating couples.  FMNI is offering the twelve day FTP (Stage One) over six two-day modules in Belfast during early 2017.  For more information, see: www.familymediationni.org.uk/training/approved-foundation-training-programme

The All-Ireland Traveller Health Study 2010 showed a high rate of ill health and suicide within the Traveller community: suicide accounts for 11% of all Traveller deaths; the suicide rate for Traveller men is 7 times higher than the national average; suicide is most common in young Traveller men aged 15-25 years; life expectancy for Traveller men is 15 years less than settled men; cancer and heart disease are the main causes of death among Traveller men ...  On Wednesday 23rd November 2016, local legends - Christy Moore and Bressie - helped Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre to launch a Position Paper on Traveller Men's Health which highlights this need and makes suggestions for future actions.  You can find out more / access the report at: www.paveepoint.ie/christy-moore-and-bressie-back-calls-for-targeted-action-on-traveller-mens-health

The Mojo programme seeks to support men who are affected by employment issues.  The target group is men who are: directly affected by the recession, unemployment, or issues with employment which have increased their risk of distress; 18 years or older; living in South County Dublin; motivated to change and who want to get their Mojo back; able to participate in a 12 week programme - 2 mornings per week, starting on 18th January 2017.  Participation on this course does not affect social welfare benefits.  If you want to know 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

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) is hosting a series of Fatherhood Seminars on Thursday 5th January 2017 in Mid-Antrim Museum and Arts Centre at The Braid (Ballymena Town Hall).  These seminars are targeted at staff and organisations within the NHSCT area who engage with families through their programmes and who wish to increase engagement with fathers.  The sessions will be led by the Fatherhood Institute.  For more information and a registration form, contact Mary-Frances Bell (Programme Support Officer, Health and Wellbeing Team) by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This report provides an overview of results from the second wave of the ‘Healthy Ireland Survey’ - an annual interviewer administered face-to-face survey commissioned by the Department of Health in the Republic of Ireland.  The survey data plays a number of roles, including supporting the Department in ongoing engagement and awareness-raising activities in the various policy areas and supporting policy development.  See the results at: http://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Healthy-Ireland-Survey-2016-Summary-Findings.pdf

One of the most comprehensive global surveys ever undertaken into men’s perceptions of their health reveals that the overwhelming majority of men want to take greater control of their health and wellbeing.  They are also just as confident as women that they can do so.  The survey - ‘Men’s Health: Perceptions from Around the Globe’ - shows that almost 9 out of 10 men want to take a more proactive role in managing their health.  This is in sharp contrast to the commonly-held belief that men don’t look after themselves and often ignore health problems.  The findings indicate significant opportunities for policymakers around the world who are looking for ways to improve men’s health and wellbeing as part of more efficient and effective healthcare services.  To find out more, visit: www.gamh.org/men4selfcare

‘Connect’ - the Freephone telephone counselling and support service for adults who experienced abuse in childhood - will once again extend its service to open every evening from Wednesday 14th December 2016 up to, and including, Sunday 1st January 2017, from 6.00pm -10.00pm.  Connect has, year on year, noticed an increase in men availing of its service to speak confidentially and anonymously about childhood experiences of neglect and trauma with a professionally trained psychotherapist.  The Christmas period can be quite an isolating and stressful time for people, and everyone is encouraged to avail of the Connect service which is Freephone 1800 477 477 to callers from the Republic of Ireland and 00800 477 477 77 to callers from the UK and Northern Ireland.

This publication is one of a series of reports produced as part of the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Inequalities Monitoring System (HSCIMS), and presents a comprehensive analysis of health inequality gaps between the most and least deprived areas of Northern Ireland, across a range of indicators.  The report is accompanied by downloadable data tables which contain all figures, including urban and rural breakdowns.  The report also includes a set of infographics incorporating some of the main findings.  It can be accessed at: www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/hscims-report-2016.pdf