The Institute of Public Health and the Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing (Ulster University) are holding a seminar on Tuesday 6th December 2016, in the Clayton Hotel, Belfast on the theme of ‘Loneliness and Ageing - A Public Health Issue’.  For further details and to register, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In September, the Irish Government launched 'A Healthy Weight for Ireland: Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016 - 2025'.  This ten year plan responds to the rising levels of obesity in the Republic of Ireland, with 1 in 4 children and 6 in 10 adults now being overweight or obese.  The policy sets out what are known as the 'Ten Steps Forward’.  These aim to reverse the current obesity trend, prevent complications associated with obesity, and reduce the overall burden for individuals, their families and the health system.  You can find out more at: http://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/A-Healthy-Weight-for-Ireland-Obesity-Policy-and-Action-Plan-2016-2025.pdf

This seminar series is designed to upskill community professionals on how the physical environment shapes community health and wellbeing, and how communities can effectively inform policy making.  It has been developed to support engagement with the emerging spatial plan for Belfast City - the Local Development Plan (LDP).  The LDP process creates an opportunity for communities to inform development of their local neighbourhoods.  This programme highlights key issues relevant to healthy communities, including: creating people friendly neighbourhoods; transport; greening the city; place and mental wellbeing; and engaging all age groups.  The seminar programme can be accessed at: www.belfasthealthycities.com/sites/default/files/seminar%20programme%20-%20healthy%20places%2C%20healthy%20people.pdf   To register, Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating which seminar you wish to register for and if you have any access or dietary requirements.

'Spill the beans' and support a YouthAction NI Foyle YouthBank initiative to encourage young people to build their mental fitness and wellbeing ...  Raise a minimum of £10 sponsorship and register now to get dunked into baked beans in Guildhall Square Derry / Londonderry, on Saturday 12th November 2016, from 2.00pm - 4.00pm.  Foyle Youthbank (a partnership between YouthAction NI and St Columb's Park House) is a youth-led initiative, made up of 14 young people aged 16-25 years, which supports young people to deliver projects that support their mental health and wellbeing.  They are holding this event to help fund these projects, and are keen to raise awareness of their message: 'Don’t can it up.  Spill the beans about mental health!'  To register to get dunked, show your support, or find out more, contact Connor or Emma on Tel: 02871 318854 or visit: www.facebook.com/events/573557389503395

This year’s event will bring together a wide range of experts who will present up-to-date research and practice models from throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland via keynote presentations and interactive workshops.  It will focus upon: genito-urinary medicine; dating apps and STIs; LGBTQ research into resilience; PrEP; FGM; and sexual assault / sexual violence.  It will be held in the Ramada Plaza, Belfast, on Wednesday 23rd November 2016, from 9.00am - 5.00pm.  For further information, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Funding for Building the Community-Pharmacy Partnership (BCPP) projects in Northern Ireland is, currently, available for Level 2 Projects.  Level 2 support is for those seeking to develop a community-pharmacy partnership that will address a range of locally identified health and wellbeing needs.  Funding of up to £10,000 will be awarded for projects lasting approximately one year.  The closing date for applications is Thursday 17th November 2016, and application forms and guidance notes are available at: www.cdhn.org/bcpp-how-apply

This one-day training course for professional counsellors, therapists, and other mental health workers aims to introduce key aspects of working with clients who are living with HIV, as well as with their friends/partners/families, and introduces best practice guidelines for professionals working in this area.  It will take place on Thursday 3rd November 2016, from 10.00am - 4.30pm, in HIV Ireland, 70 Eccles Street, Dublin 7.  Further information and booking forms are available at: www.hivireland.ie/what-we-do/training/hiv-an-overview-for-counsellors