This one-day conference (which will be held in Cork on Friday 7th October 2016) will showcase the latest research in the field of youth (12-25 years of age) mental health, and will address the challenges and opportunities in providing the best possible care and support to young people experiencing mental health difficulties.  To find out more, see: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/da2ffbb725507d40491be133d/files/Programme_and_booking_form.pdf

This one-day training (co-facilitated by the National Youth Council of Ireland and HIV Ireland) aims to increase the knowledge and skills of participants to support the development of a policy in sexual health within their respective organisations.  The course will be of interest to workers who are addressing the sexual health needs of young people through the provision of education, support and advocacy services as well as other related service provision.  It will take place on Thursday 29th September 2016, from 10.00am - 4.00pm, in HIV Ireland, 70 Eccles Street, Dublin 7.  To book a place visit: www.hivireland.ie/what-we-do/training/good-practice-sexual-health-policy-development or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Are you trying for a baby, without success?  Do you need professional help and support? ...  If so, you are invited to attend five free workshops in Belfast which will look at fertility nutrition, fertility counselling, stress resilience, nourishing your relationship and alternative therapies.  These events are being organised by Infertility Network Northern Ireland, and will be held in the Agape Centre, 238 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 6GF on the last Thursday of the month, from September 2016 to February 2017, 7.00pm - 9.00pm (excluding December).  For more information and to book a place, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Tel: 02890 825677.

A new Northern Ireland support project for same-sex attracted parents and their families is offering social opportunities, training and education programmes, family fun days, advocacy and advice, information, and dedicated family support staff.  For more information, contact Grainne Gibson, Tel: 02890 249452  |  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or  Paul Kelly, Tel: 02890 319030  |  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“It was decision time.  Accept my depression and address it or ... the inevitable!  Reality has hit, YOU CAN’T ESCAPE IT; you can lose yourself but you will be found, you can move but you cannot hide, you can accept it and begin to move on.  I’m not after sympathy or a pat on the back, I just want to share my story and let people know how grateful I am to be here to share.  I know I am one of the lucky ones ...”   Read more from Neil Kelders’ (See Change Ambassador) Blog about mental health at: www.seechange.ie/it-is-never-too-late-neil-kelders

Do you want to become a highly skilled facilitator and advance within your chosen profession or seek new employment opportunities? ...  If so, you might like to consider the Master of Arts in Advanced Facilitation Skills for Promoting Health and Wellbeing - an innovative practice orientated programme which is the only one of its kind nationally.  It is designed to enhance personal growth and development in order to advance knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies required for effective facilitation of health and wellbeing programmes with groups, individuals and key populations.  This is a full-time course, and its delivery reflects the flexibility required for adult learners.  The programme is delivered over two days each month in Dublin, with three residential weekends throughout the year.  For further information, visit: www.wit.ie/courses/school/health_sciences/department_of_health_sport_exercise_studies/ma-in-advanced-facilitation-skills-for-promoting-health-and-well-being   If you do not currently hold a Level 8 qualification, contact the course leaders for information on the recognition of prior learning process - as this may make you eligible to apply directly for this MA.

The Action Cancer Health Promotion Team have travelled throughout Northern Ireland promoting and delivering their Annual Men’s Health Campaign.  The aim of this campaign was to engage and empower men to take action on their own health, and to increase awareness of testicular and prostate cancers.  Each year in Northern Ireland, approximately 4,426 men are diagnosed with cancer - this is equivalent to 402 football / soccer teams!  The team delivered across 18 community pop-up venues, including sports clubs and community centres.  In the 18 community venues, 487 men attended for an MOT health check which involved blood pressure, blood cholesterol, glucose, lung function and body composition checks, as well as an opportunity to learn more about healthier lifestyles and the signs and symptoms of male cancers.  Of the 487 who attended, 57% were referred to their GP for either blood pressure, blood cholesterol or blood glucose outside recommended levels.  That is equivalent to 18½ Rugby or Gaelic teams making a visit to their GP.  Increased numbers of male health checks were also made available within Action Cancer House and on the ‘Big Bus’ - with GP referral rates of 74% and 41% respectively.  For further information on this campaign, or to book a MOT health check, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or Tel: 02890 80334.

Saturday 10th September 2016 is World Suicide Prevention Day.  Have you seen the new video about men and mental health produced by Movember?  If not, check it out below.  For information, signposting and support on mental health issues visit: www.yourmentalhealth.ie or www.mindingyourhead.info