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

The Marie Keating Foundation is hosting a free information session for men and women interested in, or affected by, skin cancer.  This will take place on Friday 26th August 2016, from 2.00pm - 4.30pm, in the Imperial Hotel, Cork.  Participants will hear from a consultant dermatologist, a specialist dermatology nurse, a skin cancer survivor, and a mindfulness expert.  They will also be able to speak to a nurse for free after the event.  Registration is essential.  To book a place, visit: www.mariekeating.ie/events or call: 01 6283728.

This year's Irish Heart Month during September will focus upon ‘Stop the Drama’.  The Irish Heart Foundation aims to take the drama out of family meals by providing child-endorsed, parent-approved, heart-healthy recipes.  They have gathered expert tips on managing children’s behaviour at mealtimes, healthy food swaps, snack ideas and key nutrition tips.  Everyone can get involved by promoting this campaign in their workplace or community.  Find out more at: www.nodrama.ie

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland invites you to attend their free Men’s Health Conference 2016.  This will look at some of life’s challenges and barriers for men, and will review practical strategies that build resilience and allow men to bounce back.  This event will take place on Thursday 15th September 2016, from 9.00am - 1.30pm, in the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim.  To register / get further information, email Denise Bownes: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ireland’s inaugural 'Mental Health and Wellbeing Summit' is taking place in the Aviva Stadium on Friday 14th October 2016.  This event is open to all sectors - from health practitioners, to the corporate sector, to the general public.  The Summit will cover many topics over the course of the day through a series of talks and workshops.  The speakers come from various areas of expertise including medical, psychological, sports, nutrition, research and personal experience.  They include Bressie and the ‘Ironmind Challenge’ team (probably the most well-known local advocates for mental health).  The event will also feature a panel of speakers who will discuss their own personal experiences and how they cope with mental health issues on a daily basis.  For more information, visit: www.mentalhealthandwellbeingsummit.com or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ReachOut Ireland will be hosting the fourth international Technology for Wellbeing Conference on Wednesday 14th September 2016 in The Marker Hotel, Dublin.  The conference will look at: online mental health service delivery; innovation in technology and mental health; social media and mental health; suicide prevention and the internet; mental health promotion / public messaging online; national policy in technology and mental health; good practice in the safe delivery of online mental health services; technology, cyber-safety and young people; youth participation and engagement with online interventions.  For more information, visit: http://ie.reachout.com/about/programme-2016