The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) is seeking volunteers in the Republic of Ireland to get two important messages out into the community: (1) It is possible to reduce your risk of cancer by as much as 50% by making lifestyle changes.  (2) Spotting a change that could be cancer early can save lives.  To become a volunteer, you need to be willing to attend a two day training programme on either 4th-5th February, 8th-9th April, or in September 2011 (dates to be confirmed).  You don’t need to have medical training to become a volunteer.  However, a number of qualities are important.  These include: being able to deliver a talk / information while sticking to the ICS message; good communication skills; a willingness to learn; reliability; and being able to organise and keep records.  For more information, contact: Rosemary Scott at Tel: 01 2310579 or Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you are a father and would like to share your views and opinions, please keep reading.  In modern Ireland, men seem to be more involved from the beginning, to support and encourage their partners through their pregnancy, and to prepare themselves for all and any life changes that may occur throughout fatherhood.  But is there any support thereafter for these men?  This study aims to highlight any common issues and possible stressors ahead for dads, to enhance knowledge surrounding these issues, and to look at if there is a need to have more support for men.  Follow the link to take part in this study.  Your opinion really counts:  www.kwiksurveys.com/online-survey.php?surveyID=IKHLIL_cf476ede

Northern Irish Parents of babies due (or placed for adoption) on or after the 3rd of April 2011, have the right to avail of Additional Paternity Leave and Pay (APL&P).  This is on top of the two weeks Statutory Paternity Leave already due to fathers.  Fathers can take between two and twenty-six weeks Additional Paternity Leave (APL) after the 20th week since the baby’s birth or adoption, providing the mother has returned to work.  The father’s APL must be completed by the baby’s first birthday, with Additional Paternity Pay in line with the mother’s maternity period.  Fathers considering APL&P should provide eight weeks notice to their employer, advising them of their intention to take APL.  For further information on APL&P, including rules and eligibility, and other childcare and work related issues, call Employers for Childcare’s Freephone Helpline on 0800 028 6538.

One of the difficulties with men’s work is the lack of good quality research, evidence and data.  Nevertheless, in times of financial cutbacks, providing solid evidence of need becomes even more crucial.  The Man Matters project has teamed up with ARK to help address the gaps identified, and a free workshop (supported by the Big Lottery Fund) has been planned for Tuesday 15th February 2011, 10.00am - 1.00pm, in Belfast.  This will focus upon: "Accessing and Collecting Data: How and Why", and will identify a range of online data sources relevant to work with men as well as focus upon the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of collecting data.  The seminar will be practically orientated.  To book a place, ring Michael Glover on 02890 329718, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your contact details, putting ‘Research workshop’ in the subject line.  Click here for more details on this event.

International Men's Health Week (MHW) always begins on the Monday before Father's Day and ends on Father's Day itself.  This year, it will run from Monday 13th until Sunday 19th June 2011 and, in Ireland, will focus upon "Promoting and Supporting the Health and Well-Being of Men and Boys During Challenging Times".  MHW is celebrated in most European countries, as well as in the USA, Australia and a number of other places worldwide.  The overarching aims of this week are to: heighten awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages; support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices / activities; encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties in males.  Why not put these dates into your diary, and start thinking about how your organisation could mark this week and engage men / boys in this area?  You can view an evaluation of MHW 2010 at: www.mhfi.org/mhwevaluation2010.pdf (PDF, 1.46MB).