Date: Tuesday, October 29th (10.30 – 12.30) This talk will be on the importance of developmental play for children of all abilities.  Joanna Fortune will introduce the stages of developmental play and why they matter, what kind of play meets these developmental needs in children of special needs and will highlight her 15 minute play per day system (from my book 15 minute parenting – the quick and easy way to connect with your child).  All participants will leave with some handouts with the main points and some practical play techniques they can start using at home straight away. Biography: […]

The National Advocacy Services for people with Disabilities launched their  Annual Report 2018. The Report, and easy-to-read summary, are available to view on the NAS website.

Healthcare professionals involved in management of services are now invited to apply for the HOPE exchange programme. The programme is designed to promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise within Europe.

We invite you to be part of the Know Check Ask medication safety campaign which launched successfully in July. Join the conversation on social media in advance of World Patient Safety Day (17th September) by using hashtag #KnowCheckAsk and #Patientsafety. 

World Mental Health Day takes place on the 10th of October and the important theme this year is Suicide Prevention. On October 10th, we'd love to see you Connect as one way to nurture and enhance your own mental health. There's a few ways you can do this.

This report contains a breakdown of the 206 concerns received in 2018.  The office receives concerns and complaints related to vulnerable adults in HSE or HSE funded care services. The Confidential Recipient closed 83% of all concerns and complaints raised during 2018. Ms Leigh Gath has been the Confidential Recipient since 2014. Although appointed by the HSE, Ms Gath remains independent in carrying out the duties of the Confidential Recipient. Ms Gath welcomes the growing number of staff members who contact her office. “While a culture of fear in coming forward is slowly eroding, it is important to give assurance […]

A number of initiatives have been launched to improve Mental Health Service Users’ physical health  These initiatives were developed with service users and include: A Physical Health Assessment Tool for Acute Adult Mental Health Units, Lifestyles Referral Pathways to access national screening, alcohol misuse and smoking cessation services, The Let’s Get Active Guidelines which will: Help staff to raise awareness of the benefits of exercise as a useful therapeutic tool for people with mental health problems. Provide practical resources and strategies for staff to support service users to include physical activity in daily life. Find more information about physical health supports for mental […]

Applications for the 2019 Charity Impact Awards opened on  Monday, 2 September, at 9 am!  The aim of the Charity Impact Awards is to celebrate the positive impact charities, community and voluntary organisations and social enterprises are making in people’s lives across the length and breadth of Ireland.  This is a great opportunity to raise awareness about your organisation and its impact! We want you to nominate charities, social enterprises and trustees who have inspiring stories to tell.  You can nominate in the following three categories: 1. Impact Award This award celebrates the work of organisations that have brought about positive change in their […]

The National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) published its Annual Report for 2018.  You can access the annual report here. For information on how to look after your mental health, and services and supports, visit yourmentalhealth.ie The Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Jim Daly TD launched the report today. The report outlines activities and initiatives from: Partner agencies and funded NGOs working in the area of mental health promotion and suicide prevention. The network of Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention working on the implementation of 17 local Connecting for Life action plans. Improvements in the delivery of suicide and self-harm […]

The BA (Hons) in Applied Social Studies (Level 8) at Maynooth University is still accepting applications for the 2019-20 academic year. This is a one-year progression programme for holders of relevant Level 7 awards, with flexible modular options. For further information see: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/applied-social-studies/our-courses/ba-applied-social-studies Those interested in applying should write to: appliedsocialstudies@mu.ie