|
The programme will provide a supportive, safe and welcoming learning environment for men in their own communities, and will offer courses that are specifically designed for men and which focus on topics which are of interest to them. These courses will address four key areas: learning, health/well-being, parenting, and community work/volunteering.
“Man Matters” is a partnership project run by the Workers’ Educational Association, Home-Start NI, the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, Ballynafeigh Community Development Association, and Parents Advice Centre.
This initiative aims to help men to unlock their potential and improve their lives. It will support them to make a positive impact on their health, their children’s lives and their community, as well assisting Health and Social Services to increase their understanding of effective practice with men.
If you have a group of men who might be interested, or you simply want to receive more information, please contact Dawn or Gary at Tel: 02890 329718.
The courses will address four key areas: learning, health/well-being, parenting, and community work/volunteering.
| Men & Parenting |
The Flat Pack Guide for Fathers.
This short course is designed for men in a parenting role. The course aims to increase participants understanding and knowledge of parenting skills. Participants will be free to choose which topics interest them from an extensive list of family focused topics.
The course can be run over 4 two hour sessions.
|
Training Male Helpline Volunteers
This course seeks to increase the skills and knowledge base of men who are prepared to work as helpline volunteers. The PAC helpline offers support and guidance to anyone facing difficulties in their families. The PAC is seeking to involve a greater number of men in the service.
|
| Men & Learning |
IT
A variety of IT courses are available e.g. Introduction to Email and Text Messaging, Introduction to Using the Internet, Introduction to Personal Digital Photography, Presentation Software Level 1, Website Software Level 1.
Each introductory course can be run over 5 two hour sessions. The introduction courses are accredited by the Open College Network at Entry Level with 1 credit. The Level 1 courses are accredited by the Open College Network with 4 credits.
|
Total Football
This discussion course uses the familiar theme of Football to encourage men to become involved in interactive group learning on topics which include history, hooliganism and racism, marketing and money matters.
As an introduction into the learning environment this course seeks, through the familiarity of the subject, to encourage men to become involved in further training and learning.
The course can be run over 10 two hour sessions. The course is accredited by Open College Network at Level 1 with 1 Credit.
|
Improve your Maths
This short course in Maths will help men to develop or brush up on their maths skills. This course can be stand alone or taken in tandem with the Improve your English course below. It can also provide a starting point for progression to a longer more formal essential skills qualification.
Each course can be run over 10 two hour sessions.
|
Improve your English
Designed to help men develop their written, and spoken, English, this relaxed course will utilise adult friendly resources keeping the emphasis on practical and useful learning.
The course is also beneficial to enable fathers with young families to help with their children’s homework by increasing participants English and reading skills.
Each course can be run over 10 two hour sessions.
|
Understanding Myself and Others
Many men, due to a lack of confidence and self belief, are reluctant to get involved in group or community activities, training or learning programmes.
This personal development course which looks at issues such as self esteem, assertiveness and motivation can be a first step in encouraging men back into learning and increased involvement in group and community activity.
The course can be run over 10 two hour sessions. The course is accredited by the Open College Network at Level 1 with 1 Credit.
|
| Men and Community |
Getting involved in your community,
This accredited self development course helps individuals build the skills necessary for effective involvement in community action.
Aimed at people who want to, start a group, join an existing group or for those already within a community group who wish to develop their skills.
Course content includes: Personal goal setting, confidence building, presentation and speaking skills and understanding the types of groups and their roles
The course can be run over 10 two hour sessions. The course is accredited by the Open College Network at Level 1 with 1 Credit.
|
Community Group Management
This course builds on the foundations laid by “Getting involved in your community” allowing participants to achieve a greater level of skill in community and voluntary work.
Aimed at people who want to play a more active role in the management, running and development of community groups, this course aims to provide an introduction to management committee skills, running meetings and project planning.
Course content includes: Roles and functions of a committee, roles and responsibilities of committee members .planning and managing meetings.
The course can be run over 10 two hour sessions. The course is accredited by the Open College Network at Level 2 with 3 Credits; Additional Home study will be required for accreditation.
|
| Men and Health |
Personal Health
This course in personal health and well being provides an introduction to our physical and mental well being.
Touching on the positive effects of good diet, exercise and awareness raising about sexual health, the risks of smoking and alcohol, this course gives practical guidance on how to look after ourselves. It is an excellent introduction to men’s personal health and a healthy platform for further study.
This unaccredited course can be run over 10 two hour sessions.
Men’s Health a Common Sense Course
This accredited course is for ordinary men who want to know more about how their body works. From top to bottom this course should help you understand more about your health and how to look after it.
Apart from the theory around men’s health, it is hoped we will also be able to offer practical help such as checks on cholesterol, blood pressure and BMI.
The course can be run over 10 two hour sessions. The course is accredited with NIOCN at Level 2 with 1 credit.
|
Understanding and Managing Stress
This course seeks to improve participants understanding of stress. It will help learners identify stress in their lives and the sources of stress. Participants will learn how to distinguish between different types of stress, and the effects on their health and well being. In addition to identifying ways of managing stress and how to deal with stressful situations, the course concludes by describing and evaluating some stress management techniques.
The course can be run over 10 two hour sessions. The course is accredited by the Open College Network with 3 Credits; at Level 1
|
Health Champion trainer
This new course will be developed for men who have undertaken other training within the programme. It will be designed to encourage men to raise awareness of health issues with their peers. Participants will be supported to organise a health awareness raising event which can be tied into health awareness week.
|
Mentoring and support
All participants (excluding those on service provider training) will receive mentoring support and guidance while on the programme. This will include:
• Induction, looking at learning needs against provision.
• A guidance session at the end of each course, examining progression options.
• Offline support system using text messaging, e-mail and phone in addition to learning support.
|
WEA Projects 
