Irish Criminal Justice Agencies Conference 2022
Carmichael are proud to promote the upcoming 8th Annual Irish Criminal Justice Agencies Conference 2022.
Carmichael resident member group the ACJRD are a key partner for the 2022 edition of the conference, for the event which takes place at The Printworks Event and Exhibition Centre in Dublin Castle.
“Race, Migration and the Criminal Justice System”, is the theme for this year’s event, for this one day long collaborative conference, which will include Department of Justice, Maynooth University, University College Dublin, Limerick University, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Irish Prison Service, An Garda Síochána, The Probation Service, Policing Authority, Courts Service, Garda Síochána Inspectorate, Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Association for Criminal Justice Research and Development (ACJRD).
Speakers at the Irish Criminal Justice Agencies Conference
Notably, James Browne TD, Minister of State, Department of Justice, will open this year’s Conference. Speakers will include:
- Megan Berry, Traveller Outreach Officer, Maynooth University
- Joe Garrihy,Assistant Professor in Criminology the School of Law and Criminology, Maynooth University
- Caroline Haughey, OBE, QC, Furnival Chambers
- Lucy Michael, Lucy Michael Research Training & Consultancy
- Mary Phelan, Dublin City University
- Alexander Ritzmann, Counter Extremism Project
- Hindpal Singh Bhui, University of Oxford, School of Law and Inspection Team Leader at HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP)
- The following Thematic Speakers have been confirmed:
- Ifrah Ahmed, Ifrah Foundation
- Lisa Anderson, Senior Probation Officer, The Probation Service
- Seamus Beirne, Irish Prison Service
- Shalom Binchy, Solicitor
- Yvonne Cooke, Acting Executive Director of Human Resources and People Development, An Garda Síochána
- Catherine Cosgrave, Managing Solicitor, Immigrant Council of Ireland, Independent Law Centre
- Kate Gillen, Social Work Specialist, Child Care Performance and Social Work Unit, DCEDIY
- Zoryana Pshyk, Ex Asylum-Seeker and Chairperson of Kildare Integration Network (KIN)
- Tony Swaine, Probation Officer, The Probation Service
- Liam Thornton, Associate Professor, School of Law, UCD
Bookings are now open. To book, please click here.
The Chatham House Rule:
To encourage openness and the sharing of information, the Chatham House Rule will be invoked at this conference.
*The Chatham House Rule reads as follows: “When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed“.
See: https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/chatham-house-rule
Contact Details for the ACJRD
You can keep up to date with all news from ACJRD on their website here. Also, they’re on social media too; find their Twitter here, and LinkedIn here.
International Men’s Health Week is Here
International Men’s Health Week (June 13 – 19) is upon us and Carmichael resident member Men’s Health Forum Ireland are celebrating IMHW with a number of unique initiatives and events.
The week-long event is celebrated in countries across the world, such as New Zealand, Australia, Canada and more. The premise of International Men’s Health Week is 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.
However, the need for this awareness week might not be as clear to some, but according to Men’s Health Forum Ireland, the need is clear.
Why the Need for an International Men’s Health Week?
Colin Fowler of MHFI states:
- Local men die younger than women do.
- Males have higher death rates than females for almost all of the leading causes of death and at all ages.
- Men’s poorer lifestyles are responsible for a high proportion of chronic diseases.
- Late presentation to health services can lead to a large number of problems becoming untreatable.
Realistic Goals
During 2022, the theme for the awareness week in Ireland is ‘MISSION: isPOSSIBLE’ and the call to men (and those who support the health of men) is: ‘The Action Starts with You’. The idea here is, clearly, to set realistic goals in order to improve one’s own physical and mental health. Every small step indeed does make a tangible difference.
Dr Noel Richardson, Director of the National Centre for Men’s Health in South East Technological University, reflects: “However, this is not a ‘lost cause’, and this situation can be improved in many significant ways. For me, the key message for Men’s Health Week is that small things can really make a difference – whether it’s going for a walk, taking time out, re-connecting with a friend. It’s about doing something positive for yourself and building momentum towards positive change, one step at a time.”
The press release for the event explains:
“Men’s Health Week this year takes place in the context of an easing of the constraints introduced to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Worldwide, this virus had a major impact upon men’s health, as well as their wider lives.
It placed a myriad of restrictions upon everyone. However, Men’s Health Week 2022 seeks to reverse this trend, and focuses upon what we can do to take back control of our own health. All too often we set ourselves unrealistic targets. Therefore, this year, everyone is asked to focus upon small, simple and practical things to improve their health”.
Focus of Attention
Paul Ferris, Men’s Health Week 2022 Ambassador, ex-professional footballer with Newcastle United, and award winning author, comments:
“From my personal experience of living with health and wellbeing issues, I appreciate that men and boys need both opportunities to improve their health, as well as support to do so. Men’s Health Week offers an ideal time to focus our attention upon the needs of males, and to make a positive and meaningful difference to their lives”.
The Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (www.mhfi.org) is a charity which works on an all-island basis to improve the health of men and boys. It is a voluntary network of individuals and organisations, men and women, which seeks to identify the key concerns relating to male health and to increase understanding of these issues.
Final Details
Financial support for the week was received from Health Service Executive Health and Wellbeing, Healthy Ireland within the Department of Health, and the Public Health Agency. To find out more about the work of Men’s Health Forum Ireland visit their site here.
Carmichael opens applications for the Good Governance Awards 2022.
Strong governance in the nonprofit sector is more important than ever for maintaining public trust and is essential for the sustainability of the nonprofit sector. That’s according to Carmichael, who launched the Good Governance Awards 2022 today (01.06.22).
The Good Governance Awards recognise and encourage adherence to responsible governance by nonprofit organisations in Ireland. Awards are made based on the quality of an organisation’s annual report and financial statements.
Commenting today (01.06.22), Diarmaid Ó Corrbuí, CEO of Carmichael, said: “We are delighted to open applications for the Good Governance Awards 2022. Each year the Awards showcase the incredible work carried out by nonprofit organisations in Ireland to implement effective and transparent corporate governance policies.
“The awards are now in their 7th year and I am delighted to say it is going from strength to strength. We had a record number of entries last year with 124 nonprofits entering the awards from across the country and in most of the categories we are seeing the standard increasing.
“Charities and nonprofit organisations are very dependent on public trust and support for their sustainability and survival. In recent years, a number of high-profile cases of poor governance have damaged public trust. These cases are unacceptable and are not the norm in our sector. The annual report provides a real opportunity for nonprofits to tell their story and showcase their commitment to transparency by outlining its performance, governance, culture and financials. An annual report can help to reinforce trust and strengthen relationships with stakeholders and build relationships with the public, potential donors, volunteers and supporters.”
As part of the judging process for the awards, annual reports of applicants are assessed by panels of governance and accountancy experts under the following criteria: transparency, governance, performance and impact and financial information.
Last year’s awardees were: Sharing Point, Volleyball Ireland, Marie Keating Foundation, Jigsaw, Central Remedial Clinic and Concern Worldwide.
Mr. Ó Corrbuí added, “The Good Governance Awards raise the quality of corporate governance in the nonprofit sector by encouraging higher standards of good practice. Expert feedback is provided to all entrants on how to improve the quality of their annual reports. This helps to ensure our sector is meeting best practice and constantly reforming.”
“We were delighted to have the sports organisation Volleyball Ireland as one of the Good Governance Award winners in 2021 and this year we would encourage more entries from sporting bodies and, in particular, from smaller, volunteer-run nonprofits. The awards are open to any Irish nonprofit organisation with a social objective. This can include charities, social enterprises, unincorporated groups, sports organisations and companies limited guarantee. We welcome applications from all areas – from local sports clubs and community groups to social & health service providers and arts organisations.”
How to Enter
There are seven categories for the awards based on the annual turnover of the organisation:
- Category 1: For organisations with an annual turnover of less than €50,000
- Category 2: For organisations with an annual turnover of between €50,000 and €250.000.
- Category 3: For organisations with an annual turnover of over €250,000 and under €1 million.
- Category 4: For organisations with an annual turnover of over €1 million and under €5 million.
- Category 5: For organisations with an annual turnover of over €5 million and under €15 million
- Category 6: For organisations with an annual turnover of over €15 million and under €50 million
- Category 7: For organisations with an annual turnover of over €50 million.
Details on the entry criteria and categories; the judging panel; guidance on how to enter; and other resources such as annual report templates are available at: www.goodgovernanceawards.ie .
Living with MND: A Complete Guide is the fourth book in the Cork University Press MindYourSelf book series edited by Clinical Psychologist Dr Marie Murray.
“Getting diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease is devastating! It’s like being hit by a bus”
Living with Motor Neurone Disease: A complete guide
Every two days someone on the island of Ireland is diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). MND is a neurodegenerative condition in which the nerves that control voluntary muscles stop working. This affects ordinary everyday activities that we take for granted. Walking, talking, even breathing may become virtually impossible.
MND is a devastating diagnosis which is why the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) is proud to announce the launch of Living with Motor Neurone Disease: A complete guide. This publication is the first of its kind in Ireland. It is a vital resource, designed to provide all the information needed to negotiate a path through the challenges that MND may present.
Speaking at the launch in University College Dublin, RTE’s Claire Byrne said, “Navigating the path following a life changing diagnosis can be bewildering and exhausting. This wonderful book shines a guiding light on the road ahead with the experts who have walked it- the medics, the caregivers and, perhaps most importantly, those who are living with Motor Neurone Disease. I know this guide will provide some comfort to those who are starting on this road and their families, whose burden will only be eased if we all commit to supporting them.”
While MND is a rare disease it is a devastating diagnosis so good quality information from people who understand MND is vital. It takes time to learn about MND, to absorb the implications of it; to talk about it; to let family adjust to it; to help friends understand it and to learn to live a life that is altered in which the future is changed and the present is challenging. Living with Motor Neurone Disease: A complete guide is a practical and reassuring book at this time.
Speaking at the launch Lillian McGovern CEO, IMNDA said “We are delighted to have this book available for the families and carers of those with MND. The book provides practical information on managing MND and provides an insight into the many varying and challenging aspects of the illness. We hope that it will also inform healthcare professionals working with families in supporting them through their MND journey.”
Living with Motor Neurone Disease is a step-by-step guide. It explains what MND is, how it is diagnosed and managed; how it affects the individual and the family; the psychological dimensions of the condition; the caregiver experience; living with the condition and facing the future too. It shows how to talk to children and adolescents, how to tell family and friends, how to adapt working conditions and home life. It describes all the supports; medical, psychological, mechanical, technological and practical to cope with the daily impact of living with MND particularly the crucial supports provided and coordinated by the IMNDA.
Living with Motor Neurone Disease is the fourth book in the Cork University Press MindYourSelf book series edited by Clinical Psychologist Dr Marie Murray. A diagnosis of MND can be overwhelming so good quality information and support from people who understand MND is vital at this time.
Speaking at the Launch, Dr Marie Murray said “We hope that what emerges from reading this MindYourSelf book is not how grim MND is but how astonishingly people cope with it; how great the love of families for each other; how concerned are friends, how expert the professionals; how determined the researchers to crack the code, find the cure and blitz it into history. The book is dedicated to all who are living with MND and everyone it has bereaved. Having collaborated with the IMNDA for the past two years on this book there are insufficient superlatives to describe what the IMNDA provides in compassionate practical care – all based on its maxim ‘until there is a cure, there is care.”
Living with Motor Neurone Disease: A complete guide is available from Cork University Press €14.95 at www.corkuniversitypress.com or from www.imnda.ie Royalties to Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association
EAPN Ireland and Community Work Ireland are hosting preparatory workshops in advance of the Social Inclusion Forum at the end of June.
EAPN Ireland are a Carmichael resident member, and their workshops will take place starting on May 31st running until June 10th, with options to attend workshops online or in person in Dublin or Galway.
These workshops will provide people with an overview of the Roadmap for Social Inclusion and the workshop themes, and provide the opportunity for civil society, communities and stakeholders to discuss the issues.
Feedback from the workshops will be presented to the opening Plenary of SIF 2022. The Social Inclusion Forum is taking place on June 22nd in the Bracken Hotel Balbriggan.
The Social Inclusion Forum (SIF) is one of the structures that supports the development and implementation of policy to address poverty and social exclusion as outlined in the current strategy, Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025.
The theme of SIF 2022 is Maintaining Momentum: Implementing the Roadmap for Social Inclusion SIF 2022 will be held on June 22nd in the Bracken Court Hotel, Balbriggan.
This will provide an important opportunity to engage with the midterm review of the Roadmap, as well as engaging with a number of the issues relevant to those experiencing poverty and their representative organisations.
SIF 2022 will focus on the Core essentials – the Cost of Living and Income Adequacy, Supporting Communities, Social Inclusion and Children Social Inclusion and People with Disabilities Social Inclusion and Children Social Inclusion and People with Disabilities.
EAPN Ireland and the CWI would like to encourage the participation of people with direct experience of issues that emerge from the regional workshops at the Social Inclusion Forum in Dublin.
A small budget is available to support the participation costs (travel and childcare) of a number of people from the preparatory workshops from unfunded or under-funded groups and unwaged individuals to attend the SIF. There will be further information on this at the workshops.
Established in 1990, the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland is a network of groups and individuals working against poverty. It is the Irish national network of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN Europe), which has two decades of experience in lobbying for progressive social change and anti-poverty initiatives across Ireland and Europe.
EAPN Ireland a Carmichael resident member. To find out more about their organisation visit their website here. They’re on social media too; see their Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
The Prader Willi Syndrome Association of Ireland are celebrating awareness month for May, and here at Carmichael we are proud to celebrate with our resident members.
The Prader Willi awareness month of events will culminate on May 27th with a 5km walk/swim/run fundraiser. Given the nature of Prader Willi Syndrome, it is so important to recognise the achievements of attempting and potentially completing such a physical task of a 5km exercise.
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic multisystem disorder characterized during infancy by fatigue, diminished muscle tone (hypotonia), a weak suck and feeding difficulties with poor weight gain and growth and other hormone deficiency.
PWS occurs when the genes in a specific region of chromosome 15 are not present or do not function. This region of chromosome 15 is located at 15q11.2-q13 and has been designated the Prader-Will syndrome/Angelman syndrome region (PWS/AS). In individuals with PWS, the nonfunctioning PWS/AS region is always located on the number 15 chromosome inherited from the father.
If people can’t take part, the organisation suggest asking them to donate. They advise that you can do your run or walk at a time that suits you anytime through the weekend! You can visit the donation page here.
The PWSAI offer supports for those with the condition both young and old, and for families of those with the condition. Information supports are provided, as well as hosting fundraising events, annual conferences and so much more.
Indeed, PWSAI will host the International Prader-Willi Syndrome Organisation conference in the University of Limerick from July 6th to 10th 2022. There will be contributions from scientific, clinical, and care provider professionals from around the globe.
There will be an opportunity for parents and people with PWS to meet and interact with these professionals as well as parents and people with PWS from around the world. For the most up to date information, please visit this page which will bring you to the IPWSO Conference 2022 page.
The Prader Willi Syndrome Association of Ireland are the national voluntary organisation for those affected by Prader Willi Syndrome. Based in the Carmichael Centre, Dublin 1, they are a resident member organisation here at Carmichael. If you wish to find out more about the PWSAI visit their website here.
Finally, they’re on social media too, so don’t forget to check out their Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram accounts.
New Carmichael resident member Women for Election are hosting their flagship INSPIRE school training starting this week running for three weeks online for any woman interested in getting involved in politics.
Delivered through three online training sessions over three weeks, INSPIRE will focus on the 3 C’s- Confidence, Communication and Campaigns. The first session takes place on May 11 (6.30pm – 8.30pm), the second session on May 18 (6.30pm – 8.30pm), and the third taking place May 25 (6.30pm – 8.30pm).
Many local councillors, senators, MEP’s and TD’s have taken part in their training in recent years, and below you can listen to what Maria Walsh MEP had to say about her experience of training with Women for Election.
As a participant, these sessions will involve experts who will help demystify politics and clearly illustrate the nuts and bolts of ‘getting in’. Women for Election explain that ‘among the many barriers that stand in the way of women from entering politics are the 5 C’s (Cash, Childcare, Confidence, Culture & Candidate selection process)’.
Participants will work with experts who will ‘demystify politics’ and show you the essentials of how to get involved. Participants will work to develop your skills in campaigns, communication and confidence.
Each participant will receive an INSPIRE pack, which covers all course work, as well as a Women for Election tote bag. Participants will complete the training with the tools and direction to take your next step on your political journey, as well as the support of the Women for Election network. Get in touch at hello@womenforelection.ie to find out more.
To find out more about Women for Election check out their site here. They’re on social media, see their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
The An Saol Foundation are promoting several events for the next couple weeks, starting with the 2nd annual Iron Month challenge, followed by their International Summer School and Forum on Life and Living with a severe Acquired Brain Injury.
IronMonth 2022
An Saol are another Carmichael resident member with a bumper few weeks ahead. Iron Month, now in its second year, is an inclusive fitness-orientated event which sees participants in the month-long challenge completing a full Iron Man style triathlon (3.8km swim, 180km cycle, 42km run) at your own pace over the month of May.
This year, in addition to inviting participants of all abilities to complete a full Ironman triathlon over the month of May, An Saol have officially teamed up with Triathlon Ireland to kick-start the challenge with a TRYathlon event on May 1st at the prestigious Sports Ireland Campus in Dublin.
Reinhard Schäler, CEO of the An Saol Foundation, explains this unique aspect of the challenge and sheds more light on the cause underpinning the event: “The IronMonth serves to remind us that everyone has different abilities and capabilities in life. Some people may be able to complete the whole challenge in one day, others may take days or weeks. All efforts are equally valid and inspiring, with all of us working towards a common and profound goal together”.
Participants are invited to sign up now on Eventbrite now for the challenge and to document their progress over the month of May on social media using #IronMonth22. Supporters can get involved by tracking our athletes progress and donating much needed funds for the An Saol Foundation on GoFundMe.
1st International Summer School and Forum on Life and Living with a severe Acquired Brain Injury (sABI)
An Saol have organised the first International Summer School and Forum on Life and Living with a severe Acquired Brain Injury, taking place next week, May 9 – 14, with online and in-person events taking place every day.
The aims of the 2022 International Summer School & Forum to raise awareness among several key demographics, including medical professionals, but also those directly and indirectly affected by Sabi, but crucially wider society itself too.
An Saol explain that ‘The 1st International Summer School and Forum on Life and Living with a severe Acquired Brain Injury (sABI) – Leave No One Behind, will address the question why this big gap in service provision exists and how it can be closed, hearing from national and international world-leading experts, families and practitioners’.
There will be numerous sessions and a wide array of speakers so do check out this page first. Please register here for the sessions you wish to attend.
About Severe Acquired Brain Injury (sABI)
A brain injury that involves a long period of unconsciousness (coma) and a prolonged disorder of conscience (PDOC). Persons with an sABI are very highly dependent, are often non- or minimally-verbal, and require, in most cases, life-long support with basic activities of daily living (ADL) as well as life-long rehabilitation.
About the An Saol Foundation
The An Saol Foundation was established in 2014 by the family of Pádraig Schaler to provide adequate and ongoing support to people with a severe Acquired Brain Injury (sABI). It now also offers neurological rehabilitation in the community. It is a registered charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee.
An Saol are a Carmichael resident member. Check out their website here.They’re on social media too, see their Facebook and their Twitter.
ADHD Ireland are set for a busy start to summer with two events on the way in the coming weeks. The Carmichael resident member will co-host a conference on May 19 and 20, and then will host a webinar on June 2.
ADHD Ireland are working with University College Dublin (UCD) and The National University of Ireland (NUIM) for a virtual conference on May 19 and 20 titled ‘Neurodiversity and the Legal System: Towards Equality for all’. They explain further, saying it will be ‘a cross jurisdiction exchange of policy, practice and learnings’.
They say that the objective of this conference is to ‘facilitate an exchange of cutting edge academic discourse, policy and practice initiatives with lived experience at the core.’ The conference will be be varied, including all areas of the criminal justice system across international jurisdictions: police, practice in court and the judiciary, probation, prison, parole and forensic mental health services.
On both days the event will begin at 9am and finish at 7pm. For a full list of speakers and biographical notes, visit this page. You can register to attend here. This is only part one of their busy month however, days later on June 2 they are hosting a webinar on executive function with Dr Dorothy Armstrong OT.
As the webinar about Executive Function, it is something that crosses over the Neurodiversity Umbrella, and would be relevant for those also with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Autism. Dr Dorothy Armstrong OT is an Occupational Therapist who works with children, teenagers and young adults. She received her PhD in 2017, and also holds an Honour’s Degree and Master’s in Occupational Therapy.
Executive function is all about the ability to start tasks, organise yourself – time, place and belongings, set goals & follow them through. She will explore the topic and give strategies and tools to support parents and individuals in order to deal with these challenges. Register to attend this free event here.
Women for Election are one of Carmichael’s newest resident member groups and today we are delighted to promote their upcoming event ‘Introduction to Irish Politics’, with Pat Montague.
If you’re a woman looking to learn more about politics or how to get involved, then join Women for Election in person in Carmichael house on Tuesday the 26th of April for an exciting Masterclass from Pat Montague about Irish political structures and systems.
Have you ever wondered what the difference between the Dáil and the Seanad is? Or how your local council is run? Or perhaps, you would like to better understand Irish politics?
Introduction to Irish Politics is a training session designed to provide attendees with a foundational understanding of how the Irish political system works.
This session will cover the functions of the local government and the role of a Councillor as well as the Dáil and the Seanad, including the development of parliamentary committees.
The trainer will walk you through the stages of how legislation is passed and the role each house of the Oireachtas plays in these stages.
This training session will demystify and breakdown the Irish political system and structures, so that you can be informed if you make the decision to run for political life/when you take your seat in the Oireachtas.
Refreshments will be provided on the night. Spaces are limited to make sure to book your now! To find out more about Women for Election check out their website here. They’re on social media too; see their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TICKET HERE.