- Written by: AHPI
Bridging the GAP for families and individuals living with Autism
Galway Autism Partnership seeks Coordinator
Founded in 2011 Galway Autism Partnership (GAP is a local charity that provides support and services to children with autism in the Galway area and their families).
GAP is currently seeking a Coordinator who will manage the organisation and coordinate activities and fundraising.
Duties:
- Develop and update operating policies to ensure programmes and activities are implemented safely and in accordance with best practice, particularly with respect to children
- Deliver through appropriate plans an in accordance with agreed policies and procedures the plans and objectives of the charity
- Work with the Board to ensure that a strategy is in place, which can guide the organisation in achieving objectives and meet the needs of the membership
- Have responsibility for the day-to-day financial management of the charity, including preparation of budgets for agreement by the Board
- Define, secure and manage the resources (human, material and financial) needed to operated effectively
- Maintain effective correspondence with all stakeholders and ensure that GAP is presented in an appropriate and professional manner to its stakeholders
- Seek opportunities to expand and promote the role and increase awareness of the charity and its work in its partnership model Represent the charity in public forums such as conferences and professional meetings
- Develop income generation strategies to maintain and enhance the level of funding from existing sources and develop new funding streams
- Develop and build partnerships with stakeholders to maximise opportunities for income generations
- Provide direction and support to any staff, contractors or volunteers in the organisation
- Advocate across sectors for the development of policies and services that will impact positively on service users and stakeholders
- Increase awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder to the general public
Qualifications and personal specifications
- Third level degree or equivalent in community development, health promotion, family resource or other related discipline
- Minimum of three years relevant experience in a similar role
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills
- Experience in making presentations or engaging with the media
- Flexibility to work on weekends or evenings if required
- Ability to apply leadership skills in order to influence, motivate and enable others to achieve the organisation’s aims and objectives
- Ability to identify opportunities to work collaboratively with potential partners in the community, education and health sectors and build relationships
- Demonstrate a clear understanding and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder and a passion for social justice and equality
- Report to the Board of Directors
Employment Details
- This is a full time position (39 hours a week)
- Office is based in Newcastle, Galway
- One year fixed term contract
- Annual leave of 20 days plus statutory holidays
Application Information
Please submit a full CV with a covering letter to Sile Coen, GAP, Tigh Ronan, 36 Laurel Park Newcastle Galway. Or email: edel@galwayautismpartnership.com
Closing date for applications
Friday 10th February 2017
- Written by: AHPI
New Food Pyramid, healthy eating tips and sample meal plans all available on:
http://www.healthyireland.ie/health-initiatives/heg/
The Department of Health keeps dietary recommendations under review as part of its role in promoting evidence based public health. As part of this review, the new Healthy Food for Life – the Healthy Eating Guidelines and Food Pyramid have been developed by the Department working in partnership with other experts in nutrition in Ireland.
Healthy Food for Life is a toolkit which includes a new Food Pyramid and guidance materials to help people makes choices to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. The resources reflect best national and international evidence and advice. The guidance applies for everyone from 5 years of age upwards.
Key messages
The three key messages are:
- Limit high fat, sugar and salt foods from the top shelf of the Pyramid to no more than once or twice a week
- Eat more fruit and vegetables, at least 5 to 7 servings a day
- Use the Pyramid as a guide for serving sizes and remember that portion size matters
What is the Food Pyramid?
It is a visual representation of how different foods and drinks contribute towards a healthy balanced diet. The Food Pyramid allows individuals the flexibility to choose foods and drinks from each shelf depending on their food preferences. It organises foods and drinks into 5 main shelves, starting from the most important shelf on the bottom.
What does the Food Pyramid look like?
- Written by: AHPI
Associated publication
What is this public consultation about?
Following a request from the Department of Health, the Health Information and Quality Authority agreed to undertake a health technology assessment (HTA) of smoking cessation interventions. This work examined the clinical and cost-effectiveness of different pharmacological and behavioural therapies designed to increase the chances of smokers making successful quit attempts. It will also provide the evidence to underpin the future development of a national clinical guideline on smoking cessation in Ireland
What is in the public consultation document?
A draft report describing the results of the assessment is being made available for public consultation prior to being finalised. The consultation period will last until Friday 3 February 2017.
How will you use my comments?
After the closing date, we will assess all feedback and use it to finalise our documents. The final documents and the Statement of Outcomes (a summary of the responses) will be published on http://www.hiqa.ie.
- Written by: Fiona Donovan
The Minister of State for Health Promotion, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, T.D., formally launched the National Healthy Cities and Counties of Ireland Network on 29th Novemeber.
The National Healthy Cities and Counties of Ireland Network was launched under the aegis of Healthy Ireland, the Government-led initiative which aims to create an Irish society where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health, and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society. The Healthy Cities project is a global World Health Organization (WHO) movement, set up initially in 1987 with eleven individual cities. The concept is based on the importance of local action and the key role of local governments and Local Authorities in health and sustainable development.
The Minister congratulated the Counties on making a commitment to work to become healthier places for all their citizens by working to implement Healthy Ireland, the National Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025 and went on to say “as a former elected member of a Local Authority I know that Local Authorities are uniquely placed to bridge the gap between national policy and local implementation. I know the influence and reach that Local Authorities have in every community and I see huge potential for them to contribute to building a healthier Ireland. I believe that we cannot achieve the vision of Healthy Ireland without the involvement of every Local Authority in Ireland. Healthy Ireland is all about supporting and empowering communities and individuals to lead healthier lives and the involvement of Local Authorities and the Local Community Development Committees is critical”.
Dr. Stephanie O’Keeffe, National Director of the Health and Wellbeing Division in the HSE said “the Healthy Ireland agenda is extensive. Improving our population’s health and reducing health inequalities spans across many areas. Our Local Authorities are leaders and critical partners in promoting and improving the nation’s health”. Dr. O’Keeffe also emphasised “the unique position of the Local Community Development Committees to understand and respond to local people’s needs”.
For more information on the National Healthy Cities and Counites visit www.healthyireland.ie/about/cities-and-counties or click here
- Written by: Fiona Donovan
Shanghai Declaration on promoting health in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
The outcome of the Ninth Global Conference on Health Promotion (Shanghai, 21 to 24 November 2016), which was jointly organized by the Government of China and WHO, under the auspices of a Scientific Advisory Group and Conference Organizing Committee, is a concise Shanghai Declaration on Health Promotion.
Key elements of the declaration include:
- We will promote health through action on all the Sustainable Development Goals
- We will make bold political choices for health
- Good governance is crucial for health
- Cities and communities are critical settings for health
- Health literacy empowers and drives equity
Promoting health demands coordinated action by all concerned, it is a shared responsibility. With this Shanghai Declaration there is a pledge to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs through increased political commitment and financial investment in health promotion.