CHRYSALIS HOLISTIC WORKSHOPS: In a new venture, Chrysalis, the holistic centre near Donard, Co Wicklow, is hosting a series of non-residential weekend workshops in Dublin this summer.
The first course, which takes place on August 5th and 6th, will look at the art of effortless living. It will be led by Ingrid Bacci, healer and author of The Art of Effortless Living, and costs €155. The second workshop, on August 12th and 13th, will look at a spirituality for our time following the work of Anthony De Mello. It will be led by Jesuit priest Fr Jim Dolan. Cost: €135. The third, on August 26th and 27th, explores the art of mindfulness, meditation and self-healing. It will be led by American mind/body psychotherapist Ron Alexander. Cost: €155.
All Dublin workshops will be held at the Milltown Institute, Ranelagh. Tel: 045-404713 or e-mail peace@chrysalis.ie for full programme details.
NEW HELPLINE FOR TEENAGERS: A new helpline to offer support to teenagers in emotional distress has been established by a Dublin mother, Maureen Bolger, after her son Darren died by suicide.
"Teenagers occupy an awkward inbetween space, feeling too old to call Childline and too young to contact the Samaritans," she said.
Teenline will initially operate on Friday and Saturday nights from 9pm-6am, with a view to developing it into a round-the-clock helpline. It can be reached by dialling 1800-833634.
MEDICINE PRICE REDUCTIONS: The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), representing the pharmaceutical industry, has reached an agreement with the Health Service Executive that will see many medicines reduced in cost. "There will be price reductions of up to 35 per cent on older, post-patent medicines," said IPHA president Conn Clissmann.
The agreement, which comes into effect in September, includes a mechanism to review prices of new medicines after two and four years, in line with prices in other European markets.
TRAVEL AWARDS FOR CANCER TRAINEES: Cancer Research Ireland, the research division of the Irish Cancer Society, has announced it is to fund 76 trainee doctors, nurses, scientists and paramedical researchers in attending international cancer conferences. The scheme is called the Oncology Scholars Travel Awards, and it provides funding for travel costs, accommodation and conference fees.
• Lifelines is compiled by Sylvia Thompson sthompson@irish-times.ie