Belfast Lord Mayor Hosts 'Connections And Conversations'

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl has hosted a series of 'connections and conversations' aimed at bringing organisations and policy makers together to progress action on a range of issues.

The 'Connecting #OurBelfast' series will see the Lord Mayor host meetings on a range of social, economic and environmental topics.

The discussion was held in partnership with Action for Children and was focussed on examining what political and social action can be taken to address child poverty.

Councillor Nicholl said: "Child poverty is very real and it's happening here in our city. After years of no significant progress on this issue, it's time we focussed our efforts on what action is needed to address levels of child poverty so that all children have the best start in life.

"Today we heard about the current pressures facing children and their families – pressures that have been exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic – and we looked at recent research which has informed clear actions that would help to reduce child poverty rates in Northern Ireland. It is my hope that through this series of connections, we keep the pressure on and begin to make progress on addressing the issue."

The second event in the 'Connecting #OurBelfast' series will see the Lord Mayor host a session with the Commission for Victims and Survivors to look at how victims and survivors are supported to make their voices heard, and to tell their stories.

"There is not one narrative when it comes to the history of our city; we all have different experiences and no two people's stories are exactly the same, so it's hugely important that everyone feels heard," said Councillor Nicholl.

"Our community plan is committed to leave no one behind, and that includes victims and survivors. It's important that they feel supported to tell their stories and that we consider how they might be included in conversations around tourism and the arts, commemoration, and the use of public spaces."

Councillor Nicholl added: "Since becoming Lord Mayor I have had the privilege of meeting so many people across the city and witnessing the enormous amount of positive work that's taking place on range of important issues that affect us all, and to address some of the inequalities that exist in our society.

"Over the last two years, the pandemic has impacted this work by disrupting some of the natural collaborations that haven't been able to happen due to the Covid restrictions, but as restrictions begin to ease and we start to experience a bit more normality again, I thought it would be useful to provide a space to bring people together to take stock and keep the momentum going.

"None of these issues can be solved by one person or one organisation; they require collective responsibility and a collective approach, and it is my hope that as we open up these conversations again, and start to make those connections that we will bring new energy and ideas to the table to bring about real change."

A number of other sessions will be hosted by Councillor Nicholl in the coming weeks.

NI's New Cancer Strategy Must Be Fully Funded – Alliance

A new ten-year Cancer Strategy for Northern Ireland must be fully funded by the Executive and part of a wider transformation of the Health Service to achieve its aims, Alliance Party Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said.

Minister Bradshaw said "It is welcome that this World Cancer Day we finally have a ten-year strategy to improve cancer treatment for everyone in Northern Ireland, however, it must be fully funded by the Executive if the benefits are to be realised," said the South Belfast MLA.

"It is also vital that the Cancer Strategy is part of a wider transformation agenda that includes a focus on preventative care, better data collection, improved staff wellbeing and enhanced patient experience. Otherwise, the aims of the strategy will not be achieved.

"As many as one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime and 9,600 people are diagnosed every year here. The pandemic has highlighted the desperate need to get on top of our waiting lists and ensure that patients receive a timely diagnosis followed by swift effective care. The current two-tier system, where those with means can get faster care, must come to an end.

"On World Cancer Day, I would like to thank all our local charities for supporting patients and research, as well as their tireless campaign to see the creation of this Cancer Strategy. I would also like to congratulate Cancer Research UK on twenty years of life-saving work. The charity has been essential in our ongoing fight against cancer."

Lidl NI Announce Mental Health Athlete Mentorship Programme

Lidl Northern Ireland has chosen 25 secondary schools across the region to benefit from a dedicated Mental Health Athlete Mentorship programme and receive £1,000 worth of brand-new sports equipment as part of the retailer's established 'Sport for Good' initiative.

With 45% of young people in Northern Ireland saying their mental health has worsened since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good Schools Programme is focused on teaching students about the long-term physical and mental health benefits of sports participation.

Delivered in partnership with Youth Sport Trust, the UK's leading sports charity supporting young people's education and development through sport, the Sport for Good Schools Programme is set to reach thousands of secondary school pupils right across the region over the coming years.

Specially trained athlete mentors will run workshops and take sessions with the students that will help increase their confidence and resilience while also providing them with tools to help manage their own mental health into adulthood.

Gordon Cruikshanks, Head of Sales Operations for Lidl Northern Ireland, said: "The pandemic has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the mental health of our young people and this year we aim to tackle mental health head on through Lidl Northern Ireland's Sport for Good initiative. As a retailer committed to supporting local communities, we're thrilled to partner with Youth Sport Trust to deliver a bespoke programme designed specifically for secondary school pupils to provide practical advice and techniques to improve mental health through sport. I'd like to thank all of our fantastic shoppers who nominated their local school to win a coveted place on the programme and congratulate those selected. We're looking forward to this initiative rolling out over the coming months."