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13/11/2023
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls For More Support For Unpaid Carers
More must be done to support unpaid carers who are caring for family members around the clock, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said.
A new report from Carers NI has raised some very concerning figures, such as that 48% of the unpaid carers surveyed have experienced symptoms of depression, and that 79% also said that they often felt lonely. More than 220,000 people are said to be providing unpaid care for a sick or disabled family member or friend in Northern Ireland, 2,600 of these carers being under 18 according to the most recent census data.
The South Belfast MLA said: "I am deeply concerned about what this new report shows us on top of what we already know in terms of the pressures faced by those in our community who are unpaid carers, who are being left to struggle with little support for their wellbeing. The pandemic severely disrupted respite provision for unpaid carers and we know that there is yet to be a return to pre-pandemic care levels. Further to this, there is a severe shortage of social and community care packages across Northern Ireland.
"This is not good enough and we need to be taking proactive steps to ensure that we are taking the welfare of unpaid carers as a matter of utmost importance. These people are already taking a huge pressure off of our struggling health system by freeing up beds in our hospitals for instance, and we must look after them in recognition of the challenges that come with being a carer.
"As a member of the APG on Carers, I will continue to champion the need to provide sufficient physical, emotional and financial support services for carers who are in a difficult position to begin with, coupled with the post-pandemic recovery pressures and the cost of living crisis."
DUP Blockade 'Hurting Workers, Businesses And Public Services'
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has criticized the DUP at the party's Ard Fheis, stating that their blockade of the Executive is hurting workers, businesses and public services.
The South Down MP said: "One party’s reckless boycott of the Executive is hurting workers, businesses and public services.
"Last week, as floods decimated parts of South Down, people were left at the mercy of a Tory government as a result of having no Executive.
"Since the flooding, the British government has provided no support for workers and an inadequate emergency relief package which does not meet the needs of businesses. It has stripped money away from hard-pressed local departments which are already struggling with savage Tory cuts.
"This is yet another example of why we need an Executive restored now and all parties working together to support workers, businesses and public services.
"Public patience has run out. People cannot wait any longer."
SDLP Announce Killian Feehan As New Newry Councillor
The SDLP has announced the selection of Killian Feehan as its new councillor for the Newry area.
Mr Feehan fills the vacancy left by outgoing councillor Michael Savage on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP said: "Killian has been a committed SDLP activist in the Newry area for many years and I'm delighted that he has been selected by local members to serve as a councillor. Killian will make a fantastic addition to our strong SDLP team in Newry and right across the council area and I know that he is determined to give everything to tackle the issues impacting people locally.
"The SDLP has a long and proud history in Newry and I know that Killian is determined to build on that going forward and advance our party's renewed mission to end division and build a new Ireland. As evidenced by the recent flooding, SDLP representatives work tirelessly on behalf of the local community and I have no doubt that Killian has a huge contribution to make both to our party and to the people of Newry."
SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said: "Having worked along with Killian for several years now I know just how passionate and committed he is about helping people. Killian has an abiding determination to see Newry reach its full potential as a city where ambition is harnessed and people are given the same access to services and opportunities as anywhere else on this island.
"I am confident he will be an excellent representative for people in this area and I know that he will be a relentless advocate on the challenges facing our local community, while also stopping at nothing to showcase the best of what we have to offer.
"I wish Killian ádh mór in his new role."
Councillor Feehan said: "It's an honour to have been selected to replace Michael Savage as SDLP Councillor for Newry. I want to thank Michael for his service and dedication to the people of Newry over the years. Michael has left a proud legacy as a strong advocate for working people on both sides of the community, and I want to continue his hard work and the representation he has provided to local people.
"I am extremely passionate about our local community, and I want to see Newry thriving. I am determined to play my part in making Newry a better place to live, work, raise a family, and run a business. Enormous effort is required from our local council on so many fronts: protecting services at Daisy Hill Hospital, ensuring that households and businesses bounce back from the devastation of last week's floods, and fighting for opportunities, investment, and development for Newry at every turn. I want to be on the frontline of those fights.
"It is humbling to be moving into the seat once held by my great Grandfather Tommy Markey in the 1960s. Local government needs to be delivering for local people, and I want to recapture the spirit of civic pride, opportunity and delivery that defined our Council in days gone by. I am honoured to have the opportunity to be a strong advocate for the people of Newry, and to ensure that the voice and values of local people are heard in the Council Chamber."
More must be done to support unpaid carers who are caring for family members around the clock, Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said.
A new report from Carers NI has raised some very concerning figures, such as that 48% of the unpaid carers surveyed have experienced symptoms of depression, and that 79% also said that they often felt lonely. More than 220,000 people are said to be providing unpaid care for a sick or disabled family member or friend in Northern Ireland, 2,600 of these carers being under 18 according to the most recent census data.
The South Belfast MLA said: "I am deeply concerned about what this new report shows us on top of what we already know in terms of the pressures faced by those in our community who are unpaid carers, who are being left to struggle with little support for their wellbeing. The pandemic severely disrupted respite provision for unpaid carers and we know that there is yet to be a return to pre-pandemic care levels. Further to this, there is a severe shortage of social and community care packages across Northern Ireland.
"This is not good enough and we need to be taking proactive steps to ensure that we are taking the welfare of unpaid carers as a matter of utmost importance. These people are already taking a huge pressure off of our struggling health system by freeing up beds in our hospitals for instance, and we must look after them in recognition of the challenges that come with being a carer.
"As a member of the APG on Carers, I will continue to champion the need to provide sufficient physical, emotional and financial support services for carers who are in a difficult position to begin with, coupled with the post-pandemic recovery pressures and the cost of living crisis."
DUP Blockade 'Hurting Workers, Businesses And Public Services'
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has criticized the DUP at the party's Ard Fheis, stating that their blockade of the Executive is hurting workers, businesses and public services.
The South Down MP said: "One party’s reckless boycott of the Executive is hurting workers, businesses and public services.
"Last week, as floods decimated parts of South Down, people were left at the mercy of a Tory government as a result of having no Executive.
"Since the flooding, the British government has provided no support for workers and an inadequate emergency relief package which does not meet the needs of businesses. It has stripped money away from hard-pressed local departments which are already struggling with savage Tory cuts.
"This is yet another example of why we need an Executive restored now and all parties working together to support workers, businesses and public services.
"Public patience has run out. People cannot wait any longer."
SDLP Announce Killian Feehan As New Newry Councillor
The SDLP has announced the selection of Killian Feehan as its new councillor for the Newry area.
Mr Feehan fills the vacancy left by outgoing councillor Michael Savage on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP said: "Killian has been a committed SDLP activist in the Newry area for many years and I'm delighted that he has been selected by local members to serve as a councillor. Killian will make a fantastic addition to our strong SDLP team in Newry and right across the council area and I know that he is determined to give everything to tackle the issues impacting people locally.
"The SDLP has a long and proud history in Newry and I know that Killian is determined to build on that going forward and advance our party's renewed mission to end division and build a new Ireland. As evidenced by the recent flooding, SDLP representatives work tirelessly on behalf of the local community and I have no doubt that Killian has a huge contribution to make both to our party and to the people of Newry."
SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said: "Having worked along with Killian for several years now I know just how passionate and committed he is about helping people. Killian has an abiding determination to see Newry reach its full potential as a city where ambition is harnessed and people are given the same access to services and opportunities as anywhere else on this island.
"I am confident he will be an excellent representative for people in this area and I know that he will be a relentless advocate on the challenges facing our local community, while also stopping at nothing to showcase the best of what we have to offer.
"I wish Killian ádh mór in his new role."
Councillor Feehan said: "It's an honour to have been selected to replace Michael Savage as SDLP Councillor for Newry. I want to thank Michael for his service and dedication to the people of Newry over the years. Michael has left a proud legacy as a strong advocate for working people on both sides of the community, and I want to continue his hard work and the representation he has provided to local people.
"I am extremely passionate about our local community, and I want to see Newry thriving. I am determined to play my part in making Newry a better place to live, work, raise a family, and run a business. Enormous effort is required from our local council on so many fronts: protecting services at Daisy Hill Hospital, ensuring that households and businesses bounce back from the devastation of last week's floods, and fighting for opportunities, investment, and development for Newry at every turn. I want to be on the frontline of those fights.
"It is humbling to be moving into the seat once held by my great Grandfather Tommy Markey in the 1960s. Local government needs to be delivering for local people, and I want to recapture the spirit of civic pride, opportunity and delivery that defined our Council in days gone by. I am honoured to have the opportunity to be a strong advocate for the people of Newry, and to ensure that the voice and values of local people are heard in the Council Chamber."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
