CGI supports Canada Day celebrations in Belfast

Photo Caption (L-R): Belfast City Councillor Michael Long, Ken Brundle, Honorary Canadian Consul for Northern Ireland; Pete Wilson CGI; Kyla Dittmar, Oui Poutine; Derbhile Kennedy, Director, CGI; Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants.

CGI a leading global IT and business consulting services firm, supported this year’s Canada Day celebration in Belfast, hosted on Tuesday 1 July at local Canadian food business Oui Poutine.

Held in the city centre, the event was a celebration of Canadian culture, with attendees enjoying Canadian street food. Guests included Ken Brundle, Honorary Canadian Consul for Northern Ireland, Pete Wilson and Derbhile Kennedy, Directors, CGI; Kyla Dittmar, Oui Poutine; Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants, Belfast City Councillor Michael Long and other members of Northern Ireland’s Canadian community, which now numbers over 12,000.

Chris Shorthouse, Vice President, Client Engagement for Northern Ireland at CGI said:

“As a company with deep Canadian roots and a strong local presence, we were delighted to support this community celebration. CGI is committed to being an active and positive presence in Northern Ireland, and events like this reflect the value of cultural connection, civic pride, and strong local partnerships.” 

CGI, founded in Montréal in 1976, has long believed in strengthening ties with the communities it serves. With established operations in Northern Ireland, the company delivers technology and business consulting services across both the public and private sectors.

 Ken Brundle, Honorary Canadian Consul for Northern Ireland, said:

“The Canada Day celebration was an opportunity to reflect on enduring links between Canada and Northern Ireland. It was great to come together to share and enjoy Canadian food and culture in Belfast and we are grateful for the support of organisations like CGI that help make these community celebrations possible.”

The event highlighted the growing visibility of the Canadian community in Northern Ireland and its contribution to local life and culture.

New Documentary by Trevor Birney ‘The Negotiator’ to screen at Ireland’s premier film festival

Senator George Mitchell and Trevor Birney at the premiere screening of The Negotiator in Belfast

The Negotiator - which examines the life and work of the man credited for bringing the Good Friday Agreement into being, Senator George Mitchell, has been announced as a major new addition to the Galway Film Fleadh, Ireland’s leading film event. 

The Fine Point Films documentary, directed by journalist and filmmaker Trevor Birney (No Stone Unturned; Quinn Country, Cyndi Lauper: Let the Canary Sing, Kneecap) and developed in association with Queen’s University Belfast, follows Birney as he profiles US Senator George Mitchell, whose leadership in securing the Good Friday Agreement transformed life for entire generations in Northern Ireland.

The Negotiator will join Fine Point Films other 2025 film Boy George and Culture Club, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in May, at the festival. 

The Negotiator is a timely, powerful, and deeply personal feature documentary that will bring a vital perspective to the Galway Film Fleadh, which has chosen to spotlight the urgent issues it raises.

Producer of the BAFTA winning, Kneecap and Emmy-nominated founder of Fine Point Films, Trevor Birney, Director of The Negotiator said:

"We’re honoured that The Negotiator has been invited to screen at the 37th Galway Film Fleadh. This welcome is not only a recognition of the pressing issues explored in the film, but also of the enduring example offered by Senator Mitchell.

“The Negotiator serves as both a tribute to Senator Mitchell’s extraordinary role in Northern Ireland and a timely reminder of what true diplomacy can achieve.”

Produced by Stephen Douds and Andrew Tully, The Negotiator explores the art of political negotiation and the quest for lasting peace.

The Negotiator will screen at the Pálás Cinema on Friday, morning the 11 July at 09:30, and is expected to generate significant interest among audiences and media alike. Boy George and Culture Club will screen at the Town Hall Theatre on 11 July at 22:30.

Bookings for both Fine Point Film screenings at galwayfilmfleadh.com, or explore the full programme, including screenings, Q&As, filmmaker interviews, panel discussions, and more, at galwayfilmfleadh.com, or contact the Town Hall Theatre box office at 091 569777.

The festival is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, TG4, Coimisiún na Meán, Galway City Council, and Fáilte Ireland.

Slew of awards for best in class as Docs Ireland festival draws to a close

Stuart Sloan from Docs Ireland presents the Pull Focus Irish Documentary Award to Myrid Carten for her debut feature,  A Want In Her.

A number of awards for the best in new documentary film-making have been awarded to a host of Irish and international film-makers, as the curtain draws to a close on the seventh annual Docs Ireland film festival.

Dedicated to platforming the best in new Irish documentary, this year’s annual Pull Focus Irish Documentary Competition went to Myrid Carten for her debut feature,  A Want In Her. The jury were enthralled by the film and selected it “for its painfully honest portrait of mother-daughter relationship, in the shadow of addiction, and a creative new voice in documentary filmmaking”.

Established at Docs Ireland 2019, the Northern Ireland Screen Pitch is one of the festival’s flagstaff industry events and has ushered a wealth of non-fiction talent through the process of developing their feature documentaries. This year the jury selected The Loneliest Boy in the World by Medb Johnstone and Ann Ni Chiobhain.

The jury said, “as a story that looks beyond the headlines to reckon with history The Loneliest Boy in the World has the potential to weave a personal account with a political address - we hope this prize allows the filmmakers to dive deeper into their narrative research and establish a strong visual treatment of this historical story.”

This year the festival recognised acclaimed Irish cinematographer, stills photographer and documentary director Ross McDonnell, who tragically lost his life in 2023 with the Ross McDonnell Award for Best Cinematography in an Irish Feature. The inaugural award was given to Paddy Hayes for his Irish language film, David Keenan: Focla Ar Chanbhás / Words On Canvas.

The winner of the Short Competition was Ross McClean for No Mean City, with an Honorable Mention to Dennis Harvey for his film, The New Policy Regarding Asylum Seekers.

The LUMI Programmers jury winner was Ruairi Bradley, We Beg To Differ and an Honorable Mention was given to Meg Earls for It All comes Down.

Finally, the Maysles Award for Best in International Observational Documentary was awarded this year to Polish film, Silent Trees, directed by Agnieszka Zwiefka.

Director of Docs Ireland, Michele Devlin said: “Every year we are blown away by the standard of filmmaking at Docs Ireland. The reason we established this documentary-focused festival is to shine a light on Irish talent and to nurture it and support it. I would like to thank everyone who submitted films this year, those who participated on various jury panels and to all our event sponsors for making our seventh year such a success.”

Docs Ireland is supported by Northern Ireland Screen through the Department for Communities, Belfast City Council, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, BFI/Film Hub NI, and British Council and is proudly sponsored by TG4, BBC NI, Yellowmoon, FinePoint Films and Stellify Media.

Brown O'Connor Political Monitoring - Forward Look Freeview W/C 30 June

Forward Look  

  • Minister of Finance John O'Dowd MLA has said he will bring multi-year budget recommendations to the Executive this Autumn. A draft budget is to be published for a 12-week consultation before final approval ahead of the new financial year.

  • The Department for Infrastructure will shortly receive advanced-stage feasibility studies for projects funded through the Union Connectivity Review. The department will then undertake a consideration process to evaluate these studies and determine next steps for improving transport connectivity links.

  • The Minister for the Economy has said the Apprenticeship Action Plan is expected to be published shortly, following final approvals and alignment with the Skills and Careers Action Plans to enhance apprenticeship opportunities and workforce development.

  • The Northern Ireland Executive Investment Strategy is currently in final draft form and expected to go to the Executive for approval soon. The strategy aims to stabilise and transform infrastructure investment over the next 30 years.

  • The Department for the Economy will publish a consultation later this year on options for addressing the challenges and costs that biomethane producers face when connecting to the gas network.

  • The Minister for Education has confirmed that officials are now working with education partners to develop guidance for the use of AI in schools, with plans to roll this out in the 2025/26 academic year.

  • The Minister for Infrastructure has confirmed that a new road maintenance strategy is in development. Officials are currently working on this initiative and plan to have a draft ready in the coming weeks.

  • Redevelopment of the NI Assembly website will begin in September 2025 following completion of the procurement process and contract award in late August.

  • Permanent Secretaries are meeting today to discuss the specific implications of the High Court's A5 ruling for other Executive departments.

Republic of Ireland

  • Sinn Féin has introduced a bill to end the geo-blocking of RTÉ content and the exclusion of Northern Ireland audiences from its services and competitions.

  • The Taoiseach has said a proposed tourism tax could generate up to €41 million to help fund a major revamp of Dublin city, though no timeline has been set for an introduction.

  • The 2026 Budget will include an expansionary package featuring a permanent VAT rate reduction for small businesses; commitments to permanently reduce childcare costs, education and healthcare expenses; improving children's disability services; and providing €15 million annual funding for post offices through 2030 to prevent widespread closures.

  • The revised Housing for All plan has been delayed, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin saying it will now follow the finalisation of the National Development Plan, expected in late July.

Other Stories this week

  • Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA has launched a public consultation on a proposed grant scheme to help reservoir managers cover initial supervision and inspection costs when the Reservoirs Act (NI) 2015 is implemented.

  • Finance Minister John O’Dowd MLA has launched a consultation on the law on divorce and the dissolution of marriage and civil partnerships.

  • Ministers Gordon Lyons, Andrew Muir, and Liz Kimmins have launched a public consultation on ‘Shaping Sustainable Places’, a £150m regeneration programme for place-based infrastructure projects.

  • Invest Northern Ireland supported 1,334 businesses in 2024/25, helping generate over £630m in economic investment and 3,020 new jobs, with 93% of investments coming from local companies and 59% located outside Belfast.

  • Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA has launched a 12-week consultation on the draft Transport Strategy 2035, with the strategy aiming to create more sustainable, connected, and inclusive transport systems.

  • A High Court ruling has blocked the A5 upgrade, citing Stormont’s failure to show how the project aligns with climate laws.

  • Northern Ireland’s construction sector is forecast to grow by 75% by 2026, driven by strong public investment in housing, healthcare, and education, according to industry intelligence from CIS.

  • Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA welcomed new regional balance research, emphasising the need for empowered local governance and adequate resources to address economic disparities across Northern Ireland: LINK

  • The Water, Sustainable Drainage and Flood Management Bill was introduced this week to the Assembly. The Bill’s aims include enhancing NI Water's processes and promoting environmentally friendly water management solutions.

  • Darragh McCarthy, founder and CEO of global financial services firm FinTrU, has been elected to the role of President of Belfast Chamber, replacing Gavin Annon following the completion of his two-year tenure as President.

Upcoming key political and business events 

  • 1 July Belfast City Council Meeting, City Hall.

  • 1 July Derry Chamber Golf Day.

  • 5 July NI Assembly rises for summer recess.

  • 8 July IoD Directors Quarterly Update, Online.

  • 22 July House of Commons rises for summer recess.

Consultations

Dr David McCann, Strategic Political Analyst: 'NI and President Trump - Engage or Pull Back?'

The summer is upon us. As we enter July, one country will dominate the headlines even more than it usually does: the United States of America. Celebrating its 249th birthday on July 4th this year, the return of Donald Trump as President has brought a growing number of economic and foreign policy issues, meaning this Independence Day will cause just as much reflection as it will celebration in the corridors of power in the UK and Ireland.

In Northern Ireland, our relationship with the United States is more integrated than in many other parts of Europe. In economic terms, the USA is our top foreign direct investor. In areas such as cybersecurity and the creative industries, we are a top destination for many American investors seeking to establish a foothold in the UK and the European Union. Walk around Belfast, and you can see the number of American-owned businesses whose logos are on top of many of the buildings in our city centre.

The relationship between Northern Ireland and the USA extends beyond a purely economic connection; there are also substantive political ties that bind us together. American politicians, such as Senator George Mitchell and former President Bill Clinton, have all made significant contributions to our peace process. The degree of American attention on Northern Ireland during the Brexit process and the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement is a testament to the depth of feeling that exists across the Atlantic Ocean.

Engage or Pull Back?

We have all of these fundamentals going for us, including the economic links and the emotional connection. The key question is how do we maximise this opportunity, and how should our local politicians navigate American politics in the age of Trump?

The choices often presented to politicians when dealing with Trump are as follows: engage or pull back.

In Northern Ireland, our Executive has dipped their toes into each of these options depending on which party you are dealing with. For the DUP and UUP, engagement has been the order of the day. For Sinn Féin and Alliance, pulling back has been their preferred option until now.

However, another course is in front of us if we are prepared to take it, and that is to reposition ourselves. This is the Mark Carney approach, which takes a pragmatic approach to engaging with the United States to improve the economic relationship where possible, while also deepening our ties with other allies around the world, such as the European Union.  

Walk and Chew Gum…

Trumpian politics often offers binary solutions to complex problems. Still, the world is not like that, and Northern Ireland should not pretend that either being all in with Trump or pretending he does not exist are the only options open to us. We can walk and chew gum at the same time. Our Executive should engage when it is to our benefit, speak out when necessary and always play the long game.

Northern Ireland can recognise the many economic and political links it has with the United States, while also seeking new opportunities as the global order shifts around us. Countries like Canada are figuring out what this means for them in the long term, and we should not be behind the door in identifying opportunities for ourselves.

Big Anniversary…The Biggest.

The world is changing, and the United States' role will also change. Northern Ireland does not need to fear this or be a loser in this process. We can rise to the challenge of change. As we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence, we can celebrate the deep connections we have with the United States and explore ways to strengthen connections with other parts of the world.

New Documentary ‘The Negotiator’ by Trevor Birney set for gala screening in Belfast

Documentary which examines the life of the architect of the Good Friday Agreement, Senator George Mitchell, features Bill Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern

‘The Negotiator’ the new feature documentary on Senator George Mitchell, from Fine Point Films, directed by Trevor Birney (No Stone Unturned; Quinn Country, Cyndi Lauper: Let the Canary Sing, Kneecap) is set for its gala screening in Belfast as part of the opening of the Docs Ireland 2025 film festival.

The Negotiator, developed in association with Queen’s University, follows journalist and filmmaker Trevor Birney as he profiles US Senator George Mitchell, whose role in the Good Friday Agreement thirty years ago, changed the lives of an entire generation in Northern Ireland.

This timely, contemporary and deeply personal film poses provocative questions about positive United States engagement with the wider world and how Senator Mitchell - with his inexhaustible patience - turned the apparently impossible into the possible.

Filmed in Maine, Washington DC and Northern Ireland, the film explores Mitchell’s journey from a working-class boy in Maine to one of America’s most respected political negotiators. The documentary was produced by Stephen Douds and Andrew Tully.

Contributors to the documentary include former United States President Bill Clinton who said on Senator Mitchell:

“He was an incredibly gifted, brilliant, ferociously determined man from a quite straightforward and simple background. He had this uncanny ability to make us all want to be straight with each other, not continue to waste time and posture.”   

Former Speaker of the US Congress, Nancy Pelosi said on Senator Mitchell:

“I wanted him to run for President…I think he would have been a great President of the United States.  He has a beautiful vision for our country …it was so apparent that he would be so great.”       

Frank Ryan, a US-based lawyer with whom Senator Mitchell worked in the US says of Senator Mitchell’s skillset in negotiations:

“He’s probably more relevant today than he’s ever been. He was saying these things and writing these things about collaboration and unity, compromise for many years. What he was saying then is probably more important in the United States and around the world than it’s ever been.”

Producer of the BAFTA winning, Kneecap and Emmy-nominated founder of Fine Point Films, Trevor Birney, Director of The Negotiator said on the making of the documentary:

“Many of us primarily view Senator Mitchell as the architect of the Good Friday Agreement but know little about the man himself, despite his prominent career as a lawyer, business leader and politician in the US before ever setting foot in Belfast.”

“As a journalist, I covered the protracted negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement and was in the Kings Hall on the day of the referendum, reporting on the momentous days that followed.”

“Almost 30 years on, it felt right to examine the process that led to Senator Mitchell chairing talks with political opposites in what felt like an intractable situation. What has become clear in that time is that he is a unique individual, there have not been many like him since 1998.”

“We now live in a world riven with conflict and those with the skill and ability to bring about enduring political settlements in places experiencing ongoing problems are few and far between. The documentary shows just how special Senator Mitchell is and is a record of the immense contribution that he made here. We could use a few more like him right now.”

Michele Devlin, Docs Ireland added:

“We are thrilled to have the gala screening of The Negotiator as part of Docs Ireland this year. It is such an important, archive rich film about this place, made by brilliant local talent who are amongst some of our most internationally acclaimed filmmakers.”  

“Trevor Birney and Fine Point Films have long been supporters of Docs Ireland and it’s brilliant we can feature this film which examines the transformational impact Senator Mitchell had on the peace process.” 

Broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan will host a post screening in-person interview with Senator Mitchell and Director, Trevor Birney. Over 350 guests are expected to attend the screening at Cineworld in Belfast this evening.

HIV in Northern Ireland: Public Awareness Declines, Stigma and Ignorance Rise

Charity is calling for mass awareness campaign to eliminate HIV by 2030

Positive Life NI, Northern Ireland’s only dedicated HIV charity, has warned that declining public understanding of HIV is jeopardising a drive to eliminate the virus here by 2030.

Following the release of new data from the Department of Health, the charity is calling for increased efforts on public awareness, to ensure that the seriousness of an HIV diagnosis is understood, and that the public learn that a range of modern drug treatments can both treat and, in fact, prevent HIV transmission.

Positive Life says the Department of Health’s research findings expose a resurgence of outdated – and wholly incorrect – myths about HIV. The charity is raising the alarm that a lack of public awareness poses a threat to Northern Ireland’s progress towards the United Nations goal to end new diagnoses of HIV by 2030.

According to the Northern Ireland research findings for the year 2023-24:

  • Among 16-34 year-olds, almost one in five (18%) are not aware of HIV.

  • General awareness of HIV in Northern Ireland has dropped to 87%, down from 94% five years ago.

  • The highest level of awareness is among those aged 45-64 who grew up in the 1980’s when HIV and AIDS peaked and a mass public advertising campaign warned of the risks.

  • More than 1 in 10 (11%) think HIV can be passed through kissing, 5% think it can be transmitted by sharing a glass and 4% by sharing a toilet seat. Almost 40% believe it can be passed on by biting and 24% through spitting.

Turning to knowledge of modern treatments and protection against HIV:

  • Of those who have heard of HIV, only a quarter (26%) of all respondents know  that a person on effective HIV treatment cannot pass the virus on to sexual partners — a principle known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).

  • Just 17% are aware of a preventative medication (PrEP) proven to protect against acquiring HIV.

Positive Life says the data reflects a lack of public education and the absence of consistent, government-led awareness campaigns, particularly targeting younger people and communities most affected by HIV.

Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive of Positive Life NI, said:

“Just when we’re on the cusp of wiping out HIV in Northern Ireland, there’s a risk that decades of progress will unravel because HIV has dropped off the public radar. We cannot end HIV transmissions by 2030 if one in five young adults here do not even know what HIV is.

“These figures are a wake-up call. It’s clear that the myths and misinformation around HIV are still alive and well. At this moment in time, more than ever, we need to keep HIV in the spotlight.

"Public awareness has stagnated. Without urgent action and appropriate investment, we risk falling short of the 2030 target – and failing another entire generation. We can’t afford to take our eye off the ball now."

The charity is urging the Health Minister to double down urgently on a region-wide effort to ensure HIV becomes a thing of the past. Jacquie Richardson believes the investment is a simple mathematical equation. She said,

“The cost of HIV treatment for one person over a lifetime can exceed £400,000. Currently, around 100 new patients a year go on the books of our health and social care system. Diverting the cost of medication for just one newly diagnosed individual into a health promotion and HIV testing campaign could make a massive impact on the drive to wipe out HIV here altogether. This is a clear case of investing in prevention now to avoid a manifold cost of treatment or cure for decades into the future.”

Belfast Met take on Sheffield in Epic Fight Night Clash

Kai Devlin, Belfast Met; John Mulhern, Belfast Met; Brendan Warburton MBE, Sheffield City Boxing Club; Connie Gibbons, Ulster University.

On Saturday, Belfast Met proudly hosted young boxers from Sheffield City Boxing Club at an electrifying fight night in the Clayton Hotel, celebrating a decade of partnership between the two cities' elite boxing academies.

The high-energy gala featured eight thrilling bouts, shining a spotlight on the next generation of boxing talent.

Pádraig Walsh, Belfast Met and Aman Hussain, Sheffield City Boxing Club.

Proudly backed by sponsors DPD, the event delivered knockout entertainment for around two hundred guests.

The gala not only celebrated the skill and dedication of the young athletes but also highlighted the unique opportunities available at Belfast Metropolitan College for aspiring boxers.

At the college’s Boxing Academy, students can refine their boxing skills while earning qualifications that can pave the way to rewarding careers.

The programme has a strong legacy of success, having produced top class Ulster and Irish University champions, such as Commonwealth and Olympic medallist Aidan Walsh. Several former participants have gone on to pursue professional boxing careers.

This year’s event also featured three prestigious awards:

Judith and James Bleakney present Belfast Met boxer Jamie Graham with the Jack Bleakney Memorial Shield for Belfast Met Boxer of the Year.

  • James and Judith Bleakney presented the Jack Bleakney Memorial Shield to the Belfast Met Boxer of the Year, Jamie Graham.

  • The Gerry Storey Jr Cup was awarded to the Best Home Boxer on the night, Jamie Graham.

  • And the Best Away Boxer on the night was presented to Sheffield’s Aman Hussain by Damian Kennedy, IABA High Performance Coach and 2024 Team Ireland Olympic Boxing Coach.

Damien Kennedy, 2024 Team Ireland Olympic boxing coach presents Aman Hussain from Sheffield City Boxing Club with the award for Best Away Boxer.

On the night, John Mulhern, Academic Co-ordinator of the Belfast Met Boxing Academy, was honoured with a special recognition award for his outstanding dedication to the academy and his unwavering support and inspiration to students.

The show marked the culmination of another successful year for the programme, which continues to go from strength to strength since it started 10 years ago.

The Boxing Academy at Belfast Met provides world-class coaching while also providing every participant with the opportunity to enhance their educational and employment prospects.

Damian Duffy, Interim Principal and Chief Executive, Belfast Met said:

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate ten years of the Belfast Met Boxing Academy, a programme that truly embodies our commitment to developing both skills and character.

“Tonight’s gala is not just about boxing; it’s about opportunity, ambition, and community. Through the academy, we’ve seen young people thrive both in and out of the ring, and we remain dedicated to supporting their journey, whether that leads to sporting success, education, or meaningful employment.”

Brendan Warburton MBE, Head Coach, Sheffield City Boxing Club said:

“It was an absolute pleasure to bring our boxers to Belfast and take part in this special event. The warm welcome from Belfast Met and the supportive crowd created an electric atmosphere.

Events like these are so important for our young boxers, giving them the chance to test their skills, build friendships and learn from each other. We’re already looking forward to the next one.”

Wajih Syed, 2Fleet Manager, DPD said:

“It’s great to see the fantastic work being done by the Belfast Met Boxing Academy, and we’re delighted to be part of the 10th Anniversary Gala. DPD is proud to be supporting such an important and inspiring event.”

Belfast Met Boxing Academy Team and Coaches with Sheffield City Boxing Club and Coaches.

Allstate Raises Over £73,000 for Mental Health Support Across Northern Ireland

Jonathan Smyth, Action Mental Health; Joy Chambers, Allstate; Siobhan Holland, Allstate; and Jane Robertson, Action Mental Health. 

Allstate NI has placed mental health at the centre of its social impact strategy, forming a powerful partnership with Action Mental Health, a leading charity dedicated to transforming lives and promoting mental wellbeing across Northern Ireland.

This collaboration reflects Allstate’s modern and meaningful approach to establish itself as a trusted and socially responsible leader within the local community, with a strong focus on empathy, youth empowerment, and long-term societal change.

Demonstrating the impact of purpose-led action, Allstate staff raised an exceptional £73,743 in 2024, through a range of creative and inclusive fundraising initiatives.

From step challenges and marathons to abseils, bake sales, and the demanding Mourne Seven Peaks Challenge, employees were inspired to get active and give back.

Fundraising efforts were further strengthened by the company’s Give As You Earn scheme, matched funding, and accessible activities like office raffles, encouraging participation from across the organisation.

Beyond financial support, Allstate has invested in long-term wellbeing and engagement by taking part in a series of expert-led sessions delivered by Action Mental Health, including Mental Health First Aid training, building resilience in the workplace and promoting a supportive peer culture, all of which have cultivated an inclusive, dynamic work environment where employees are inspired to engage and grow.

Allstate has also supported Action Mental Health clients preparing to return to the workforce by hosting a dedicated skills and mentoring day at its Belfast office, further reinforcing their commitment to making a positive impact on the local community.

The session included CV workshops, interview coaching, and practical advice from a fashion expert on dressing for success on a budget, offering many participants their first experience in a corporate setting.

The funds raised by Allstate will allow thousands of children and young people across Northern Ireland to benefit from Action Mental Health’s resilience-building programmes in local primary and secondary schools.

These initiatives align closely with the Allstate Foundation’s focus on Youth Empowerment, providing young people with the tools they need to manage their mental health and thrive.

Bernadette Haughey, Business Engagement Coordinator at Allstate, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made alongside Action Mental Health. This partnership brought our people together in the most meaningful way, raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and delivering real support to our communities.

“The results have far exceeded our expectations and left a lasting legacy we’re truly proud of.”

Belfast Met Celebrates Apprentice Talent at Annual Apprenticeships Awards

Siobhan Lyons, Belfast Met Interim Director of Development and Partnerships; Sarah Welsh, Former Business Administration Apprentice and Guest Speaker; Apprenticeships Award Winner Paul McManus, Engineering Apprentice with Spirit Aero; and Damian Duffy, Belfast Met Interim Principal and Chief Executive.

Over thirty apprentices at Belfast Metropolitan College were celebrated for their exceptional achievements at the college's annual Apprenticeships Awards ceremony.

The awards, held at Belfast Met's e3 campus on Wednesday evening, brought together apprentices and their families, college staff, and employers to recognise the remarkable progress and dedication demonstrated by apprentices across the college's diverse apprenticeship programmes.

The Apprenticeships Awards showcase the talent and commitment of apprentices who are mastering their trades while gaining valuable real-world experience alongside expert training from Belfast Met's teaching staff.

Apprenticeships remain a cornerstone of a successful Northern Ireland economy, developing the skilled workforce essential for businesses across the region.

The awards reflect the wide range of apprenticeships on offer at the college, including traditional sectors such as plumbing, joinery and engineering, as well as cutting edge sectors like cyber security, pharmacy, and Data Analytics.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Interim Director of Development and Partnerships, Siobhan Lyons, commented:

"Tonight we celebrate not just individual achievement, but the future of our local economy. Our apprentices are developing industry-leading expertise while making meaningful contributions to their employers and communities.

"Belfast Met now supports over 1000 Apprentices and Higher Level Apprentices across our programmes, each one building the foundation for a successful career while helping to address the skills needs of Northern Ireland's businesses.

"These awards recognise those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their professional development. Their success reflects the quality of our partnerships with industry and the dedication of our teaching staff. I'm confident these apprentices will become the skilled professionals and leaders our economy needs to thrive in the years ahead."

Award winners were as follows:

The School of Science, Engineering and Construction

  1. Antaine McNicholl, Alarms, Professional Fire & Security (PFS)

  2. Ewan Forsyth, Electrical, Nugent M&E

  3. Isaac Forsythe, Performing Engineering Operations, Queen’s University Belfast

  4. Mark Holloway, Performing Engineering Operations, John Holloway

  5. Jake McClean, Performing Engineering Operations, Cimpina

  6. Luke Kinnaird, Engineering, Spirit Aero

  7. Paul McManus, Engineering, Spirit Aero

  8. Aaron McCloskey, Joinery, Hesketh Joinery

  9. Leon Adams, Motor Vehicle, Volkswagen Van Centre

  10. Ewan Warnock, Motor Vehicle, Mervyn Stewart Skoda

  11. Emmet O'Neill, Plumbing, ATS Gas

  12. Arran Barr, Brick work, Tony Harriet

  13. Jennifer Hunter, Civil Engineering, Department for Infrastructure

  14. Jill Kennedy, Civil Engineering, Department for Infrastructure

  15. Holly McColl, Pharmacy, Clear Pharmacy

  16. Rachel Campbell, Scientific Technicians, Queen’s University Belfast

The School of Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion

  1. Danielle Brown, Childcare, Little Rays

 

The School of Creative and Digital Industries

  1. Andrew Hartland, Citi Data Academy, Citi

  2. Alayah Verdasca, Telecoms, Department of Justice

  3. Kerri McDaid, IT Networking, Queen’s University Belfast

  4. Rachel Green, IT Cloud, Hallmark Solutions

  5. Jonny Magee, IT Cloud, TP ICAP

  6. Andrew Devonshire, IT Cyber, Danske Bank

  7. Holden Gibson, Print, Northside Graphics

 

Business and Skills Department

  1. Sarah-Jane Calvert, Providing Financial Services, Lloyds Bank

  2. Lauryn Gordon, Business administration, NIE Networks

  3. Michael McElhinney, Hospitality, Premier Inn

  4. Jude Hamilton, Providing Financial Services, Citi

  5. Aaron Lamont, Leadership and Management, PHS Group

 

The Belfast Business School

  1. Angelika Dzenite, Data Management, Pacem

  2. Georgia Abernethy, Culinary Arts, Posh Nosh

  3. Jack Gillespie, Accountancy, Sumer NI

  4. Nicole Cameron, Event Management, Fairytales Weddings/Northern Lights Event Hire

  5. Aimee Mallon, Hairdressing, G&S Hair studio

Damian Duffy, Belfast Met Interim Principal and Chief Executive; Siobhan Lyons, Belfast Met Interim Director of Development and Partnerships; Apprenticeships Award Winner Paul McManus, Engineering Apprentice with Spirit Aero; Event Host Lynette Fay; Sarah Welsh, former Business Administration Apprentice and Guest Speaker; and Rachel Burns, Belfast Met Head of Department for Business and Skills.