Local councils joining fightback against climate crisis with COP26 events

NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess

NILGA supporting three events across Northern Ireland as part of the COP26 programme

Local government across Northern Ireland is joining in with COP26 activities in November through a series of events, conferences, workshops, and festivals.

Following the Race to Zero Carbon hydrogen bus tour across Northern Ireland in September, the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), with the support of the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive, is facilitating three ‘regional roadshows’ aligned with the Presidency Programme for COP26.

The regional events will run in tandem with the two weeks of the COP26 UN Climate Change summit in Glasgow and are focused on the practical steps we can all take as a region to reduce our carbon footprint and impact on the environment.

As well as participating in the conference itself in Glasgow and engaging with leaders and organisations from across the world on how to tackle the climate crisis, NILGA is supporting three local events throughout the COP26 fortnight:

  • the RE[act] Festival;

  • SmartEnergy Conference 2021;

  • and an online Adaptation Day and Resilience Roadshow.

Beginning on 2 November, the RE[act] Festival will be held for 12 days across Belfast in partnership with Linen Quarter BID and Belfast City Council. The festival is a new and innovative one which seeks to inspire a more sustainable Belfast and is aligned in thinking with the main COP26 themes, to help integrate Northern Ireland into the global conversation.

RE[act] runs from 2 November until 14 November and is a mix of talks, workshops and experiential events dedicated to creating a more sustainable Belfast.

Also on 2 November, Renewable NI is hosting its SmartEnergy Conference at the ICC Belfast, a full day, hybrid conference available to both physical and virtual delegates. Focused on the ambition for low carbon technologies the conference will hear from a panel of experts on the role innovation will play in achieving the UK’s ‘net zero’ requirement.

A key industry event, there will be opportunity to network with policy makers and influencers as well as the important figures within the energy sector. At the forefront of innovation, the RenewableNI Smart Energy conference 2021 will play a vital role in turning ambition into achievement.

Finally, on 8 November, four local councils are joining forces to host an online Adaptation Day and Resilience Roadshow. With support from NILGA, Belfast City Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council are collaborating to host three important events across Northern Ireland aiming to deliver the practical solutions needed to adapt our communities, districts,  boroughs and cities to climate impacts like flooding, wildfires, and excess heat.

Welcoming the series of events taking place across the region, NILGA President, Cllr Robert Burgess, said:

“I am delighted to demonstrate my support for the COP26 UN Climate Change summit in Glasgow. COP26 provides us with a unique opportunity to take stock and to find new ways to work together to tackle the climate crisis and to deliver workable programmes in transition to net zero.

“We have a long battle ahead of us but these significant events, taking place across the region bring together local government, departments, business, industry, charities and other organisations so we can take action in partnership. I welcome the funding secured by NILGA on behalf of the local government sector which has enabled this programme of events to take place.

“We can no longer afford to wait to act against the threat of climate change. We must work together to protect our planet and people and to ensure a more resilient future for us all.”

Lord Alderdice launches previously unpublished work by leading Irish Presbyterian scholar James Ernest Davey

Former Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker and Liberal Democrat Peer, Lord John Alderdice

A previously unseen work by leading Irish Presbyterian scholar, James Ernest Davey, has been published by Lord Alderdice and will be launched at First Belfast Presbyterian Church on Friday, 5 November.

Davey, who was tried on charges of heresy by the Presbyterian Church in 1927 for his liberal views, is widely regarded as one of Northern Ireland’s leading public intellectuals of his time. Titled “Religious Experience: its nature, validity, forms and problems”, this book, which was written in the 1950s, contains his final considered reflections on religious truth and point to a radical rethinking of theology.

This previously unpublished manuscript was printed only for private circulation in the 1960s due to fears regarding what its publication could mean for rising religious fundamentalism in Northern Ireland at that time. Upon this publication by Lord Alderdice, Davey’s critical insights on the religious experience are now available in full.

Speaking about the publication, Lord Alderdice said:

“As a son of the Presbyterian manse myself, I have long been fascinated by the life and work of J Ernest Davey. His story is key to understanding the liberal/conservative debate in Irish Presbyterianism, not just throughout the 20th century, but at the present time.”

“I am thrilled to have been able to bring this book to publication for the first time, because even now, over 60 years after Davey’s death, I believe that his ideas provide the basis for a new approach to theology and faith.”

The launch of Davey’s book “Religious Experience: its nature, validity, forms and problems” will take place on Friday, 5 November from 6.45pm to 8pm at the First Belfast Presbyterian Church, Rosemary Street Belfast. It will include a short organ recital, followed by a conversation between William Crawley and Lord Alderdice and a Q&A session.

To register for the event, visit: LINK.

Londonderry Chamber says 'ball in the court' of NI ministers after Budget

Paul Clancy, CEO, Londonderry Chamber

Speaking after the publication of the Chancellor’s Budget and Spending Review today, Londonderry Chamber CEO Paul Clancy said:

“The Chancellor’s Budget published today puts the ball firmly in the court of our local ministers here in Northern Ireland. With a boost to the NI Executive coffers over the next year of £1.6bn through the Barnett formula, as well as a further £235m, it’s important that local ministers follow the lead of the Chancellor and cut business rates in Northern Ireland, especially for struggling sectors like hospitality and retail.

“The reduction to air passenger duty, however, is a welcome announcement and has been a longstanding ask of the local business community. This is a move which will boost our regional connectivity and enhance and reiterate the North West’s position as an attractive location for investment and for businesses across the UK. The reform of the alcohol duty system is also a positive step and represents a long overdue rationalisation of the system, one which will help hospitality businesses as they get back on their feet.

“It’s crucial now that the NI Executive, with a new three-year budget process in place, gives businesses, workers and consumers the certainty and support we need as we emerge from the pandemic by allocating these substantial funds to help create jobs, prosperity and economic growth.”

Businesses left perplexed as to what the UK Budget and Spending Review will mean for costs, says Angela Keery, Tax Director at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

Tax Director at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Angela Keery

Commenting on the publication of the UK Budget and Spending Review by Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP, Tax Director at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Angela Keery said:

“Today’s Budget and multi-year Spending Review announced by the Chancellor was a cautious step forward in managing public debt and addressing the economic challenges caused by Covid-19. Set to the backdrop of rising inflation, official forecasts revealed lower than previously assumed damage to the economy by one percent, yet businesses remain perplexed as to what the current fiscal climate will mean for their costs in the coming months.”

“In reality, companies could be left facing dramatic increases to their tax bills in January 2025 due to reforms of basis period rules, the period for which they pay tax each year. Pair that with the pending Health and Social Care Levy, a rise in the National Living Wage and the previously announced increase in Tax on Dividends and Corporation Tax rates, there is an understandable sense of anxiety that take-home earnings for individuals and businesses will drop significantly.”

“Opportunity does exist, however, for local businesses via the reduction in Air Passenger Duty for regional flights from 2023. This will help with greater regional connectivity and companies doing business in other parts of the UK. Several other incentives for business were also announced in the form of investment in R&D so that it better supports business. Ultimately, today’s Budget delivered less tax reforms than anticipated, with changes to Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax not included. While this may be welcomed in the interim, there is no doubt that the Chancellor is delaying the inevitable.”

Spending Review announcement provides a prime opportunity for Executive to address underinvestment in pharmacy

Community Pharmacy NI is urging the Northern Ireland Executive to use its block grant to provide the necessary investment to stabilise the community pharmacy sector and support services following the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Community pharmacy has to date experienced a legacy of significant underfunding and workforce difficulties, and faces unprecedented winter pressures over the next months. Community Pharmacy NI is calling for an immediate and multi-year funding plan to be put in place to allow the sector to continue to respond to the pandemic.

According to the industry, the three-year funding settlement through the Spending Review offers one of the best opportunities to address the long-term funding shortages which have impacted community pharmacy over the last decade. Investment is also required to help with the sector’s response to immediate winter challenges. 

 As the only open-access health care provider in primary care during the Covid-19 pandemic, community pharmacy, like other sectors of health care, has a workforce that is left exhausted from the challenge. Increasing workforce pressures have led to staff moving away from frontline community pharmacy and into other parts of the health service.

In addition to everyday pharmacy services including the safe supply of over 40 million prescription medicines to patients annually across Northern Ireland, the network is now the main provider of primary Covid-19 vaccinations in Northern Ireland and will deliver booster jabs as well as an enhanced flu vaccination programme.

Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene said:

“Community pharmacy has long operated under significant financial constraints with services having to make do with ad hoc injections of funding for too long. We now have an opportunity, through the Executive’s block grant settlement, to take a multi-year approach to resourcing the sector so that it is placed on a more sustainable footing, allowing for long-term planning, and further service provisions to be added.

“The reality is we are starting to see the effect that years of underinvestment is having on our community pharmacy sector. Added to this is the ever-rising cost-base for community pharmacy contractors seen principally with dramatically rising staff costs and energy costs to give just two examples. Whilst the Chancellor has signalled his intent to also use tax increases to account for rising health and social care costs, we are calling on the Executive to ensure that community pharmacy is included within all the budgetary allocations made available to the Northern Ireland Executive. 

“Community pharmacists have been proud to play an instrumental role in the Covid-19 and winter flu vaccine roll-outs. However, these run alongside all other pharmacy services and this requires detailed planning and resourcing to ensure safe staffing levels, supply of medicines and regular services.

“With our health service under huge pressure, it was encouraging to hear Finance Minister Conor Murphy MLA speaking recently of his intention to use the Executive’s block grant to prioritise health. It is imperative that funds are quickly allocated to the Department of Health to ensure recurrent investment for community pharmacy. 

“On the ground, community pharmacists have been at breaking point, but have kept their doors open to look after patients over the past nineteen months. Our services have enabled patients to be cared for and maintained in their own home environment, freeing up hospitals, GPs and care homes for the most unwell and vulnerable. It is time that the dedication and work of our sector is matched with the correct funding and resourcing.”

Leading accountancy and advisory firm Baker Tilly Mooney Moore in two new tax appointments

Eugene Moore, new Tax Manager at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore with Tax Director Angela Keery and Naomh McGrann, new Tax Technician at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

Leading accountancy and advisory firm Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has made two appointments to the Taxation Department amid a period of sustained growth and development.

Eugene Moore joins the firm as Tax Manager, while Naomh McGrann has taken on the role of Tax Technician.

The appointments mark another step forward for the Belfast-based team, which specialises in Audit & Assurance, Consulting, Taxation and Restructuring & Insolvency, following a busy period across all areas of the business.

From beginning his career in Portadown, Eugene brings over 16 years’ experience at both local general practice and large corporate tax team levels. Initially delivering Tax and Audit services for clients across multiple sectors including agriculture and medicine, Eugene has specialised in Corporate Tax Advisory and Compliance over the last six years.

Also starting off at local level, Naomh brings five years’ experience in personal tax from both a smaller practice in Lisburn and within the ‘Big 4’ bracket.

The appointments follow the addition of Eimear Brown to the well-known accountancy brand as its new Head of Audit in August.

Welcoming Eugene and Naomh to the team, Angela Keery, Tax Director at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore said:

“This is an important milestone for the firm as we welcome two consultants with a wealth of expertise to our growing Taxation Department. As our new Tax Manager, Eugene brings experience working with clients across Northern Ireland. Eugene has a corporate tax focus, working with local family businesses on company reorganisations and associated tax planning.”

“Naomh, who joins us as a Tax Technician, will apply her expertise and insights initially in managing personal tax cases to our varied client base of both established and new business. We are thrilled to have them both on board and believe their energy and attention to detail will bolster the team as we seek to deliver for our clients in this post-pandemic environment.”

Eugene Moore, new Tax Manager at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore said:

“Joining the team at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore during a period of expansion and growth was an opportunity not to be missed as the firm goes from strength to strength. I look forward to applying my experience across various sectors to this all-encompassing role and contributing to the success of the Tax department and the firm overall.”

Eugene Moore, new Tax Manager at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

Naomh McGrann, new Tax Technician at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore added:

“I am delighted to have been appointed to the Tax Department at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, which brings all the comfort of a smaller firm while operating on a higher level. As our clients navigate their post-pandemic recovery, it is both motivating and reassuring to join an expanding team. I know there will be an endless number of opportunities, particularly through the Baker Tilly International network, and feel encouraged by all that is going on.”

 

Naomh McGrann, new Tax Technician at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

Brown O'Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 25 October 2021

Forward Look

  • Please find attached a rundown of legislation currently passing through the Assembly. Of particular note are the two Climate Change Bills and the Health and Social Care Bill.

  • The Northern Ireland Assembly will rise for its Halloween recess on Monday. The next plenary session is scheduled for Monday 1 November.

  • The Executive has agreed that face coverings can be removed when eating, drinking or dancing in any indoor setting in anticipation of further relaxation of restrictions facing the hospitality sector on 31 October.

  • The Executive published its Autumn/Winter Covid-19 Contingency Plan. In the event of cases rising the plan sets out four contingency measures. These include more focused communications, Covid-19 status certification in high-risk settings, strengthened self-isolation rules and the re-imposition of legal requirement for minimum social distancing. To view the plan: LINK

  • The Boundary Commission published its Initial Proposals Report for the 2023 Parliamentary Constituency Boundary Review. Proposals include renaming two constituencies and moving twenty local government wards to other constituencies. The proposals will be subject to several consultations and a public hearing before final recommendations are made by 1 July 2023.

  • Applications for the High Street Voucher Scheme will close on Monday. Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has encouraged those who have not applied to do so.

  • A High Court judge overseeing legal action against the DUP’s boycott of the North South Ministerial Council has suggested that the Attorney General could be consulted on the case in the coming weeks.

  • Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA has launched a consultation on a proposed new affordable rent model that will increase affordable housing options. The deadline for responses is 14 January 2022.

  • Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA has launched a competition to appoint a new Chair to the Board of Northern Ireland Screen. The deadline for applications is 11 November.

  • Green MLA Rachel Woods has introduced the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Bill. Its Second Stage is to be scheduled in the coming weeks.

  • Before stepping down, Fra McCann’s Hospital Parking Charges Bill had its first stage in the Assembly. Its Second Stage is to be scheduled in the coming weeks. Fra McCann’s replacement Aisling Reilly MLA is expected to take over the sponsorship of the bill.

  • The Autumn Budget and 2021 Spending Review will be published on Wednesday. The Spending Review will set out the devolved administrations’ block grants for 2022/23 and 2024/25.

  • Northern Ireland Questions will take place on Wednesday in Parliament. Secretary of State Brandon Lewis MP will also appear before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on the Governments legacy proposals.

  • Belfast City Council has issued a call for tenders to develop an economic strategy to support sustainable and inclusive growth in Belfast for the period 2022-2030. Deadline for applications is 12 November.

  • Belfast International Homecoming will go green for its seventh annual conference on 4 November focusing on the climate emergency and the need to transition to a carbon neutral economy. For more information: LINK

Other Stories this week

  • Aisling Reilly was officially signed in as the new Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, replacing Fra McCann.

  • The Communities Committee has launched its ‘Call for Views’ on the new Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill which will amend the 1985 legislation.

  • The Northern Ireland High Court refused to quash planning permission for the North South Interconnector despite identifying a legal flaw in the ministerial decision-making process.

  • SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has reshuffled the party’s frontbench Assembly team. Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin has been appointed Chair of the Executive Office Committee, Colin McGrath MLA has moved to the Health Committee, and Matthew O’Toole MLA has been appointed deputy Chair of the Economy Committee.

  • A survey published by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce has found that one in three businesses are performing better than before the pandemic, but 80% of respondents are finding it difficult to gain staff.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA opened a new £3 million Cancer Care Unit at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald.

Upcoming key political and business events

Consultations

 

FinTech and Further Education leaders unite to inspire the workforce of the post-pandemic economy

(Left to Right): Vice-President and Managing Director, Allstate NI, John Healy, FinTru Associate & former North West Regional College student, Tracey Gillen, Belfast Metropolitan College’s Director of Curriculum, Damian Duffy, Broadcaster Clodagh Rice, HMT FinTech Envoy for Northern Ireland, Andrew Jenkins, and Chief Executive & Principal of North West Regional College, Leo Murphy.

The leaders of the FinTech and Further Education sectors met in a panel event on Thursday to examine how both industries can work collaboratively to provide the skills and talent needed to boost the Northern Ireland Economy.

The event, held at North West Regional College, saw insightful discussion on the important role of the Further Education colleges in training and developing skilled talent for the FinTech sector, and how FinTech companies can work more closely with the Colleges to maximise the opportunities that exist in this growing sector.

‘FinTech and Further Education: Creating Skills for the new Economy’ panellists included Northern Ireland FinTech Envoy, Andrew Jenkins, Vice President and Managing Director of Allstate NI John Healy, Belfast Metropolitan College’s Director of Curriculum, Damian Duffy and former North West Regional College Student and current FinTru Associate, Tracey Gillen.

The Further Education colleges across Northern Ireland offer a range of courses for learners seeking a career in the Financial Technology services including Foundation Degrees in Business, Higher Level Apprenticeships in Accounting and the Assured Skills academies with businesses including FinTru, Deloitte and Alchemy.

The event follows the publication of a dedicated three-year strategy for the FinTech sector in Northern Ireland, which found it to be worth an estimated £392 million to the local economy. Expected to attract an additional £25 million in Foreign Direct Investment by 2024, the strategy identifies skills and talent as a key workstream to safeguarding the future of the industry.

Northern Ireland FinTech Envoy and Chair of the FinTech NI Association Andrew Jenkins said:

“As the world of work changes dramatically and we continue to battle the brain drain of talented professionals from Northern Ireland, now is the time to promote the opportunities on offer here on our very doorstep. Following the launch of our three-year FinTech Strategy and roadmap, we know that the sector has the potential to bring in over £25 million in Foreign Direct Investment by 2024. With ambitions to reach 100 local FinTech firms in this period also, it is essential that we turn our attention to the future innovators, who we will soon be reliant upon to fill a growing list of vacancies.”

“With this in mind, we are working to demystify what the FinTech sector is and communicate the opportunities and earning potential that exist. Uniting with the Further Education sector to promote the opportunities available in FinTech is a vital avenue of this work and a useful step forward in our efforts to address the skills imbalance and safeguard the pipeline of future talent our sector relies upon.”

Chief Executive and Principal of North West Regional College, Leo Murphy said:

“For the past decade, we have been working with excellent businesses including Allstate, FinTru, Alchemy and Deloitte to ensure that we are producing skilled, experienced talent for the FinTech sector who are work ready and prepared to fulfil the role required. We are thrilled to join our FinTech colleagues to further boost our collaborative working and showcase how this partnership is elevating and boosting the skilled workforce and in turn, the wider economy.

“The FinTech sector has soared across Northern Ireland in the past years, with countless lists now recognising us as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for FinTech. This ringing endorsement for the sector, including the companies that operate here in the North West, is a testament to the hundreds of students who have worked incredibly hard to be part of this expanding industry. We are excited to see the new peaks both our sectors will reach together as we look to the economic bounce back following the pandemic.”

New cross border survey shows that conditions for North South cooperation have deteriorated due to political instability

Dr Anthony Soares, Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies

The report published today by the Centre for Cross Border Studies, as part of their third quarterly survey on the conditions for North-South and East-West Cooperation, shows that political North-South cooperation has not improved.

It follows a previous report earlier this summer that found 51% of civil society organisations felt that the conditions for political North-South collaboration had deteriorated due to growing political instability surrounding the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol.

The report covers data that was collected via a survey of self-selected respondents between 17 and 30 September. Over 60 civil society organisations and local authorities responded to the survey.

Respondents pointed to politicisation of Brexit and the implementation of the NI Protocol as a cause of this stagnation due to the erosion of relations.

The report authored by the Centre, whose role is to promote cross border cooperation, also showed that levels of East West cooperation has stayed the same, but respondents indicated a lack of trust in the British government and local politicians to address issues.

Today’s publication helps the Centre to assess how the necessary conditions for cross border cooperation are being maintained, and how relations between organisations on the island of Ireland and Great Britain are being safeguarded since Brexit and the partial implementation of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol.

The survey is published in the context of ongoing political frictions surrounding the Northern Ireland Protocol and North South Ministerial Council.  

Dr Anthony Soares, Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies said:

“I am increasingly concerned that there has been no improvement in the political conditions for North South cooperation since our previous findings in July.”

“Whilst it is expected that cooperation may dwindle occasionally, it is alarming that cooperation has stagnated during a period when we need it most. Cooperation across these islands is the only solution to the problems we face.”

“I believe we can improve the political conditions for cooperation across these islands, but this can only be done through honest and respectful dialogue between all parties to deal with the sensitivities surrounding the Northern Ireland Protocol.”

“Since becoming Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies in 2019, it is apparent to me that there is a willingness from society to cooperate across our islands for the benefit of all. That is why our decision makers should strive to find solutions to the barriers of greater cooperation.”

On the forward work of the Centre, Dr Soares added:

“Stability is needed for cross border cooperation and collaboration; all parties must come to an agreement on the working of the Protocol and governments must engage on cross cutting issues.”

“We note and welcome the negotiations currently taking place between the British Government and the European Union to find an agreement.”

“As a Centre we will work to continually promote dialogue and cooperation to ensure the vision of a reconciled and peaceful society, underpinned by all three strands of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement is a reality.”

Inspire crowns winners at Workplace Wellbeing Awards

Ian Reeves, Jennifer Rogers and Eamonn Murphy of the Gaelic Players Association join John Conaghan, Group Director of Therapeutic and Wellbeing Services at Inspire to celebrate the Association’s special recognition award at the Inspire Workplace Wellbeing Awards 2021.

Mental health charity Inspire has celebrated the importance of building positivity, resilience and mental wellbeing in work at its third Workplace Wellbeing Awards.

The virtual event took place on Wednesday 20th October and was organised to recognise the efforts made by the many organisations that go the extra mile to nurture the mental health and wellbeing of their employees.

Broadcaster Tara Mills hosted the ceremony, which was sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK.

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) was awarded a special recognition award for its long-standing and ground-breaking commitment to employee wellbeing.

John Conaghan, Group Director of Therapeutic and Wellbeing Services at Inspire, said:

“We are thrilled to have hosted these awards and acknowledge the organisations that are going the extra mile promote and strengthen staff wellbeing. It has been a difficult 19 months for everyone, but it is great to see employee wellbeing being prioritised by employers from all sectors. At the awards, we celebrated organisations who are ensuring that staff wellbeing is of the highest importance. We congratulate our nominees and winners, all of whom really showcase the best of those creating a culture of employee wellbeing.

“We are especially pleased to award the Lifetime Achievement Award to the Gaelic Players Association. The GPA’s 4000 elite inter-county players represent, or have represented, their counties at the highest level in football, hurling and camogie. The GPA is very much aware that while the public may see players first, it sees the person first. The GPA knows that playing at a high level can be challenging, with players balancing the demands of sport, family life, education and work.

“Inspire has been providing mental health support to the GPA for a decade now and, during that time, we have seen first-hand the organisation’s passion, commitment and dedication to supporting the mental health of its members. The GPA is very aware that what happens off the pitch can greatly affect what happens on it. It takes seriously the mental health struggles that some players may have, from anxiety, low mood and addiction to family issues and bereavement. The GPA, and its members, also act as significant role models for the public. We know that when a player speaks publicly about his or her mental health, this encourages members of the public to come forward for help. Inspire is delighted to award the Lifetime Achievement Award to the GPA. It is a true ambassador for mental health awareness and the provider of much needed support to past and present players.”

Accepting the award on behalf of the GPA, CEO Tom Parsons said:

“It is a great honour to see the work the GPA has done in the area of mental health recognised in this way by Inspire. Inspire has been a very important supporter of inter-county players in this area and I want to thank them on behalf of each and every player they have helped over the course of the last decade. Be in no doubt that were it not for those brave individuals who have spoken out about their own difficulties, others would have struggled more and for longer in silence. By seeking help and speaking out, they have helped lessen the stigma that unfortunately still exists around mental health and made the path to support easier for others. This award is truly for them.

“Players are at the heart of each and every decision we make or policy we pursue. While sport is often associated with physical health, our members are people first and mental health is something we all have and something we all need to look after. The GPA has consistently encouraged our members to prioritise their mental health and are proud to have provided supports to enable them to do this. We take pride in the fact that we offer inter-county players a range of services, including a confidential counselling phone line, face-to-face counselling, a text support service, and an online wellbeing support platform, as we help them to deal with times of crisis and also encourage them to look after their mental health on an ongoing basis.

“If I could get one message out there today for players it is that we look after our physical health through exercise, eating and sleeping well, and training. We need to treat our mental health in the same way and we have services and tools there for players to do just that, so please make use of them and never be afraid to avail of help should you need it. Many of your fellow players have done so and have seen the benefits.”

Kerry Hinks, HR Manager at Bank of Ireland NI, which is sponsoring the awards, said:

“At Bank of Ireland, our Wellbeing Strategy is aligned to our ambition and purpose of “enabling our colleagues, customer and communities to thrive”. Wellbeing is about thriving as an individual, about being happy and healthy. We are delighted to support these awards, which recognise the other organisations in Northern Ireland that are aiming to embed a strong culture of workplace wellbeing and ensure that this important area continues to be prioritised.”

The winners for each category were:

Excellence in Challenging Stigma in the Workplace

Winner: Mates in Mind

Excellence in Health Social Care Sector

Winner: NI Hospice

Excellence in Public Sector

Winner: Translink

Excellence in the Education Sector

Winner: Education Authority

Excellence in Private Sector:

Winner: KN Circet

Excellence in Voluntary Community or Social Enterprise:

Winner: EBCDA- East Belfast Community Development Agency

Outstanding Employee Led Initiative:

Winner: BSO

Promoting Positive Wellbeing Culture:

Winner: Clúid Housing and NI Water