Former Northern Ireland international to inspire parents and coaches on young people’s mental health at Belfast Youth Cup

Former Manchester United and Northern Ireland footballer Pat McGibbon is set to host a series of mental health and wellbeing workshops at the Belfast Youth Cup.

 The tournament organisers – in partnership with Change Your Mind, Inspire and Train 2B Smart – will deliver a series of free masterclasses, for parents and coaches, focusing on the links between young people’s personal growth and footballing development on Sunday 7 and Monday 8 August.

A qualified physiotherapist, Pat will draw on his own knowledge of sports science – as well as his experiences of playing and coaching – to outline ways in which parents and coaches can best support the wellbeing of young players, in training and on the sidelines.

This important initiative is part of a wider campaign to remove mental health stigma from within football and encourage young people, along with their parents and coaches, to be more aware of the impact of poor mental health on and off the pitch.

The sessions will be held at Ulster University Jordanstown’s sports centre during the Belfast Youth Cup.

Ahead of the sessions, Pat McGibbon said:

“I’m delighted to be partnering with the Belfast Youth Cup and Inspire/Change Your Mind to deliver workshops focusing on the personal and social development of children and young people within a team environment.

“As a former professional footballer, UEFA Pro-level coach, qualified physiotherapist and qualified health and wellbeing coach, I have studied the links between physical, mental and emotional growth. Just as importantly, as a father of three children, I have gained the knowledge and experience to speak about the many challenges faced by parents, guardians, children and young people as they navigate the path from grassroots to youth and elite levels of sport. These sessions will give an insight into my own experiences growing up through child and youth sports, as well as the challenges my parents faced during my career.

“These informal, interactive workshops will provide a brilliant opportunity for parents to ask questions and explore the tools they can add to their mental and emotional toolkits, building resilience and promoting mental health in children and young people.”

Jenna Booth from Inspire/Change Your Mind said:

“It is always important to highlight the importance of positive mental health when it comes to our young people and we are thrilled to be joining Pat McGibbon as we focus on how to better encourage awareness around mental health and wellbeing within football.

“Parents and coaches are often those who our young people look up to and seek out when they are struggling. It is therefore important that we equip those responsible for young people with the knowledge and know-how on mental health. These masterclasses will delve into how adults can provide that support on and off the pitch, tackling stigma around the subject.

“We are encouraging all parents and coaches who are part of any of the Belfast Youth Cup teams to come along any session on Sunday or Monday.”

For further information on these training opportunities, and others, visit www.changeyourmindni.org

Baker Tilly Mooney Moore reacts to economic research on the Northern Ireland Protocol

Head of Tax at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Angela Keery

Reacting to the NIESR publication on economic output and the Northern Ireland Protocol, Head of Tax at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Angela Keery said:

“News today from the National Institute for Economic and Social Research (NIESR) of a temporary economic boost related to the Northern Ireland Protocol is welcome evidence of the positive impact the arrangement is having in many sectors. It is not often Northern Ireland outperforms the UK average, and this result is testament to the drive and ability of our business owners who are adapting to the circumstances, taking advantages where they can find them, and continuing to get the job done.”

“This boost will, however, be short lived without further investment in the region. The research clearly reflects what local businesses are telling us, which is that the overall uncertainty caused by the NI Protocol negotiations is dampening any opportunities offered up by dual-market access, and we are ultimately missing a window of opportunity. Perhaps even more concerning is the lack of economic forecasts around what will happen if moves are made to override the protocol at this stage. Surely, after over nineteen months of learning to work under the current arrangement, any significant withdrawal has the potential to have very detrimental effects on the economy.”

'Northern Ireland no longer excluded under new gaming legislation' writes Matthew Howse, Dispute Resolution & Litigation partner at Eversheds Sutherland

As appeared in the Irish News, 2 August 2022

Matthew Howse, Dispute Resolution & Litigation Partner at Eversheds Sutherland

FOR years, people in this part of the world have been used to seeing “Northern Ireland excluded” or “does not apply in Northern Ireland” on their TV screens during competitions or prize draws when watching their favourite programmes.

Under old and archaic gambling, gaming, and competition laws, it was unlawful to conduct any competition which offers prizes where success does not depend to a substantial degree on the exercise of skill. This means that prize draws which require a purchase to enter, for example, were not legal in Northern Ireland.

But thanks to the introduction of the new Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill earlier this year in March, Northern Ireland's laws have been brought into line with the rest of the UK. This includes rules on free entry routes to prize draws.

Before this new legislation, ‘No Purchase Necessary' draws were the standard in Northern Ireland. In some special circumstances and under very strict conditions, sporting or charitable organisations here were permitted to hold prize draws or lotteries. However, under the old laws, there were several examples of local sports clubs or other organisations inadvertently falling foul of the regulations.

Under the new laws, UK-wide businesses or promotions will be able to include Northern Ireland in the same way that England, Scotland, and Wales are. Previously, promoters of prize draws often had to exclude residents of Northern Ireland or provide an alternative free entry route.

Thanks to amendments to the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, there now includes a carve-out to the prohibition on organising prize draws for the public, allowing for prize draws where entrants are not required to pay to participate.

Crucially, therefore, the new amendment to the 1985 Order provides that making a payment in order to participate in an arrangement includes paying for goods or services “at a price or rate which reflects the opportunity to participate in an arrangement.”

The schedule thereby makes clear that prize draws in Northern Ireland are now permitted to require entrants to purchase a product or service in order to participate so long as the price of the product or service has not been inflated to take account of the prize draw.

This change to the law in Northern Ireland will be particularly welcomed by many big businesses and brands, which frequently use prize draws to market and sell their products. These brands will no longer have to exclude Northern Ireland or make special arrangements for our market.

The new laws will also give our local sporting and community organisations greater certainty and clarity over what they can and can't do when raising vital funds for their groups.

The new legislation is a progressive step forward for Northern Ireland and brings us into line with other jurisdictions across these islands.

Breastival returns with week-long programme to empower and support breastfeeding mothers

Breastival Coordinator Catherine Muldoon with her children James and Clara.

The award-winning Breastival returns today with a programme full of activities for the whole family.

A week-long series of free events will inspire, support and provide information to breastfeeding parents and their families across Northern Ireland. The week begins with a special launch event featuring Hollie McNish, award-winning poet and author.

Coinciding with World Breastfeeding Week, Breastival seeks to reduce the stigma, normalise and celebrate breastfeeding through online panel discussions, webinars and support.

Breastival will host a virtual screening of award-winning documentary ‘Birth Time’ on 5 August. ‘Birth Time’ follows three women as they seek to find out why an increasing number of women emerge from their births physically and emotionally traumatised. The women’s discoveries cause them to forge a movement that hopes to change maternity care in Australia and across the developed world.

The ‘Big Latch On’ will take place on Saturday 6 August from 9.30-12.30pm in Ormeau Park, Belfast and in St Columb’s Park, Derry/Londonderry. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tina Black will launch the event in Ormeau Park and Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy will launch the event in St Columb’s Park.

The Breastival team will be competing between the two locations to create the biggest gathering of women and breastfed infants and children, with the count taking place at 10.30am. The family-friendly outdoor event seeks to empower women to feed for as long as they choose and create connections to the wider community there to support them. It will also feature fun activities for babies, toddlers and young children with free taster sessions of popular baby classes, yoga and a chance for older children and adults to be part of a unique ‘punch needle’ community art project.

Closing the festival on Sunday 7 August, renowned quizmaster Andy Kelly will host a virtual quiz night. Andy has hosted pub quizzes for over 30 years and has appeared on over 35 UK quiz shows, including “Mastermind”, “Who wants to be a Millionaire” and “Deal or no Deal”.

The full programme and tickets for all events, most of which are free to attend, can be found on www.breastival.co.uk.

Breastival Coordinator, Catherine Muldoon said:

“Unfortunately, even today, many women still feel nervous and vulnerable about breastfeeding, particularly in public. That is why Breastival is important. We are here to celebrate breastfeeding and we are thrilled to be able to host many of our events in person this year.

“Breastival seeks to support women build confidence in their feeding decisions, challenge the stigma around breastfeeding and help to reduce the isolation new mothers often feel as they adjust to life with a new baby.”

Breastival Founder, Jennifer Hanratty said:

“This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme is ‘Step Up for Breastfeeding’, and I am so proud Breastival continues to advocate for, and support women to meet their own goals around breastfeeding while having fun and enjoying each other’s company.

“While breastfeeding rates in Northern Ireland have improved in recent years, we still have a long way to go. Women’s choices are often undermined by aggressive marketing of formula and some families aren’t familiar with breastfeeding or are unsure as to how to support women that want to breastfeed.

“Events like Breastival allow mothers to feel empowered in their choices, to access support, feed their babies and interact with one another in a safe environment, free of judgement. We encourage extended family, friends and supporters to join us to ‘step up’ to support breastfeeding.”

Revised Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy

The Irish Government has published a revised Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy.

Recognising that data centres in the ROI currently account for just under 2% of all greenhouse gas emissions but are responsible for about 14% of Irish electricity use, they have brought forward a new set of agreed principles to “harness the economic and societal benefits that data centres bring, facilitating sustainable data centre development that adheres to our energy and enterprise policy objectives.”

The six agreed principles are as follows:

  • Economic Impact: The Government has a preference for data centre developments associated with strong economic activity and employment.

  • Grid Capacity and Efficiency: The Government has a preference for data centre developments that make efficient use of our electricity grid, using available capacity and alleviating constraints.

  • Renewables Additionality: The Government has a preference for data centre developments that can demonstrate the additionality of their renewable energy use in Ireland.

  • Co-location or Proximity with Future-proof energy supply: The Government has a preference for data centre developments in locations where there is the potential to co-locate a renewable generation facility or advanced storage with the data centre, supported by a CPPA, private wire or other arrangement.

  • Decarbonised Data Centres by Design: The Government has a preference for data centres developments that can demonstrate a clear pathway to decarbonise and ultimately provide net zero data services

  • SME Access and Community Benefits: The Government has a preference for data centre developments that provide opportunities for community engagement and assist SMEs, both at the construction phase and throughout the data centre lifecycle.

Any new data centre developments which are not consistent with these principles would therefore be deemed to be against government policy and not permissible.  

Allstate NI welcomes Animal Assisted Therapy Dog

Lexi the Therapy Dog spends time with an Allstate NI team member in the collaborative working space.

Employees at Allstate NI have welcomed Lexi, a therapy dog from Assistance Dogs Northern Ireland (ADNI), to take up residence at their Belfast office.

Lexi the Labrador is the latest addition to the growing Allstate NI team of over 2,300 technologists and will spend time at the May’s Meadow Belfast office for several days throughout the summer. 

It’s a partnership between ADNI and Allstate, one of Northern Ireland’s largest employers, that allows staff to spend time with Lexi in their new collaborative working space.

Lexi will work with the Allstate NI Ausome committee, which raises awareness of autism in the workplace, and the Allcare network which supports employees who are caregivers outside of work, amongst other colleagues.

ADNI trains therapy dogs, disability assistance dogs, autism companion dogs and autism anchor dogs.

The initiative comes as animal assisted therapy gains traction in many settings. The therapy can reduce anxiety, increase self-esteem and self-confidence, improve social connections, and increase focus and attention.

Lexi the Therapy Dog joins an Allstate NI team member for a game of pool in the collaborative working space.

Director at Allstate NI Suzi Murtagh said:

 “It is a pleasure to welcome Lexi from Assistance Dogs NI to the Allstate team. Animal assisted therapy is well known for helping to relax individuals, improve socialisation, and reduce stress or anxiety. We take employee mental health and wellbeing seriously at Allstate NI and understand that everyone can do with a little downtime every now and again. It is fantastic to have Lexi join us, and we have no doubt he will receive a warm welcome from our team.” 

Chief Executive of Assistance Dogs NI Geraldine McGaughey said:

“We train dogs to transform lives. We operate our animal assisted therapy programme in many areas of society, including in schools, hospices, and the courts service in Northern Ireland to support both children and adults with disabilities. We are thrilled that the team at Allstate NI have decided to adopt this practice and look forward to seeing the fun Lexi brings to the team.”

Ofcom News Consumption in the UK Report 2021/22

Media Regulator Ofcom has published its findings on news consumption in the UK for 2022. Below are the key findings:

Top sources used for news:

  • The BBC remains the news organisation with the largest cross-platform audience with a reach of 76%.

  • There are significant differences between sources used by diverse age groups. BBC One remains the top source by reach for adults (53%), whereas younger groups rely predominately on social media - 39% of 16-24-year-olds selected a social media platform as their primary news source.

News consumption in the nations:

  • ·BBC One is the most used news source in Wales for accessing news about the nation, whereas STV is most used in Scotland and UTV the most used in Northern Ireland. BBC One is the most used news source in England for accessing news about the respondents’ region

Television

  • Television news has continued its recent decline. From 2021 to 2022 BBC One, ITV, BBC News Channel, Sky News Channel, and BBC Two all experienced a fall in their viewership.

  • Viewers’ attitude towards television news provision (which measures trust, impartiality, quality, and accuracy) remains the highest of all news sources.

  • Television is still the most popular platform for local news and people are very happy with its quality. 42% of online UK adults who follow news say they watch regional/local broadcasts on BBC TV and 23% watch them on ITV/ITV Wales/UTV/STV.

  • However, the percentage of viewership for non-BBC regional television news is down 32% from 2020. This can be attributed to the rise that occurred during the pandemic when people followed the local news for COVID updates, as four in five of current viewers are satisfied with the quality of news that these channels provide.

Social Media:

  • The growing importance of social media as a news source has continued its trend.  Instagram is the top source among 16–24-year-olds with a reach for news of 46%.

  • TikTok’s overall news reach has increased from 2020 (1%) to 2022 (7%). Users for news get more of their news on TikTok from ‘other people they follow’ than from ‘news organisations’.

  • Despite social media’s rise in popularity amongst young and old, it still scores poorly in regard to its news provisions.

Newspaper:

  • While the reach of print newspapers is decreasing, online newspaper reach remains steady. The Daily Mail/Mail on Sunday remains the most widely read news title overall, whilst The Guardian/Observer and Daily Mail/Mail on Sunday are the most widely read digital titles.

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead Week Commencing 4 July 2022

  • The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill will move to Committee Stage ahead of Parliament’s Summer Recess on 21 July after passing its Second Stage.

  • The European Parliament will debate the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill on Wednesday. A statement from the European Commission will be made.

  • The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill will continue its Committee Stage in Parliament next week after an amendment to prevent immunity from prosecution being offered to those who cooperate with investigations was defeated.

  • The next monthly meeting of Belfast City Council will take place on Monday.

  • On Tuesday, the House of Commons will debate a motion tabled by Alliance’s Stephen Farry MP on the operation of the NI Assembly and Executive.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA will brief the interim Health Committee on Wednesday.

  • On Wednesday, the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will consider oral evidence on East-West Relations.

  • Ulster Bank is expected to publish its next sectoral analysis of the NI economy on Monday 11 July.

  • The Terms of Reference for the UK Government’s Covid-19 Inquiry have been published. Evidence hearings will begin in early 2023.

  • Fianna Fáil’s Ard Fheis will take place between 30 September and 1 October at the RDS, Dublin.

  • First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon MSP has announced plans to hold a second independence referendum on 19 October 2023.

  • The Assembly’s All-Party Groups on Micro and Small Business and Further and Higher Education will meet this afternoon.

Other Stories this week

  • The latest Business Post-Red C opinion poll has placed Sinn Féin on 36%, ahead of other parties Fine Gael (19%) and Fianna Fáil (14%) for the eighth consecutive month.

  • The Service sector in Northern Ireland accounts for 81% of total employment while Manufacturing accounts for 11%, according to the Business Register and Employment Survey 2021.

  • Applications are now open for the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building’s Fellowship Programme. For more information: LINK.

  • Alana Coyle has been elected as the new President of Belfast Chamber.

  • Elaine Birchall MBE has succeeded Adrian Doran as the new Chair of CBI Northern Ireland.

  • Bryan Patten will leave his role as Executive Director of the Washington Ireland Programme in September to take-up a role in the Irish Government’s Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 21 July, House of Commons rises for Summer Recess

  • 29 – 30 September, Centre for Cross Border Studies’ Annual Conference

  • 21 October, Belfast Chamber Business Awards, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

  • 4 – 5 November, Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

Consultations

Computing roadshow museum to tour NI schools in bid to promote IT sector careers

(L-R) Year Nine pupil at Wellington College Belfast Juliusz Chojnacki, Head of Computer Science and ICT Gareth O’Hare, Director at Allstate NI Rob Smyth, Gemma Ross, ICT teacher at Wellington College Belfast and Year Nine pupil Libby Graham.

Ten schools across Northern Ireland will be visited by a computing roadshow museum this September in a bid to inspire more pupils into the IT industry.

The CODE Show, a travelling historical computing exhibition that originated in the North of England, will visit ten schools across counties Antrim, Down, L’Derry and Tyrone when the pilot scheme gets underway.

Facilitated by Wellington College Belfast, the programme is supported by Allstate NI, the region’s largest tech company and one of our largest employers.

The CODE Show project comes as Northern Ireland cements its position as a leading technology hub, particularly in the areas of software engineering, cybersecurity and fintech.

With a shortfall in the overall supply of skills for these areas now widely anticipated, it is hoped that the programme will encourage more teenagers, and particularly girls, into the sector.

By providing hands-on access to vintage computing technology, The CODE Show brings the IT and Computing curriculum to life for pupils by exploring the evolution of programming and demonstrating that what they learn is not a new concept but an evolving area that Northern Ireland is excelling in.

Currently in pilot phase in NI, The CODE Show will visit ten schools with computers spanning five decades in innovation including BBC Micros, Acorn Electrons, ZX Spectrums and 1980s home technology, including a Sinclair C5 which will all be available for use by pupils.

Wellington College Belfast Head of Computer Science and ICT Gareth O’Hare, who is responsible for bringing The CODE Show to NI, hopes the programme will be the catalyst that encourages more young people into IT careers.

Gareth O’Hare, Head of Computer Science and ICT at Wellington College Belfast said:

“I am an enthusiast of old technology, especially 8-Bit computers, and when I introduced my Year Nine and Ten pupils to a 40-year-old Acorn Electron they were absolutely blown away by the older mechanical keyboard and how little coding had changed in 40 years. As the Northern Ireland IT industry is understaffed and looking for more skilled people, particularly women in IT, I thought this fascination could be the catalyst that ignites a spark of interest among younger pupils.”

“I found The CODE Show online but one school alone could never have afforded it and we want to reach as many young people as possible. We are lucky to have a flourishing IT sector in Northern Ireland and are thrilled that Allstate NI offered to sponsor the programme and ensure it gets underway in September. After the pilot, I am hopeful that we can make this an annual event to visit more schools in NI.”

Rob Smyth, Director at Allstate NI said:

“Engaging with young people is incredibly important for the future of IT. We are constantly impressed by the graduates that join us here at Allstate NI and want to see more young people choosing the school subjects and courses that align with IT. The CODE Show is a fascinating initiative that gives young people the opportunity to learn, explore and celebrate our computing history and how coding has developed. As Northern Ireland’s largest tech company, we are thrilled to get behind this programme and ensure it reaches as many young people in the region as possible.”

Founder of The CODE Show Gary McNab added:

“I would like to extend my thanks to Gareth O’Hare and Allstate NI for their support in this pilot project. As a computing educator in the North West of England, The CODE Show was created so children can have hands on access to our history regardless of location. With my visits, we can provide schools with a fun day of learning without the barriers of traditional school trips, and something the whole school can enjoy and take part in.”

Fellowship for Northern Ireland’s political, business, and civic leaders opens for applications

Centre for Democracy and Peace Building’s Fellowship Advisory Board Members Nick Coburn, Managing Director of Ulster Carpets, Professor Karise Hutchinson, Ulster University, John Healy, Managing Director of Allstate NI, Katrien Roppe, Chief of Staff at FinTrU and David Clements, Client Managing Director for Northern Ireland at Fijitsu.

Launching amid another Stormont impasse, the programme equips aspiring leaders here with the skills to lead Northern Ireland forward

Applications are now open for the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building Fellowship, a prestigious programme which seeks to produce Northern Ireland’s next generation of changemakers.

Now in its second year, the Fellowship aims to strengthen Stormont’s democratic institutions and ensure that our next generation of Ministers, CEOs, and civic leaders, are best placed to lead the region going forward. Previous Fellows include John Finucane MP, Connie Egan MLA, and Cllr Aaron Callan and IoD Northern Ireland Director, Kirsty McManus.

The Fellowship is delivered by the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building (CDPB), working with leading representatives from Northern Ireland’s business sector including Allstate NI, FinTrU, Devenish, Fujitsu NI, Ulster Carpets. The programme is also supported by leading academic institutions and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In discussions with leading policymakers, academics, business leaders and public figures, Fellows will engage with global social, political and economic issues and seek to develop their understanding of how to tackle those issues in Northern Ireland. Successful participants will also have the chance to participate in residential sessions at the University of Oxford and in Dublin.

Fellowship Chair, and Managing Director of Allstate NI, John Healy, says that this year’s programme is timely and significant given the current political deadlock facing Northern Ireland. He calls on parties, businesses, and civic society organisations to nominate those individuals that can use the Fellowship to build a better society here.

John Healy, Managing Director at Allstate NI and Chair of the Fellowship Advisory Board, said:

“The Fellowship is a brilliant initiative, and this year’s programme could not have come at a more crucial time. Northern Ireland is facing multiple challenges and with the Stormont corridors empty, we are also facing a political leadership crisis. This programme will give our future leaders the knowledge, skills, and relationships to look beyond the insular world we face here, and bring an exciting, new, and much-needed vision to our region’s future.”

“Last year’s Fellowship was a resounding success, seen through the election of former Fellows following May’s Assembly poll. This year’s expanded programme includes engagements with some of the UK and Ireland’s brightest minds in Dublin, Oxford, Belfast, and everywhere in between. From political parties, to businesses, to the third sector, I would encourage all organisations to nominate an individual for this year’s Fellowship they feel could help shape the future of Northern Ireland.”

Karise Hutchinson, Professor of Leadership at Ulster University and Vice-Chair of the Fellowship Advisory Board, said:

“Next year we will celebrate 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement. A hard-won hallmark of compromise, it is disheartening that we currently face the prospect of honouring this milestone with no functioning government in place. The Fellowship seeks to ‘level up’ our next generation of political, civic and business leaders, giving them the confidence and ability to address Northern Ireland’s ongoing political, economic, and social challenges. At its core, it seeks to pave the way for a new spirit of possibility and compromise in our society.”

“Our Advisory Board contains leaders from Northern Ireland’s leading companies who will seek to instill in this year’s participants the hard and soft skills required to introduce real, wholesale change. I am thrilled to be supporting this fantastic programme, and I would encourage all those eligible to apply.”

Those interested can complete the Fellowship application form at fellowship.democracyandpeace.org where they will be asked to upload their CV and a short essay.

The Fellowship’s Advisory Board includes:

  • John Healy, Managing Director at Allstate NI (Chair)

  • Professor Karise Hutchinson, Professor of Leadership at Ulster University (Vice-Chair).

  • Darragh McCarthy, CEO, FinTrU;

  • Owen Brennan, Chairman, Devenish;

  • David Clements, Client Managing Director, Fujitsu NI;

  • Nick Coburn, Managing Director, Ulster Carpets.