Northern Ireland short film An Irish Goodbye wins Academy Award

Northern Ireland Screen funded short film, An Irish Goodbye, written and directed by Ross White and Tom Berkley scooped the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film at the 95th Annual Academy Awards last night in Los Angeles.  

Ross and Tom shared the stage with global A-listers at the glittering ceremony in the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. Scenes of the jubilant duo alongside actors James Martin and Seamus O’Hara were beamed onto screens around the world. 

This latest accolade follows the film’s BAFTA win for Best British Short Film last month.  

The heart-warming short film has been captivating audiences around the world having already screened at over 60 film festivals across 6 continents.  

Local audiences can watch the award-winning short film now on BBC iPlayer. There are also special homecoming screenings planned by Queen’s Film Theatre on 21 March to mark World Down Syndrome Day and The Strand Cinema on 22 March. 

An Irish Goodbye was filmed entirely on location in Northern Ireland, showcasing the beauty of our rural landscape in Co Derry/Londonderry, Saintfield and Templepatrick.

The black comedy follows the reunion of estranged brothers Turlough and Lorcan after the untimely death of their mother. Under the watchful eye of odd-ball parish priest Father O’Shea, the brothers’ pained reunion is worsened by the fact Turlough must now make new care arrangements for Lorcan, who has Down Syndrome. A robust and dedicated farmer, Lorcan’s dream of continuing to work the land he grew up on is thwarted when Turlough decides he’s sending him to live with their aunt on the other side of Ireland. But when the brothers discover an unfulfilled bucket list belonging to their late mother, Lorcan senses an opportunity: he’ll only agree to leave the farm once he and Turlough have themselves completed every single wish on their mother’s list…all one hundred of them. 

The film stars Seamus O’Hara (The Northman, Game of Thrones), James Martin (Marcella, Ups and Downs), Paddy Jenkins (Hunger) and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones, Fortitude).  

Congratulating everyone involved in making An Irish Goodbye on their Oscar success Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen said:  

“Ross and Tom have done us incredibly proud. This Oscar win not only raises the profile of the film industry in Northern Ireland but also the beauty of our landscape. To win an Oscar is international recognition at the highest possible level. This win, along with their recent BAFTA win, is a huge milestone for the professional careers of this filmmaking team.  

“Hundreds of thousands of short films are produced every year around the world and for Northern Ireland to win one really underlines the world class talent we have working in the industry here. With new filmmakers breaking through on shorts and first features, we've got a lot to be proud of, and so much to look forward to. We must also acknowledge the continued support of our partners, the Department for the Economy and Department for Communities, Lottery Fund and the Arts Council who allow much of this talent development to happen. Together we are creating an ecosystem whereby talent like this can reach its full potential.” 

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead – Ireland Wednesday 8 March 2023

  • The Government’s moratorium on evictions will not be extended and will lapse on 31 March.

  • The European Union could formally adopt aspects of the Windsor Framework as early as 21 March according to reports from RTÉ.

  • The Government’s new public-only contract for hospital consultants comes into force today. The Irish Hospital Consultants Association and other representative bodies have largely rejected the move.

  • A referendum on gender equality and removing a constitutional reference to a women’s place in the home will be held in November.

  • Support for the Social Democrats has almost doubled following Holly Cairns TD’s accession to leadership of the party. Cairns is now the second most popular leader in the Dáil according to polls.

  • US Security officials are reported to be in Ireland ahead of President Joe Biden’s visit next month that will see him likely visit Belfast, Dublin, Mayo, and Louth.

  • Sinn Féin has tabled a Private Members’ Motion calling on the Government to immediately reduce energy costs by introducing price caps.

  • A Government inquiry has been launched regarding allegations of historical institutional abuse in schools run by religious orders.

  • The Cabinet is set to approve €20m to fund the development of accommodation for refugees.

  • The Government Climate Action Plan 2023 has promised significant progress on two major transport projects, Metrolink and Dart Plus commencing in 2024.

  • Further and Higher Education Minister Simon Harris TD has received Government approval for a €41m student accommodation project at Dublin City University.

  • Former HSE Chief Executive Paul Reid has warned against revisionism in the upcoming inquiry into the state’s response to Covid-19.

  • The Environmental Protection Agency (Emergency Electricity Generation) (Amendment) Bill 2023 will have its committee stage and remaining stages today.

 

Other Stories this week

  • The Economic and Social Research Institute has published a study citing communities’ pessimism about their future being tied to anti-immigrant sentiment.

  • Surging VAT receipts linked to high inflation has already delivered a €4bn boost to the Government’s finances this year.

  • The Central Bank in its latest quarterly bulletin has said it expects inflation to fall more rapidly than previously expected.

  • Inflation across the OECD block slowed marginally in January.

 

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 8 March, Dublin Chamber of Commerce International Women’s Day, The Raddison Blue Golden Lane, Dublin.

  • 8 March, National Property Awards Gala and Ceremony, RDS, Dublin.

  • 9 March, The National Property Awards, the InterContiental Hotel, Dublin.

  • 21 March, Engineering Summit, Sport Ireland, National Indoor Arena, Dublin.

  • 23 March, Showcasing the Dublin to Belfast FinTech Scene, Ballymascanlon House, Dundalk.

Consultations

BelTech platforms the opportunities for Northern Ireland’s tech industry

BelTech the popular technology conference that unites technologists under one all-encompassing banner, returned to Belfast today for its tenth year.

The sold-out conference seen over 400 attendees descend on Titanic Belfast to hear from international and local speakers such as Sebastian Stücker, Director of Research Science at Zoom.

BelTech was curated by individuals from four of the region’s largest technology companies; Kainos, Allstate Northern Ireland, Hamilton Robson and Expleo.

Set to inspire a burst of activity among local innovators, BelTech focused on breaking down barriers and empowering people and organisations to success anywhere, anytime. Sessions covered distributed enterprise, artificial intelligence and sustainable computing practices.

As part of today’s proceedings, a Dragons Den competition in partnership with Techstart Ventures took place. The winner received a £10,000 grant to kickstart an innovative or novel business idea. Both runner ups also received £5,000 each.

Supported by Belfast City Council, tomorrow will see the return of the first BelTech EDU since 2019. The programme is suitable for post-primary school students and will feature a mix of engaging technology demonstrations as well as discussions of career pathways and opportunities. Companies taking part include Tik Tok, Microsoft, Kainos and Allstate Northern Ireland. 

Curated by technologists, for technologists, BelTech 2023 is sponsored by Kainos, Allstate Northern Ireland, Unosquare, Liberty IT, Expleo, TechStart, Gearset, Open NMS and Visa.

BelTech Curator and Solution Architect at Kainos, Kyle Davison said:

“The aim of BelTech is to celebrate and give a platform to local influential tech voices and to help spark ideas and collaboration within our sector by inspiring the next generation of software professionals.”

“Technologists across Northern Ireland are working to push the boundaries of what we can offer as a solution to the challenges we face in society. This is reflected in the schedule for today’s conference which will bring together a talented roster of local and international professionals.”

Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee said:

“It’s important for us as a council to support today’s event given our ambitions to become globally renowned for our tech and innovation capabilities. This conference continues to inspire and celebrate the city’s technology practitioners - and I’m glad to see that this year’s themes include empowering individuals and companies to succeed, exploring the Artificial Intelligence trends driving rapid economic growth, and how we can harness technology for greater sustainability.”

“Belfast has established itself as a prominent hub for the digital, ICT, and creative industries. We’re Europe’s leading FDI destination for new software development, and NI is the number one international investment location for US cyber security firms. We’re working with Innovation City Belfast to create a Belfast Innovation District and collaborating with city partners to maximise the positive impacts of technology for the common good through our Smart District. And with significant investment coming on stream through the Belfast Region City Deal, this is an area where we can achieve global standout and create inclusive opportunities and prosperity for people living here.”

'Let’s meaningfully instigate change this International Women’s Day', writes Jill Michael, HR Director at fscom

As originally appeared in the Irish News on Tuesday 07 March

Jill Michael, Human Resources Director at leading specialist governance, risk and compliance consultancy firm fscom

We all hear the words equity, equality, diversity and inclusion every day. We see written acclamations of it in job advertisements, culture blurbs and websites, but do we really know what it means, and do we see it lived out in the businesses we work in?

Equality, by basic definition, means each individual or group of people are given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognises that each person has different circumstances, and therefore in acknowledgement allocates the specific resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.

The theme of International Women’s Day 2023 is equity, and this year I hope we see more than a celebration of the female talent we have, but a movement to meaningfully bring about change.

The recognition that our talent can be unique with different circumstances is why equity is a vital concept for businesses to address if they wish to put their diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy into practice. Not only that, but it is vital to getting the best out of a team and tap into a wider and more diverse group of talented individuals.

To drive towards greater equity requires more innovation, more consideration, and more action to ensure it exists, rather than as a footnote in a company’s strategy or on their website.

In my twenty years in Human Resources, I have worked across a variety of sectors and industries. I chose HR from a desire to engage with all individuals at all levels in business. It is a career that has its challenges, and at times you are leading difficult agendas, but you also have the ability to positively influence a culture and drive meaningful change. This opportunity, however, should not be unique to HR teams alone.

As businesses consider how they will acknowledge this International Women’s Day and those it impacts, let’s drive the equity agenda forward. It’s ok to have the celebrations, and celebrating the amazing female talent that we have across our industries is important, but let’s ensure we also engage in actions that enact real change.

Getting round the table to constructively challenge and collaborate to ensure those carefully crafted strategies and agendas prioritise equity is an important first step. Start with your people, develop an understanding with your leadership teams and colleagues on what equity is, and provide examples of how they could encourage this through the influence their daily role gives them.

Continue to do that regularly, because annually is not going to work, and build a positive company culture where inquisitiveness and respectfully calling out behaviours that go against the drive for equity is encouraged. Importantly, share what you are doing and map your progress.

The equity challenges will be different in each organisation and industry, but in order to live out your commitments, you need to identify and address them. Then you really will have something to celebrate this International Women’s Day. 

Jill Michael is HR Director at leading specialist governance, risk, and compliance consultancy firm fscom, is a member of the Diversity Mark NI Assessment Panel, and is the winner of the Women in Business Award for Advancing Diversity in the Workplace 2022.

BelTech EDU returns to support the next generation of technologists

Abdullah Husam, TikTok Product Security Engineer, to address aspiring technologists at BelTech EDU

BelTech EDU, a conference to support the next generation of technologists, is set to return for the first time since 2019.

Taking place on 9 March at Titanic Belfast, BelTech EDU will shine a light on alternative routes to employment, providing students with information and advice on how to kickstart their career in Tech.

Designed for post primary students, BelTech EDU will witness inspiring talks and exciting demos from Microsoft, Allstate and Kainos on artificial intelligence and cyber security. A keynote address will be given by Abdullah Husam, TikTok Product Security Engineer.

A Dragon’s Den competition will take place with school pupils using their creativity and skills to compete against each other and design a new app for a chance to win £500.

BelTech EDU is sponsored by Kainos, Allstate Northern Ireland, Danske Bank, Liberty IT, Techstart, Unosquare, Gearset, Belfast City Council, NantHealth, OpenNMS and VISA..

BelTech EDU is free to attend with 400 places on offer. To register students or enter the app competition, visit www.beltech.co for more information.

Danielle Keenan, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Kainos said:

“BelTech EDU is all about widening participation and career development in the tech sector by bringing young people together to provide them with advice on starting their career while simultaneously encouraging them to collaborate, share their creative thinking skills and develop innovative solutions to address world problems.”

“As leading tech companies in the region, we have a social responsibility to prepare young people for the jobs of the future by providing them with the information necessary to make sustainable career choices.”

“I would encourage any young person considering a career in tech to register for BelTech EDU to hear from leading industry experts and find out why a career in tech is for everyone.”

Geoff Sharpe, Head of Corporate at Danske Bank said:

“We are pleased to be once again supporting BelTech EDU, an event that inspires the next generation of tech professionals in Northern Ireland. Our regions tech industry is well known for its collaboration, and it is always fantastic to see the community come together to highlight the career opportunities in the sector. There’s an extremely strong programme of lively discussions and demos and I have no doubt it will bring great value for aspiring technologists.”

Over 180 businesses and organisations sign open letter urging A5 upgrade

Over 180 businesses, organisations, and institutions in the North West have signed an open letter in support of the proposed upgrades to the A5 Western Transport Corridor Road Scheme.

Jointly organised by the Londonderry and Letterkenny Chambers of Commerce, the open letter is signed by business across Derry, Donegal, Strabane, Omagh and the wider North West. The letter has been submitted to the Department for Infrastructure as part of its consultation and call for views on the A5 Supplementary Environmental Information, which closed on Friday 3 March.

In the letter, businesses and organisations have called the A5 a “crucial infrastructure project for the North West” which, once completed, “will deliver stronger and better connectivity for our region.” The letter also stresses the significance of the improvements from a safety perspective, with over 40 deaths having occurred on the road since the upgrades were first announced in 2006.

After submitting the open letter to the Department for Infrastructure, Londonderry Chamber Chief Executive Anna Doherty and Letterkenny Chamber Chief Executive Toni Forrester said in a joint statement:

“The A5 is a crucial road network for the North West, connecting our region as far up as Donegal with Belfast, Dublin, and the rest of the island of Ireland. These upgrades were initially announced over 15 years ago so it is well beyond time that they get underway and are implemented as quickly as possible.

“After multiple appeals, delays, and public inquiries, the people of West Tyrone and the wider North West deserve a road network which is up to date and up to modern road safety standards. Tragically, this road has been incredibly dangerous over the past three decades, with over 70 deaths since 1998 on the A5. While these upgrades will be crucial for our economic fortunes and will go some way to help address long-standing, historic regional imbalances, it will more fundamentally seek to address serious safety concerns and prevent further loss of life in communities which have been so tragically and so deeply impacted by these deaths in recent years.

“We are not surprised at the number of organisations who have put their names to this open letter. This is a matter of real, genuine concern for thousands of people in this part of our island. It is vital that the Department for Infrastructure, as well as the Irish Government, work swiftly to deliver these upgrades once the latest public inquiry is concluded and begin upgrading this significant road network for the North West.”

Mediation NI unveils plans for growth under new leadership

The organisation will take forward an ambitious five-year plan under the leadership of new Managing Director Enda Young

Mediation Northern Ireland has outlined ambitious plans to grow the organisation under the leadership of its new Managing Director, Enda Young.

The organisation has led on peacebuilding and conflict resolution in the region for more than 30 years, delivering services that support organisations experiencing conflict, change and both internal and external disputes.

Under the leadership of Enda Young, Mediation NI will expand its workforce and team of associates over the next three years, as well as develop more services aimed at resolving conflict and disputes in the workplace.

The organisation will also invest in its online training offering, enabling it to provide mediation training to audiences beyond Northern Ireland.

At its strategy launch in its newly named headquarters, Mediation House today, Managing Director, Enda Young said:

“The power of talking and mediating between two parties, is always the best way to resolve conflict. That message is no more keenly felt than here in Northern Ireland where this week we have witnessed the power of negotiation in action as a deal on the Protocol was struck. That is mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution in action.

“Before being appointed Managing Director, I worked with Mediation NI for many years and have witnessed first-hand the difference it has made through its contribution to peace building and conflict resolution in our society.

“For the organisation to grow, it must evolve and I’m proud of our team and Board for endorsing this ambitious new plan for growth.”

Mediation NI Chair, Dr Catherine Turner said:

“Our renewed vision is to work towards a society that handles conflict better and Enda’s appointment, combined with our new strategy, is key to achieving this.

“It has brought a renewed sense of purpose and direction for our organisation and the plans he has for the future of Mediation NI will strengthen its position and reputation as a leader in mediation services and training.”

Over three-quarters of councillors in Northern Ireland subjected to abuse or intimidation, new survey reveals

NILGA President Cllr Martin Kearney

Over three-quarters of local councillors in Northern Ireland (76%) have experienced abuse in their role, while a further 52% have said they have been intimidated by members of the public and ‘trolls’, new figures reveal.

A new survey by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association has revealed the levels and extent of abuse and intimidation of local councillors in Northern Ireland for the first time. All 462 councillors were surveyed with a response rate of one fifth (84), showing the extent of the impact of this problem on elected representatives. Two-thirds of respondents (66%) said that they had been abused or intimidated on social media while 53% said it had occurred in person. Reported incidents ranged from damage to personal property, the erection of threatening posters, abusive graffiti, and death threats.

Concerningly, 65% of respondents also said their families and relatives had been affected by this abuse or intimidation, while 35% said they had been directly subjected to similar abuse for the actions of councillors. 82% of respondents also said they have invested in or taken new security measures to protect themselves. This includes the installation of CCTV cameras, reinforcing doors at home, avoiding constituent house calls alone, and enhancing home security systems.

The survey, the findings of which were revealed at the 2023 Local Government Conference in Omagh, has a number of recommendations including the creation of a central hub to signpost councillors to advice and support services as well as the establishment of a cross-party forum for councillors and MLAs to consider how legislation can be developed and strengthened in Northern Ireland to improve the safety of all elected representatives.

The 2023 Local Government Conference took place last Thursday in the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh. Led by NILGA and Solace NI, and sponsored by the Small Business Research Initiative, this year’s conference focused on responding to future challenges and securing the sustainability of the local government sector in Northern Ireland.

Speaking after the publication of the report, NILGA President Cllr Martin Kearney said:

“The findings of our survey are deeply concerning and point to a worrying normalisation of the abuse of elected representatives in Northern Ireland. While disagreement and debate are healthy in any functioning democracy, it’s important that this is legitimate and proper and does not become abusive, aggressive, or violent.

“Abuse and intimidation of elected representatives is never justified, regardless of their decisions, viewpoints, or political stances. This survey lays bare the levels and extent to which councillors in Northern Ireland are subjected to unfair and unwarranted abuse on a daily basis. In the 21st Century, social media is a vital form of communication between elected representatives and local constituents. However, more and more councillors are being put off engaging on social media due to the unacceptable and unsafe levels of abuse they are being subjected to.

“It is clear that there needs to be tougher legislation and punishments to discourage online trolls and abusers, who feel emboldened by anonymity and being behind a screen, from harassing elected councillors. Responses to this survey are clear that much more work needs to be done between councils, statutory agencies, and other levels of government to ensure that councillors and other elected representatives are sufficiently protected while carrying out their roles and to ensure that potential candidates are not put off representing their local areas.

“NILGA will be working with the PSNI, the Department of Justice, our MLAs, local wellbeing providers and experts, and colleagues across the local government sector to create a safer environment for all councillors and to deter abusers from harassing and intimidating elected representatives.”

WE'RE HIRING: Client Manager, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications at Brown O'Connor Communications

New Role

Client Manager, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications – Brown O’Connor Communications

About Brown O’Connor Communications

Brown O’Connor Communications is one of Ireland’s most trusted and respected communications advisory firms.

Specialist in Public Affairs, Corporate Media Relations, Issues Management & Crisis Communications, the agency was awarded the CIPR Best Public Affairs Campaign 2022/2023 and was named the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Northern Ireland Consultancy of the Year (Small) 2021/2022

We have a track record for managing and delivering complex communications programmes for some of the UK and Ireland’s leading businesses, professional services, charities, trade bodies, interest groups and public-sector organisations.

We help our clients gain impact and outcomes through specialist insight and influence with editors, government ministers and corporate decision makers. 

We are trusted advisors based on our:

Extensive experience working for high-profile, public facing organisations and delivering our services on a range of sensitive issues.

Credibility through the people who make up our team and the approach they take.

Clients who provide endorsement on the reliability and professionalism of our work.

Our Location

Our central office is based in Belfast City Centre managing clients based in Northern Ireland, London, Dublin and the US.

Our Specialist Areas

We are highly regarded for our specialist Public Affairs and Corporate and Strategic Communications services which includes Crisis Communications, Property and Planning Communications, Litigation Communications, Event Management, Political Monitoring and Communication Strategy Development. 

Our Clients

Our consultants work across a range of areas including legal, commercial, financial, financial technology, industrial, manufacturing, public inquiries, regulators, commissions, non-departmental public bodies and the third sector.

Our client includes global professional services companies such as Allstate, Eversheds Sutherland, Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, huge brands such as Domino’s Pizza, Primark, Amazon, GLL and the Disasters Emergency Committee and important organisations such as the HM Treasury FinTech Envoy for NI, the Electoral Commission, Northern Ireland Screen, Bar Council NI and Hospitality Ulster.

Our Approach and Company Culture

The success of Brown O’Connor Communications is based on the performance of its people.

Our rigorous approach delivers positive outcomes for our clients, and we go out of our way to ensure success.

We deliver excellence in all that we do and our team is accountable and responsible for all activity they undertake.

What we offer

  • 22 Days Annual Leave and 11 Public Holidays

  • Paid Annual CIPR Membership

  • An exciting and dynamic working environment in a city centre-based office

  • Regular team social events

  • Training opportunities

  • Mobile Phone allowance

  • Flexible working 1 day per week (Friday)

THE ROLE: CLIENT MANAGER

  • Experience: Min 3+ years

  • Area: Public Affairs & Strategic Communications

  • Salary: Highly Competitive

  • Based: Adelaide Street, Belfast City Centre  

The Person

Brown O’Connor Communications is seeking a talented and ambitious Client Manager to join the team.

This is an exciting and demanding role within a leading consultancy and requires a resilient individual with demonstrable client management and leadership ability.

You may be already working in public affairs or corporate communications in an agency; as an in-house communications manager; in politics; or as journalist.

You will have a deep professional interest in business, the media and politics and have a detailed understanding of the role that media relations, public affairs, and stakeholder relations plays.

Client Manager Role Specification

Strategic Counsel

  • Proven client handling skills with experience in managing large accounts, providing proactive strategic advice and great ideas.

  • Ability to manage a high level of client interaction and be able to design and implement strategies.

Day to Day Delivery

  • Proven ability to work in a fast paced, often pressurised, outcome orientated environment.

  • Manage political lobbying campaigns securing policy change, legislative change and the smooth running of political engagement programmes.

  • Manage public awareness campaigns integrating various methods to create significant public interest.

  • Write strong editorial content on behalf of clients including press releases, opinion/platform pieces and blogs and ensure coverage across a range of media outlets.

  • Manage an entire range of suppliers such as photographers, graphic designers, videographers, economists and sectoral experts integral to the successful delivery of client activity campaigns.

  • Be able to create engaging social media content across multiple platforms.

  • Forward plan to ensure smooth running of client campaigns on time, and within budget.

New Business Development

  • Take a leading role in new business development and organic growth opportunities alongside company directors and be comfortable in pitching and proposal development.

  • Supporting successful tender writing from start to submission.

  • Experience in identifying and converting new business opportunities.

People Management

  • Line management duties with wider members of team.

  • Understanding the requirement to work with efficiency and profitably.

  • Manage team members on client accounts to ensure work is carried out successfully and within allocated budgets.

  • Work as a team player with Brown O’Connor colleagues to ensure success across client accounts.

  • Deliver outcomes for clients and work to raise their profile in the media and with key stakeholders in a positive way.

Criteria

  • 3+ years working in the areas of Public Affairs and/or Corporate or Strategic Communications or within a communications environment (Agency experience preferred).

  • Third Level Degree or equivalent in the preferred areas of Communications, Law, Politics, Business, Social Science or Humanities.  

  • Possess strong writing and editing skills with ability to write attention-grabbing media material, client correspondence and reports.

  • An excellent communicator both written and oral.

  • Commercially and politically aware.

  • Outstanding organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.

  • Strong initiative, leadership skills and work ethic.

  • Ability to hustle to make things happen.

  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required by client and other activity. 

  • ·Clean driving licence and access to a car.

Desirable Criteria

Experience in working in a similar communications role in the Republic of Ireland.

How to Apply

To apply in strict confidence, please send your detailed CV, covering email and the completed response to the set question below, by email, to Brown O’Connor Communications at hello@brownoconnor.com by 5pm Monday 3rd April 2023.

QUESTION: Please outline, with examples, how you meet the Criteria as outlined in the Job Specification (Word Limit 300).

Please state your name and ‘Brown O’Connor Client Manager 2023’ in the subject line.

Application Process

  • Initial shortlisting

  • Two stage interview

NI musicians raise over £8,700 in Belfast fundraiser for DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal as charities warn of risk to vulnerable people

A musical fundraiser that brought together over 50 ukulele players in Belfast has raised over £8,700 for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal.

The fundraiser, which contributes to the £1.4 million now raised in Northern Ireland, comes as DEC charities warn of the increased risk facing older people and those with disabilities in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Monday 6 February.

Late on 20 February, a further 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Antakya, Turkey and was felt strongly across the Hatay province and areas of north-west Syria, with reports that more buildings have collapsed.

DEC charities and their local partners will continue to help people in Turkey and north-west Syria, and with the support of donations and fundraisers across the UK, will scale up their work to provide support now and in the months ahead.

Donations to the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal reached £95 million on Tuesday (21 February), including £5 million matched by the UK Government through the UK Aid Match scheme. 

As part of this, the Belfast Ukulele Jam brought together over 40 of its ukulele players, who were joined by members of other ukulele groups from across NI, to hold a musical fundraiser in Belfast’s Corn Market area (Arthur Square) on Saturday 11 February.

The group entertained shoppers and passersby with many well-known hits, including favourites from The Beatles, Elvis, and Queen. Musicians travelled from as far as Newcastle, Co Down for the event and managed to raise over £8,700 for the appeal, which launched on Thursday 9 February to raise funds to support the people of Turkey and Syria following the earthquake.

It’s now known that the earthquake killed at least 44,000 people, with the figure expected to rise. In Turkey (now known as Türkiye) alone, more than 100,000 people were injured and over 47,000 buildings were destroyed or damaged, according to the UN. In Syria people displaced by the war who were already living in tents have hosted people whose homes have been destroyed. 

More than two weeks on from the earthquake, DEC charities, which include the British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Save the Children and Tearfund in Northern Ireland, have warned that older people and those with disabilities and health conditions are particularly vulnerable.

The earthquake will have exacerbated the everyday challenges these individuals face such as mobility issues, living on their own, social isolation and having specific medical and nutritional needs. The cold winter weather both countries are currently experiencing is also expected to hit older people and those with disabilities hard and worsen pre-existing medical conditions. 

Maria McCloskey from the Belfast Ukulele Jam said:

“We are pleased to have contributed in some small way to the incredible efforts right across the UK to support the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal. We have been overwhelmed by the response of the public to our fundraiser to help the people of Turkey and Syria. It is encouraging to see evidence of aid delivery in the affected areas emerging, and we are glad the money donated in Belfast via our fundraiser can play a small part in supporting this.”

Rosamond Bennett, Chief Executive of Christian Aid Ireland said:

“It is heartening to see so many people in Northern Ireland come together to raise awareness and generate donations for the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal. The situation is particularly dire in northwest Syria where there were already 4 million people in need of aid following 12 years of conflict. We thank the Belfast Ukulele Jam for coming together quickly to hold a fundraiser, and to each and every person who donated to it and contributed to the £1.4 million raised in Northern Ireland so far.”