New ‘Language Launchpad’ Initiative Aims to Strengthen Early Years Communication Development Across Northern Ireland

(L-R) Lorraine Coulter, South Eastern Trust, Ruth Sedgewick, Head of RCSLT NI, Minister for Education, Paul Givan MLA, Mabel Scullion, Help Kids Talk.

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) NI has launched Language Launchpad, an expert-led toolkit to help families and early years professionals support children’s speech, language and communication.

This new initiative comes in response to RCSLT NI’s 2024 research, which revealed a growing need for communication support among 0–5-year-olds. If not addressed, this could significantly impact children’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour, ability to play and form friendships, social relationships and future academic achievements.

Parents and early years professionals reported a sharp rise in both the number and complexity of speech and language needs, with nearly half of parents surveyed (49%) saying they don’t know where to access support or training.

In response to this gap, the Language Launchpad project has driven a significant increase in the uptake of Help Kids Talk training. Over 150 organisations, including health and education bodies, community groups, colleges and universities, have taken part.

As a result, parents, carers and practitioners have reported greater confidence in supporting children’s speech, language and communication development, with many planning to implement new strategies and approaches.

Funded by the Department of Education, in line with the SEN Reform Agenda and built on the successful Help Kids Talk programme, Language Launchpad offers bitesize video lessons, printable tip sheets, and practical tools co-designed with parents, childcare staff and educators.

The resources are free, easy to use, and designed to give every child the best possible start in life.

Ruth Sedgewick, Head of RCSLT NI said:

“Speech, language and communication are every child’s right and the foundation for learning, wellbeing and lifelong success. Language Launchpad is a practical solution, giving families and early years providers the free, expert tools they’ve been asking for. With the Department of Education’s support, we’re putting early intervention into action and improving outcomes for children across Northern Ireland.”

Education Minister Paul Givan said:

“The Language Launchpad project is an excellent example of what can be achieved in a short period of time with determination, expertise and the right support. Since commissioning the project in September 2024, much-needed evidence on training and support needs has been gathered, uptake of the Help Kids Talk training package has been increased and these valuable resources have been produced. This project has provided an early intervention exemplar enabling children not only to develop their speech, language and communication but also equipping adults in their lives to continually improve their ability to support them.’

I am pleased to see the funding which I was able to provide as part of the £25m package of measures for Early Learning and Childcare in 2024/25 and in line with the SEN Reform Agenda utilised to target the needs highlighted by this research. I congratulate the Royal College and the staff at Help Kids Talk for all of their efforts.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt added:

“It is inspiring to see what can be achieved through cross departmental and cross sectoral working and the sharing of knowledge and resources.

“We now have a free evidence-based training resource for parents and organisations working with our children and young people who have speech, language and communication needs. I want to thank RCSLT NI and Help Kids Talk for their work on this. They have achieved a very valuable resource which will undoubtedly make a difference where it counts.”

Chris Quinn, NI Commissioner for Children and Young People said:

“Language Launchpad represents an important step in supporting our youngest children and developing speech, language and communication skills that they need to thrive.

“The foundation that we lay in these crucial early stages have a lifetime impact, the consequences of undiagnosed language difficulties can be profound. Affecting not only academic achievement but also social relationships, mental health and opportunities in later life. Language Launchpad is about working towards a system where no child is left behind.”

A key element of the co-design of Language Launchpad was a survey completed by over 1,000 individuals (parents, healthcare professionals and early years providers) in December 2024.

The findings revealed that:

• 91% of those working with children and young people and 96% of speech and language therapists reported a rise in the number of children presenting with speech, language and communication needs.

• 98% of early years practitioners noted an increase in the complexity of speech, language and communication needs.

• Only 42% of early years practitioners felt that children entering their settings were ready to engage with the curriculum.

• Among parents surveyed, 45% expressed concerns about their child’s communication development, yet just 33% felt adequately supported by professionals. 

The final Language Launchpad resources are available from 6 May 2025 via the Help Kids Talk website: https://helpkidstalk.co.uk/

Business leaders launch applications for Fellowship Programme

(L-R) Karen Gilgunn, Mencap NI, Darragh McCarthy, FinTrU, Derek Hynes, NIE Networks, Phillip Brett, MLA, Róisín Finnegan, Independent Business Consultant.

Businesses in Northern Ireland are supporting an initiative to give leaders from politics, business and civic society a unique opportunity to develop the skills needed to address the leadership challenges of today.

The Centre for Democracy and Peace has opened applications for its Fellowship Programme 2025-26 to address real-world challenges and equip Fellows with practical skills in complex decision-making, design thinking, and collaboration, which are essential for navigating today’s economic, political, and social landscape.

Now in its fifth year, and with almost 100 alumni, the Fellowship Programme offers immersive residential sessions in Oxford and Dublin and allows participants to gain experience in world-class thinking and global best practice.

Supported by leading organisations including Camlin Group, Fujitsu NI, FinTrU, NIE Networks, Ulster Carpets, the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Irish American Partnership, and Allstate NI, the Fellowship reflects a shared commitment to investing in the sustainable peace and prosperity of Northern Ireland.

The programme is guided by an accomplished advisory board of senior business leaders who bring strategic insight, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of leadership in complex environments.

Together, they help shape a Fellowship experience grounded in real-world societal challenges, equipping participants with the adaptive thinking, collaborative mindset, and systems leadership needed to drive innovation, strengthen organisational resilience, and support long-term economic development.

By investing in the Fellowship, leading businesses are playing an active role in developing leaders capable of navigating complexity, generating innovation, and driving meaningful change across Northern Ireland.

Phillip Brett MLA, Northern Ireland Assembly Economy Committee Chair, and Programme Alumnus said:

“The Fellowship’s focus on systems thinking and entrepreneurial leadership aligns closely with key economic priorities, including the skills agenda. It offers unique value to Northern Ireland by supporting the development of confident, collaborative, and forward-thinking leaders. 

“Taking part in the Fellowship was a truly transformative experience. It challenged my thinking, expanded my networks across all sectors, and strengthened my ability to lead with purpose. I would encourage anyone committed to building a better future for Northern Ireland to apply.”

Darragh McCarthy, Chair, Fellowship Advisory Board, added:

“The Fellowship is not just an investment in individual leaders, it’s an investment in the future of Northern Ireland’s business, civic, and political success. By bringing together ambitious leaders from across all sectors, the programme creates conditions for innovation, trust, and long-term collaboration.

“I look forward with great anticipation to seeing the unique talents and perspectives the future group of Fellows will bring, and how they will shape one another as leaders and our society."

Applications for the 2025/26 Fellowship Programme are now open and will close on Thursday 5 June.

To apply or learn more, visit https://fellowship.democracyandpeace.org or contact fellowship@democracyandpeace.org.

CGI Presents Project Shield To MLAs At Stormont

Members of the CGI Team (L-R): Martin Jebb, Michelle Sherrard, Paul Addison and Stuart Gunning

Innovative technology enhances enforcement of non-molestation orders and helps safeguard vulnerable individuals

Belfast, Northern Ireland, 29 April 2025 – CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB) one of the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world, and key stakeholders from the justice sector recently gathered at the Northern Ireland Assembly for a critical discussion on the benefits provided by Project Shield, an initiative aimed at improving the enforcement of non-molestation orders using existing Police National Database (PND) technology.

The event highlighted the need for a national database to ensure real-time access to protective orders, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and improve safeguarding for victims of domestic abuse.

Delivering the keynote address, Martin Jebb, Director, Policing & Public Safety Sector at CGI in the UK, detailed the transformational impact of Project Shield in improving the management and enforcement of non-molestation orders. Developed in partnership with North Yorkshire Police, HM Courts & Tribunals Service, and Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS), Project Shield has revolutionised information-sharing capabilities, giving police officers real-time access to crucial safeguarding data. It uses a combination of improved, more frequent information flow, process optimisation and technology to ensure that non-molestation orders are correctly marked and made visible in a timely fashion for all who need to be aware.

“Currently, police officers often lack the information needed to immediately act on protective orders,” explained Jebb. “Without a national database, enforcement can be slow, inconsistent, and ineffective—placing victims at risk and making it harder to hold perpetrators accountable. Project Shield has changed this situation by integrating these orders into the Police National Database, ensuring officers nationwide can access critical information instantly.”

“This initiative has already demonstrated its effectiveness, allowing officers to intervene swiftly when breaches occur, offering a level of protection that simply wasn’t possible before. It is imperative that we build on this success and establish a national, standardised system to close existing gaps in victim protection.”

Michelle Sherrard, Director, Consulting Services for Northern Ireland at CGI, reinforced the company’s commitment to delivering technology-driven solutions that enhance public safety and improve justice system efficiency. 

“Victims of domestic abuse should not have to shoulder the responsibility of ensuring their own protective measures are enforced. The justice system must work for them, not against them. Too often, survivors are forced to carry physical copies of court orders and provide proof of their own protection, which is simply unacceptable in today's digital age.”

“Project Shield has proven that the right technology can reduce these barriers, providing law enforcement with the tools to act swiftly and decisively. By modernising outdated processes and ensuring immediate access to protective measures, we can significantly improve the safeguarding framework. CGI is proud to play a pivotal role in this effort, working closely with justice agencies to drive forward innovation in public safety,” she added.

Discussions at the event underscored the urgent need for a national database to store and manage civil protection orders. A standardised digital system would enhance enforcement, improve inter-agency coordination, and provide stronger, more immediate protection for victims.

CGI continues to work with governments and justice agencies to develop innovative technology solutions that enhance public safety. The company is also delivering the Department of Justice’s Themis Programme, which aims to modernise IT systems across Northern Ireland’s civil, family, and criminal courts, improving efficiency and accessibility in the justice system.

Anna Haugh’s Big Irish Food Tour is coming to BBC Two

The celebrity chef returns home for a new series with special guests including Katherine Ryan, Laura Whitmore, Shayne Ward and Diarmuid Gavin.

In this 15-part series, starting on Monday 5 May on BBC Two, Anna Haugh travels around the island of Ireland, exploring all that is unique, and new, about Irish cuisine and culture.

From Ballycastle in County Antrim to Cork city, Anna is joined by celebrity guests including Katherine Ryan, Dennis Taylor, Ed Byrne, Shayne Ward, Laura Whitmore and Vanessa Feltz, who share their own Irish food memories and don their aprons to help her prepare a special meal.

On this culinary journey around the island Anna and her guests meet local food producers and sample an array of local ingredients and flavours.

Anna says: “Irish food is my passion and it’s a passion that took me from Dublin to London to pursue my dreams.

“Throughout this series, viewers can look forward to lots of delicious, inspiring food ingredients, wonderful recipes and great chats with my celebrity guests and food producers.”

In the first episode, Katherine Ryan joins Anna in the city of Cork – the ‘foodie capital of Ireland’ - where memories of her grandmother’s ‘over-boiled and under-seasoned’ dinners have left the comedian with a bad impression of Irish food.

In episode two snooker legend Dennis Taylor returns to the snooker hall in County Tyrone where it all began and after a spot of fishing, Anna and Dennis do some outdoor cooking with one of the area’s most unique delicacies - the Lough Neagh eel.

Later in the series, in her native Dublin, Anna meets actor Eilish O'Carroll from Mrs Brown's Boys in an area of the city where traditional markets mix with global street food, and in County Antrim she visits a Ballycastle farm with garden designer Diarmuid Gavin.

The pair are put to work during potato planting season, and Anna later creates a goat hotpot for Diarmuid using these local spuds. 

Far from the bright lights of London, Anna explores the rugged landscape of County Mayo with presenter Angela Scanlon and travels to Portrush on the north coast to meet actor Ian McElhinney.

In the seaside town, Ian reminisces about childhood holidays spent enjoying dulse, a local seaweed snack.

Other well-known faces joining Anna on her tour include, presenter Vanessa Feltz, Father Ted actor Pauline McLynn, wildlife broadcaster Liz Bonnin, rugby legend Bundee Aki and The Saturdays popstar Una Healy.

Anna’s journey comes to an end with singer and actor Shayne Ward in County Louth. Shayne is keen to connect with his Irish Traveller heritage and Anna introduces him to one of Ireland's last surviving tinsmiths. They also visit a local farm where Shayne gets his hands dirty picking cabbage.

Anna Haugh’s Big Irish Food Tour was commissioned for BBC Daytime and BBC Northern Ireland as part of the Hot House Initiative with support from Northern Ireland Screen.

The series, made by Below The Radar TV, starts on Monday 5 May and airs weekdays at 6.30pm on BBC Two. The full series is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Election 2027 only a heartbeat away – are higher expectations of political delivery now required?.. Writes David McCann, Strategic Political Analyst at Brown O’Connor Public Affairs

We are more than halfway through the current Assembly mandate. Two years from now, parties will be on the home stretch of the 2027 Assembly Election campaign. The posters will be up on the lampposts, and the parties will make their final push to get their voters out to the polls on Election Day.

After just over three years in office, the Executive parties will be running to defend their record on what they have achieved; however, they are more likely to make a pitch about what they could accomplish with a full five-year mandate instead of the shorter terms Northern Ireland has had to endure due to various collapses in power-sharing since 2017. 

When we get to 2027, what would a good start for the Executive look like? What could they have achieved so voters would notice and acknowledge that Northern Ireland is finally on the right track after years of drift?

Regional Balance

Rebalancing Northern Ireland's economy, particularly in the North-West, will be a real test for Sinn Féin. When he was Economy Minister, Conor Murphy launched a Sub-Regional Economic Plan in late 2024, which sets out a restructuring of Invest NI and the establishment of local economic partnerships that will identify priorities to build the local economy. Now that Caoimhe Archibald, an MLA based in the North-West, has moved to the department earlier this year, there will be scrutiny on whether green shoots of economic development are happening West of the Bann.

Housing

This is a sleeper issue in Northern Ireland politics, but it will be one of the main issues being debated on the hustings during the 2027 election. House prices are already at a 17-year high with little evidence of any slowdown on the horizon. Looking at how this has become a significant issue in the Republic, parties in the Executive will know this issue can cut across various demographics and shift voters.

The Executive will need to introduce the necessary reforms around water infrastructure and planning to help increase the number of homes built across Northern Ireland. This will be a longer-term problem to solve, but by 2027, potential homebuyers and those helping close family members get on the ladder will want to see some signs of things turning around.

Childcare

A significant cost-of-living issue affecting society is childcare. The Education Minister, Paul Givan, has made some moves in this area with the Childcare Subsidy Scheme. Still, there is recognition that this will need to go further over the coming years so that parents feel relief from the rising childcare costs. Producing and then delivering a Childcare Strategy will be an important measure of the delivery of this policy.

Health

Last but certainly not least, healthcare. For the past few years, the public service that we all interact with in some way has been in the headlines for many of the wrong reasons. We all know the story of waiting lists and a need for reform. The Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, has already spoken about the difficulties his department faces in the current funding environment, which leaves no easy options available to help turn around the many challenges faced by the Health and Social Care system.

By 2027, most voters will view the progress of healthcare through how long people are on a waiting list. This will not be resolved by 2027; to the minister's credit, he is not pretending it will be. However, there will be an expectation from the public that, after three years of devolution, some progress will be achieved.

The Expectations Game

In politics, perception often matters as much as reality. That is to say, public expectations matter a lot in judging success. Voters will be, in the main, happy that Stormont is back and some semblance of normality has returned. Yet, underneath that, the low expectations for delivery and reform continue to hurt the Executive.

This is also not helped by the various external factors buffeting the Executive, from tough spending plans from Westminster to Trump tariffs. By 2027, voters will want a sense that Northern Ireland is back on track, which the Executive needs to demonstrate as it heads into the final laps of this mandate.

Tech community should double down on transatlantic links

Judith Millar, Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT), Queen's University Belfast; Ryan Keenan, Learning Experience Lab, DeepLearning.ai; Connla McCann, Aisling Events; Tom Gray, Kainos; Ryan Ballantine, Options IT

Belfast business leaders will set out to replicate the success of their transatlantic partnerships with Boston and New York, at a conference in Silicon Valley next month.

AICON Silicon Valley will take place at Stanford University on 22 May 2025 and build on the success of the AICON Belfast conference, which is Ireland’s largest AI gathering.

“Belfast has a compelling proposition to make when it comes to software, cyber security and AI, and it’s high time we set out our stall in the global epicentre of innovation, AI and VC funding,” said Connla McCann, co-founder of the New York-New Belfast conference in the Big Apple and the Golden Bridges conference in Boston.

Last year, tech leaders in the Irish diaspora and Irish American communities in the Bay Area of California took part in an Irish Roundtable in the Valley, which brought them face-to-face with representatives of Belfast tech companies Kainos and Options, alongside Queen’s University.

AICON Silicon Valley supported by Invest NI will build on the success of that event.

Hosted by headline sponsor Kainos and supported by Invest NI, Options IT and Unosquare of Belfast, as well as Wink Inc of California, AICON Silicon Valley will focus on maximising the opportunity of artificial intelligence.

Also making up the delegation travelling to California will be representatives of the Atlantic Technological University in Donegal and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

AICON Silicon Valley is the sister conference of AICON Belfast, now in its seventh year, which has become a firm fixture in the Irish tech calendar.

Connla McCann, Director of Aisling Events added: "Our goal is to bring together two world-class tech communities. Last year a smaller group travelled from Belfast to Silicon Valley, and we were amazed at the appetite for collaboration and partnership on both sides. The new AICON Silicon Valley conference cements this further and will provide unparalleled opportunities for sharing knowledge, networking, and strengthening ties between Ireland and Silicon Valley in the pursuit of AI-driven solutions for a better world.”

Tom Gray, Kainos Group Chief Technology Officer and Director of Innovation said: "This conference presents an opportunity to bring together professionals and experts with strong ties to innovation and technology. By fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge, this conference will reinforce connections between our two tech communities. I look forward to seeing this conference become a regular platform for enabling productive dialogue, encouraging diverse perspectives and generating new ideas in the field of artificial intelligence."

Andrea Haughian Executive Vice President, Head of Americas at Invest Northern Ireland said: “The new AICON Silicon Valley reaffirms our reputation as a global hub for technology innovation and positions our tech community as a key player in the AI revolution. This collaboration is poised to unlock new opportunities and build lasting connections between the two regions.”

We're Hiring: Graduate Trainee - Strategic Communications and Public Affairs

Brown O’Connor Communications – Graduate Trainee Opportunity

Salary: competitive

Start: September 2025

Brown O’Connor Communications is seeking a talented Graduate Trainee to support the client consultancy team working in public relations, public affairs and strategic communications.

This is an exciting opportunity within an ambitious and fast-paced consultancy.  We require a resilient individual with proven academic capability, who is now ready to step into their first communications agency role.

You will learn practical skills on the job while supporting the client service team in their delivery of high impact client campaigns at the highest level. 

In this important supporting role, you will also have the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business.

About Brown O’Connor Communications: www.brownoconnor.com

Brown O’Connor Communications is one of Ireland’s most trusted and respected communications advisory firms.  Founded by directors Chris Brown and Arlene O’Connor, we are a Belfast-based team of 10.

Our Specialist Areas

We are highly regarded specialists in:

·       Public Affairs

·       Corporate and Strategic Communications services

·       Media Relations

·       Crisis Communications

·       Property and Planning Communications

·       Litigation Communications

·       Event Management

·       Political Monitoring

·       Communication Strategy Development

Our reputation is based on our extensive experience working for high-profile, public facing organisations and delivering our services on a range of sensitive issues.

The agency has been awarded the Belfast Chamber Communications Excellence Award, CIPR Best Public Affairs Campaign, CIPR Best Healthcare Campaign, CIPR Best Event and has been named the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Northern Ireland Consultancy of the Year.  

Our Client Work

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

We work across a range of areas including legal, financial, health and social care, commercial, fintech, economic development, manufacturing, public inquiries, non-departmental public bodies and the charity sector.

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

Our media relations work is carried daily across broadcast, print and social media, and steers public discourse on some of the biggest matters for local society; our public affairs and stakeholder influencing activity at Stormont, Westminster and in the Oireachtas informs and helps to shape policy and public service delivery.

Check out our blog for some highlights of our recent work Blog — Brown O'Connor Communications

Graduate Trainee Person Specification

This is a hands-on role with an exceptional opportunity to learn on the job in a fast-paced, often pressurised, outcome-orientated environment.

You will be responsible for the delivery of key weekly reporting and monitoring functions, as well as supporting the client handling team to ensure smooth, timely delivery of agreed campaign activities, goals and outcomes. 

You will have a keen interest in politics, business and the media and a developing understanding of the role of public affairs, media relations, stakeholder relations.

You will have a solid understanding of the importance and impact of clear, accurate and timely communications.

You will be well organised, with a critical eye for detail and the ability to plan and track activity to ensure smooth running of client work.

You will be confident in managing multiple tasks and have the ability to consistently meet deadlines.

You will work collaboratively as a team player with Brown O’Connor colleagues to ensure success across client accounts.

Day to Day Role

• You will play an essential role in Political and Policy Monitoring of the NI Assembly, Westminster and Oireachtas.

• Your proven writing skills will be applied to writing editorial content on behalf of clients including press releases, opinion/platform pieces and blogs.

• You will work with trusted suppliers such as photographers, graphic designers, videographers, economists and sectoral experts integral to the successful delivery of client activity campaigns.

• You will be able to create appropriate and engaging visual and social media content across multiple platforms. You may have videography, photography, graphic design or editing skills which will enhance your capabilities, although this is not essential.

• You will work on political lobbying and public awareness campaigns supporting policy change, legislative change and the smooth running of political engagement programmes.

• Your work will support the delivery of outcomes for clients and work to raise their profile in the media and with key stakeholders in a positive way.

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.

·       As the Graduate Trainee, your attitude, energy and work outputs will reflect the values of Brown O’Connor and the hard-earned reputation for which the business is known, trusted and respected.

Criteria

• A recent (1 year) or 2025 graduate, with university placement or work experience in the area of public affairs, corporate communications or within a communications environment.

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

• An excellent communicator both written and oral.

• Outstanding organisational skills.

• Keen awareness of news, current affairs and politics.

• Strong initiative and work ethic.

• Clean driving licence and access to a car preferred.

How to Apply

To apply in strict confidence, please send your detailed CV and a covering email telling us why you think you are the right candidate for this role, with examples demonstrating how you meet the above role description (word limit 300 words) to Brown O’Connor Communications at hello@brownoconnor.com, with the email subject Graduate Trainee by 5pm on Friday 27 June 2025.

Application Process

• Initial shortlisting early July

• Interviews July 2025

• Start September 2025

Thousands Set to Benefit from Victims and Survivors Service Innovative Partnership

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly with Gobhnait Swift, Department of Rural and Community Development; Andrew Walker, Victims and Survivors Service; and Gina McIntyre, SEUPB.

The Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) has launched a €25m, four-year PEACEPLUS funded programme, VSS-PULSE.

The programme is a Partnership for Understanding, Learning, Support and Education (PULSE), operating to support victims and survivors across Northern Ireland, Ireland and Great Britain.

Supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), VSS-PULSE aims to improve the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors of the Troubles/conflict by increasing and improving access to high quality, trauma informed services.

Through this project, over 18,000 individual cases will be reviewed by a regional network of Health and Wellbeing Caseworkers and Advocacy Support Workers, resulting in the delivery of over 36,000 interventions which will improve the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors.

VSS is the Lead Partner in this innovative programme which includes 12 other partners. VSS-PULSE will build the on the well-established network of health and well-being caseworkers and advocacy support workers based within community and voluntary partners across the region, who support victims and survivors in their local communities.

The partnership will develop this network, and over the next four years VSS-PULSE will also develop trauma education programmes and workforce training and development for over 5,000 individuals supporting victims and survivors. This work will be underpinned by research to further understand and improve services for victims and survivors.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:

“We are committed to meeting the needs of victims and survivors, helping them to deal with the past and build a positive future. And this new project will play a key role in ensuring that those who need support receive essential services within their local community, leading to improved outcomes for victims and survivors.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said:

“Supporting victims and survivors continues to be a priority for us.

“This project will ensure they have access to holistic services which are tailored to their specific needs. The range of interventions will provide them with the support they need to improve their health and wellbeing now and into the future.

“Well done to everyone involved in creating a programme that will be of benefit to so many.”

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, commented:

“I would like to express my gratitude to all those who played a role in the advancement of the Victims and Survivors Service - Partnership for Understanding, Learning, Support and Education project. This initiative has secured funding approval of €25m from the European Union's PEACEPLUS programme.

“By building upon previous supports, PEACEPLUS will achieve its goals and create a more cohesive society. This will be accomplished through an increased provision of services that meet the needs of victims, survivors, and their families.

“I am very pleased that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will be partnering with The Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Special EU Programmes Body in providing funding for this investment area under the programme.

“I wish the VSS-PULSE project and their partner organisations every success in their endeavours.”

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said:

“The support for victims and survivors in the PEACEPLUS Programme will develop the capacity for services to meet their needs.

“Our citizens still feel the hurt and trauma of the past, and this project will help ensure they receive the requisite trauma informed response when accessing services.

“The aim of this work is to improve societal understanding of the effects of the past upon the present, in a way that improves the lives of victims and survivors, contributes to continued peace and reconciliation.”

Andrew Walker, CEO Victims and Survivors Service said:

“Through the VSS-PULSE project, VSS will work with community partners to support hard to reach and marginalised individuals and communities which have suffered from the Troubles/conflict.

“Through this collaborative approach, we are creating space where victims and survivors can access integrated, trauma informed support. This model fosters healing in a way that contributes to peace and reconciliation in our community.

“I would encourage anyone who needs support to contact us at the Victims and Survivors Service.”

For more information about the community partners delivering the PULSE programme or to access support call VSS on 02890 279100 or visit www.victimsservice.org

BelTech 2025 Connects Tech Leaders, Innovators and Future Talent in Belfast

Kevin Higgins, Platform Consultant, Allstate; Mark McCormack, Managing Director, Aflac NI; Ryan Keenan, Director, Learning Experience Lab, DeepLearning.ai; Síona O’Reilly, Solutions Architect, Kainos; Leah Ní Mhurchú, Technical Support Engineer, Options IT

BelTech, one of the Irish tech industry’s most prominent conferences, made its return to Belfast yesterday, 10 April 2025, bringing together leading figures from across the sector.

Curated by Kainos in partnership with Allstate, BelTech is supported by leading technology companies, including Options, Unosquare, Aflac Northern Ireland, and Rakuten.

This year, BelTech welcomed an impressive lineup of speakers from Amazon Web Services, MIT, Monzo Bank, and more.

US based Ryan Keenan, Director of the Learning Experience Lab at DeepLearning.AI, headlined the day with a keynote that focused on artificial intelligence and the future of education.

Aimed at both experienced professionals and emerging talent, the conference showcased a diverse agenda designed to inspire, educate, and spark collaboration across the tech ecosystem.

Software development was an integral part of the conference, exploring the art and science of crafting robust, scalable software solutions. Sessions covered everything from foundational programming languages and frameworks to advanced architectural techniques and design patterns.

Delegates gained insight into the real-world applications of both generative and narrow AI in the software industry. Topics included automated code generation, intelligent debugging and testing, and enhancing creativity in development. Crucial security and ethical considerations such as data privacy and regulatory challenges were also front and centre.

BelTech also explored a ‘What’s Next?’ theme, focused on the evolving developer landscape, this track examined the rise of generative AI assistants and their role in streamlining development workflows.

A key feature at BelTech was the "Powered by Partnership" panel, chaired by John Ferris of Ulster Bank, it highlighted how collaboration between academia and industry is helping to build the next generation of scaleups.

Featuring founders from Ulster University’s Connect to Success programme the panel offered valuable insights into how AI is driving innovation and growth across diverse sectors. The discussion showcased the real-world impact of strong partnerships and the vital role of support networks in scaling tech-led businesses.

Síona O’Reilly, Solution Architect, Kainos said:

“BelTech is a clear example of how innovation thrives when we come together as a community. Innovation isn't just about the technology - it’s about the people who drive it. The conversations, ideas, and collaboration truly embodied everything this conference stands for.

The exchange of ideas and expertise from our speakers today was truly inspiring. It was a true celebration of our vibrant technical community, and a powerful reminder of how collaboration and shared knowledge are key to solving the challenges that lie ahead.”

With a continued focus on inclusivity and innovation, BelTech 2025 cemented its position as a cornerstone for knowledge exchange, professional development, and community-building in the Irish tech scene.

To find out more: https://www.beltech.co/

Manufacturing Month returns to showcase the strength of the sector

Conor Quinn, AMIC; Meave Monaghan, NOW Group; Alan Lavery, KPMG; Peter Creighton, Reliance; Rachel Doherty, Manufacturing NI; Gavin Campbell, Barclays; Stephen Kelly, Manufacturing NI; Natasha Sayee, Belfast Harbour; Chris Guy, Mills Selig; and High Sheriff Cllr Fiona McAteer, Belfast City Council.

Manufacturing Month, the flagship event in Northern Ireland’s business and economic calendar to showcase and celebrate the manufacturing and engineering sector, is set to return for the fifth year this May.

Led by Manufacturing NI, the month-long initiative demonstrates the sector’s significant contribution to the economy and highlights the companies, workers, and leaders who make Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector a global success story.

Sponsored by some of Northern Ireland’s leading companies and organisations including the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), Barclays, Go Succeed NI, KPMG, Mills Selig, and Reliance, the campaign aims to showcase the sector’s capabilities, from cutting-edge technology and sustainability initiatives to career pathways and skills development.

Throughout the month, a series of events, factory tours, webinars, and networking opportunities will be delivered to celebrate achievements, discuss challenges, and explore future opportunities.

Stephen Kelly and Rachel Doherty, Manufacturing NI

Stephen Kelly, CEO of Manufacturing NI, commented:

“We have extraordinary manufacturing businesses who collectively provide almost 100,000 direct and more than 150,000 fully sustained jobs in every community across Northern Ireland. They dominate our R&D investment and external and export sales.

"Manufacturing Month is a chance to celebrate the sector. It is a platform for manufacturers to not only share their achievements but also learn from each other and work together to capture the opportunities in an increasingly difficult economy.

"Our ‘makers’ already provide good, regionally dispersed jobs and Manufacturing Month helps bring them together to collectively work to drive productivity, to decarbonise, and deal with the threats presented by a world embroiled in a trade war.

"Manufacturing Month will include a series of ‘Meet The Maker’ events, and the publication of a major piece of economic analysis, which unveils the impact the sector has on communities throughout Northern Ireland. Manufacturers, supply chains, supporting organisations, Councils, and others are encouraged to participate, with a media kit provided to help them get their good news out.”

Manufacturing Month will be rounded off with the Anchor High Leadership Summit on Thursday 29 May at The Hilton Hotel, Belfast. Summit attendees, manufacturing leaders, and others will hear from a range of industry experts, guest speakers, and panellists who will share their experiences through a series of practical case studies.  

The Summit will be followed in the evening by the prestigious Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame Awards, which recognises those who have shaped Northern Ireland’s industrial landscape.

For more information on Manufacturing Month 2025, including access to the Media Kit and tickets for the Anchor High Leadership Summit, visit www.manufacturingmonthni.com.