Other News In Brief

Music Therapy May Help Children's Mental Health

Music therapy may help the mental health of children and teenagers, according to new research by Queen's University.

Health Minister Jim Wells said: "I am pleased to see Northern Ireland at the forefront of such gold standard, evidence based research programmes which seek to find innovative and creative responses to meet the mental health needs of our children and young people.

"This research finds that music therapy is demonstrably an effective treatment for children and young people with mental health problems. This will be an area for consideration by my Department and the Health and Social Care Board and Trusts (as commissioners) in the context of the overall reform of CAMHS service provision."

Music Therapy is one of the Allied Health Professions. In April 2012 DHSSPS launched the Northern Ireland Allied Health Professions Strategy Improving Health and Well-being through Positive Partnerships.

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted of benefit fraud at Enniskillen Magistrates' Court.

Tiernan Coyle, 30, of Derrynameeo Road, Belleek claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £2,072 while failing to declare he was living with his partner. He was given a four month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Celebrate Halloween At Carrickfergus Castle

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is inviting the public to come along to a ghoulish day out to Carrickfergus Castle on Saturday 25th October.

The Halloween event will feature festive storytelling, crafts and music, ghastly children's face painting and to meet some ghostly characters along the way.

Carrickfergus Castle opens from 10am – 4pm, with the event running from 11am -3pm.

(CD/MH)