Other News In Brief

UUP Launch Assembly Election Billboard Campaign

The Ulster Unionist Party today formally launched its Assembly Election billboard campaign, with two mobile billboards unveiled at Custom House Square in Belfast city centre.

UUP Leader Mike Nesbitt said: "The message for this election can be summed up in three short words: ‘Make It Work’. That's what people are telling us on the doorstep. They have had two full mandates and nine long years of devolved government led by the DUP and Sinn Féin and they are fed up with the lack of positives.

"It is time to make Stormont work and we have already shown we can do it with the suite of policy documents we have published over the last two months, as a build up to our manifesto launch."

Applications Open For NI's Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme

Applications are now open on NI's Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme to provide £1,000 for properties and small businesses affected by the recent flooding.

The scheme is for properties affected for the period 07 November 2015 to 31 January 2016.

The scheme also includes farm businesse, recreational and community buildings and places of worship.

Organisations should contact local councils for more details and an application form.

Council Seeks Young People For Youth Forum

Belfast City Council (BCC) is seeking young people for its Youth Forum.

BCC wants young people aged between 13 and 18 years old interested in an opportunity to become 'Young Advocates' for Belfast to help create positive changes in communities across the city.

The Belfast Youth Forum gives young people a chance to campaign for change on social justice and children's rights; work alongside politicians in council to improve the lives of young people; and organise and run campaigns and events designed to promote the voices of young people in the city.

Lord Mayor, Arder Carson, said: "The Belfast Youth Forum is a very important advisory body for the council as it allows the voice of young people to be considered when we are making decisions about the future of the city.

"I have met with young people from the forum on many occasions and they are fantastic advocates for their age group. They know they can make a difference, and they want to take the opportunities offered by the Youth Forum to make that difference and improve lives across the city.

"They have worked on issues such as highlighting hidden homelessness, how to make the city more inclusive and welcoming to young people and while doing so they have made lasting friendships, had fun, and gained skills that will benefit them throughout their lives."

(CD)