Other News In Brief

DoH Formally Recognises Paramedics As Members of Allied Health Professional

The Department of Health (DoH) has formally recognised paramedics as members of the Allied Health Professional (AHP) group, following recent discussions with the department's Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly, DoH officials and the NI Ambulance Service (NIAS).

Welcoming the announcement, Richard Pengelly, said: "Formal recognition of paramedics in Northern Ireland is essential to professionalise the profession so paramedics know just how much they are valued as members of the Health Service.

"This recognition will align paramedics with other AHP colleagues and their peers in the rest of the UK, and recognise the contribution paramedics currently make as inter-professional clinicians working across urgent, emergency, primary and community care provision here.

The Allied Health Professions (AHP) currently consists of 12 distinct and unique disciplines. These professionals provide key services and add critical value across primary and secondary prevention, diagnostics, treatment and care.

'Gig Sitter' Initiative Launched

Belfast City Council has announced a new initiative as part of their Belfast Music Summer Season, 'Gig Sitter' – which will provide activities for children while their parents enjoy a gig.

On Saturday, 18 August from 1pm to 3pm at Black Box in Cathedral Quarter, parents can sit back, relax and enjoy a 90-minute session by local band, The Skallions, while the kids experience an interactive music workshop led by top Bounce Culture DJ, Kwame Daniels.

Encouraging families to take part, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, said: "Our Belfast Music 'Summer Season' programme is all about celebrating our musical diversity and bringing our city to life. This unique, affordable event in the Black Box will bring families together to share in the joy of a live music gig. It's not often that parents get a chance to chill out and enjoy themselves while someone else looks after the kids, so come on down and make the most of it!"

Black Box Director Rachel Campbell Palmer explains that Gig Sitter is the first of its kind to be hosted in the Black Box: "We're delighted to be hosting this special event, allowing parents and their children to enjoy live music together. Gig-sitter is an opportunity for parents to go and enjoy a gig guilt-free, while their kids enjoy a music workshop just next door. The event is about diversifying what's on offer for parents and encouraging kids to have fun engaging with music!"

Tickets are available online at blackboxbelfast.com priced £5 for adults, £3 for children and £12 for a family ticket (four people, at least one must be an adult). Children must be between the ages of seven and 12 to take part in the workshop run by Kwame Daniels.

Police Seeking Man In Connection With Armed Robbery In South Belfast

Police have issued an appeal for information following an armed robbery in south Belfast this morning, Wednesday 15 August.

At approximately 8.25am this morning, a man riding a bicycle approached a man outside his home in Dunluce Avenue and threatened him with a suspected firearm. The suspect fled the scene with the victims bags.

The suspect is described as wearing a dark coloured hooded top and riding a dark coloured pushbike.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw anything suspicious is asked to contact Detectives on 101 quoting reference 275 1/8/18.

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.

(MH)