Other News In Brief

Alliance Call For Action On Children's Mental Health

Marking Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has called for restoration of the Executive so that vital action can be taken.

The motion calls on the Assembly to recognise the specific Action encased within the Mental Health Strategy around infant mental health, to endorse the manifesto of the Association for Infant Mental Health, and to support further enhancement of the Mental Health Strategy.

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week was first launched in 2015 by the charity Place2Be, with the aim of highlighting the importance of inspiring good mental health in children and young people, and recognising the struggles many face.

The theme of this year's event is 'Let's Connect'.

"With today's children and young people facing such a wide array of growingly pervasive challenges, it's never been more important to raise awareness of the difficulties many face, and how essential it is for both themselves and the adults in their lives to help look after their mental health," said Paula.

"Whilst charity organisations like Place2Be do amazing work and provide so many vital resources in this area, there is still so much more we can do to help.

"With that in mind, in the case of infant mental health in particular, I have raised a motion which calls on the Assembly to consider a number of measures that would reaffirm our commitment to enhancing the Mental Health Strategy in such ways that would result in a positive impact on infant mental health, such as taking action to reduce poverty, stress, fear and anxiety on parents and care-givers.

"We would also call on any eventual Health Minister to implement a collaborative plan on infant mental health.

"However, with the current impasse at Stormont as a result of the DUP's continued boycott, we are unfortunately unable to actually take any desperately needed action on this. It's unacceptable.

"It is now entirely evident that if we want these sorts of issues to be given the urgent attention they deserve, we need to reform the institutions so that parties willing to take responsibility for such issues which have an impact on all of us can do so."

Latest FinTru Accelerate Academy Announced

The latest Financial Services Accelerate Academy with FinTrU has been announced, offering 20 high quality training places.

Funded by the Department for the Economy, successful applicants will take part in a four-week development programme delivered in partnership with Ulster University and North West Regional College leading to a potential offer of employment with FinTrU in their North West or Belfast offices.

Participants who complete the course are guaranteed an interview for a role with FinTrU.

Encouraging eligible individuals to apply Graeme Wilkinson, Director of Skills Strategy at the Department for the Economy said: "I am pleased to announce another Assured Skills Academy with FinTrU. These are exciting opportunities for people with a degree in any discipline, or relevant experience, to learn the skills they need to start a rewarding career in financial services.

"As we move into a decade of economic transformation around the Department's 10X Economic Vision, strengthening our local skills base and investing in skills is essential to grow our economy. Assured Skills Academies have a strong track record of delivering high quality training whilst also providing businesses with the skills and talent they need to grow. Participants will receive practical, real-world training and be well placed to compete for a job with FinTrU after the academy.

"With a weekly training allowance of £160 also provided, this is an excellent opportunity and I urge anyone who is interested and eligible to apply."

John Maguire, Talent Partner at FinTrU said: "It's a hugely exciting time at FinTrU as we continue to expand globally. Our Financial Services Accelerate Academy is the perfect opportunity for experienced professionals from a financial background to join us as we continue on our exciting journey. Last year, we were recognised by the Financial Times for the second year in a row as one of the fastest growing companies in Europe and we're delighted that we can provide further opportunities in Northern Ireland."

Applicants must hold at least a 2.2 in any degree discipline before commencement of training or have a minimum 18 months' experience working in a banking or regulated financial services environment.  Applicants must also have a right to work and to undertake Assured Skills training in the UK and not be disqualified from either, by reason of their immigration status. Proof of this will be required.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to join the FinTrU team in either their North West or Belfast office and work alongside some of the world's largest Investment Banks to find solutions to help them meet with their regulations in areas such as; Legal, Risk, Compliance, KYC (Know you Customer), Operations and Consultancy.

Applications for the FinTrU Assured Skills Academy are open until 19 March 2023 with interviews being held on a rolling basis through to 5 April.

AG Raise £10,000 For Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support has been gifted £10,000 from AG Paving and Building Products.

AG staff chose Macmillan as their official 2022 charity partner and throughout the year staff and customers fundraised for the charity to raise the significant amount.

Joanne Young, Senior Fundraising Manager for Macmillan in Northern Ireland said, said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at AG for their incredible support throughout 2022. To put their fantastic fundraising in context, £10,000 could provide a Macmillan grant for almost 30 people in NI, or fund a Macmillan Nurse for over 300 hours. Macmillan relies almost entirely on public donations, and the money raised by AG staff will help us to continue providing the local services that people living with cancer desperately need, particularly at the moment."

AG staff fundraised with a variety of activities including a Macmillan Coffee Morning, hosting an employee 'beard off' competition, as well as donations made by staff and visitors at AG's Outdoor Living Show events. To increase their total, AG held a Christmas raffle and made a donation for every employee who completed an internal survey.

Stephen Acheson, Chief Executive Officer at AG said: "We are delighted to have been able to support Macmillan cancer support. It is a truly terrific organisation that provides support for those who have received a cancer diagnosis."

"Given the current cost of living crisis, it is a testament to the generosity and selflessness of our employees that we have been able to raise such a substantial amount. I am extremely proud of their efforts and I look forward to continuing to support local charities in any way we can."