Other News In Brief

High Court Rules For Michelle O'Neill In Defamation Case

The High Court has found in favour of Michelle O'Neill in a libel case she brought against DUP councillor John Carson.

Mr Carson posted a comment under a Facebook photo of the Sinn Féin Deputy Leader in April 2021, stating that she would be "put back in her kennel".

The defamation case brought by Ms O'Neill claimed that Mr Carson's online comments were "unreasonable and misogynistic". The court found in favour of Ms O'Neill.

The level of damages awarded will be determined at a future hearing.

Phoenix Energy And Youth Action Announces Shine Bright Programme

Phoenix Energy has announced the return of its Shine Bright programme, in collaboration with Youth Action's Rainbow Factory.

The Shine Bright programme will see young people with varying challenges engage in an arts programme to develop their confidence and boost their social and personal skills while breaking down barriers to participation in the arts and creative sector.

The stars of this year's Shine Bright programme include young people from groups including Autism NI, Sensory Kids NI and Families with Ups and Downs, and will incorporate an exciting new environmental theme.

Speaking about the partnership, Helen Coburn, Youth Outreach Worker for Youth Action said: "Youth Action is all about celebrating young people and ensuring that they have access to the services and supports to enable them to reach their potential and be the best versions of themselves possible.

"The Shine Bright partnership will enable us to work with young people facing significant challenges, engaging them with performing arts workshops to help stretch their imaginations and have fun in a supported learning environment. We are delighted that Phoenix Energy have got behind us once again to help power this wonderful programme.

"We know that Phoenix place a huge importance on embracing our local environment therefore we are excited to share that this year's programme with feature an environmental strand. We are looking forward to getting our young people out to the coast for some of the workshops, whilst for those with additional sensory needs, we plan to take nature to them in a more sensory way."

Patients, Carers And Public Urged To Support Medical Studies

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has urged patients, carers and the public to "get involved in research and ask healthcare professionals if there is a study they might be suitable for", ahead of International Clinical Trials Day on 20 May.

Dr Daniel Butler, a GP Research Fellow with the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network talks about why research relies on patients getting involved.

"As a doctor in General Practice I get to see first-hand the difference new treatments can make to my patients. Clinical Trials are crucial to the development of a range of new treatments. Participating in clinical trials can benefit individual patients and contribute to improving the future treatment of others. Partnerships between patients and healthcare practitioners are essential for high-quality research which translates into better and more effective treatment and care."

It is essential that clinical trials and other forms of research are undertaken to question whether there may be better, safer and more effective ways of doing things within healthcare than how things are currently being done.