Other News In Brief

NI Cancer Patients Urgently Need Restored Executive – SF

Sinn Féin has highlighted the urgent need for the restoration of the Executive to support cancer patients in Northern Ireland.

Speaking after calls to introduce a targeted lung-screening programme in the north, the party's health spokesperson Linda Dillon said: "We urgently need an Executive restored to support cancer patients and their families.

"As one party's boycott of the Executive continues, it is preventing the new cancer strategy from being implemented. Patients continue to suffer as a result of long waiting times, while our health service is on its knees.

"A targeted lung screening programme would give patients a better chance for earlier diagnosis and treatments. Sinn Féin wants to see this introduced as soon as possible.

"Cancer patients and their families cannot wait. They need the Executive restored now and all parties working together to fully implement the new cancer strategy and invest in life-saving services."

SERC Named Outstanding Training Provider Of The Year

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) has been named Outstanding Training Provider of the Year by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

The prestigious award is an accolade presented each year to one of the partners delivering CMI qualifications. The winner is recognised for their exceptional, positive impact on learner experience, professional development and personal performance through their partnership with CMI.

Welcoming the accolade, SERC's Jenny McConnell, said: "We are honoured to be recognised as CMI Training Provider of the Year. We at SERC are extremely proud of our established partnership as a leading CMI provider in both Northern Ireland and internationally. The strong relationship SERC and CMI have developed, in turn supports the College's relationship with business and industry in Northern Ireland. SERC is committed to lifelong learning and supporting learners with the opportunities to recognise and validate their experiences in the workplace as they develop professionally."

Emma Finney, Senior Skills and Innovation Manager at SERC, added: "SERC provides CMI courses through further and higher education levels right up to postgraduate qualifications. This award underlines the importance of our work in developing leaders, mentors, and project manager, so supporting the NI economic strategy. It's always a delight to see students grow in skills and confidence as they build on their career history to gain accredited qualifications. I especially want to commend Linda McKendry, who gained a Level 7 qualification and Chartered Manager Status with the CMI through SERC, and who reached the shortlist of only three people from around the UK for the CMI Outstanding Student of the Year title. We are delighted that she attended the ceremony with us to celebrate her success."

SERC works with businesses and organisations to upskill and train staff in Northern Ireland and beyond, in line with specific employer needs, delivering professional development and enabling career progression for staff.

Greens Welcome Proposed Action On City Centre Nuisance Noise

The Green Party has welcomed a public consultation on new byelaws to address nuisance noise in the city centre and make the area more appealing for shoppers and visitors.

Calling on the public to respond to the consultation, Green Party Councillor, Anthony Flynn said "I am delighted that after a long internal process, Belfast city council has now launched a consultation on creating new byelaws dealing with amplification in our city centre."

"These new byelaws are intended to address the concerns that many residents, Councillors and business owners have with nuisance noise in our city centre. Some parts of our city centre have become inaccessible at various times of the day because of the noise, these modest changes to byelaws are about creating a city centre that is open, accessible and welcoming for all.

"Residents will now have until 4th March 2024 to have their say on these proposed changes, I would encourage everyone to please take the time to fill in the survey."