Other News In Brief

New Research Shows That Mental Health Training Is Linked To Better Performance

New research by Queen's University Belfast and the University of Nottingham shows that mental health training for line managers is linked to better business performance, potentially saving companies millions in lost sick days annually.

The study, published in PLOS ONE, found that mental health training for line managers is strongly associated with improved staff recruitment and retention, better customer service and reduced long-term mental health sickness absence.

Led by Principal Investigator Professor Holly Blake from the University of Nottingham's School of Health Sciences and Dr. Juliet Hassard from Queen's University Belfast's Business School, the research highlights significant benefits for organisations.

Dr Hassard said: "Encouraging employers to invest in employee mental health can be challenging. Knowing that improving line managers’ knowledge, skills and confidence in managing mental health at work is linked to better business outcomes will help to highlight the strategic value of this approach to employers."

Professor Blake commented: "Mental ill-health at work is costly to organisations in terms of sickness absence and lost productivity. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that training line managers in mental health is linked to better business outcomes. This is an important finding that strengthens the business case for why employers should invest in mental health at work."

In the UK one in six workers experience mental health challenges, with 12.7% of all sick days attributed to mental ill-health. The estimated cost of poor employee mental health to UK employers is over £50 billion, annually.

The research team analysed anonymised survey data from thousands of companies in England, collected between 2020 and 2023 by the Enterprise Research Centre at Warwick Business School. This was part of a broader research programme on workplace mental health and productivity. The survey included questions about companies' mental health and well-being practices, including the provision of mental health training for line managers. The researchers statistically controlled for the age, sector and size of the companies to ensure accuracy in their analysis.

Based on their findings, the researchers recommend that organisations offer mental health training to line managers and establish clear workplace policies on the role of line managers in supporting employee mental health. Ongoing research is exploring whether such training enhances managers' knowledge, skills and confidence. However, few studies have examined its potential business value for companies.

The research team outline the need for further research in this area, including looking into different approaches to delivering mental health training for line managers.

Alliance Welcomes Govt's Repeal Of The Legacy Act

Alliance representatives have welcomed the UK Government's pledge, announced in the King's Speech, to repeal the Legacy Act.

Justice spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA and Executive Office spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA said the victims and survivors of the Troubles must be at the heart of any replacement.

In a statement, Mr Dickson said: "The steps laid out so far by the Labour Government to repeal the Legacy Act are welcome. "The previous Government stamped all over the views of the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland by introducing this Act. Its impact has already caused distress to people and damage to the peace process. Alliance welcomes the opportunity to engage constructively in finding a robust way forward on this matter.

"My thoughts today are with the victims and survivors of the Troubles, and their loves ones. They must be at the heart of any process – many of them have waited decades for truth, justice and accountability, which the Legacy Act takes away from them. As a party, we will be focusing on ensuring the replacement to this Act is fully human rights compliant, and places those people at its heart."

Ould Lammas Fair Returns To Ballycastle For Another Year

Ballycastle's is once again set to host the 2024 Ould Lammas Fair, inviting visitors to enjoy Ireland's oldest traditional fair against the stunning backdrop of the seaside.

Taking place from Saturday 24 August to Tuesday 27 August, this year's fair will introduce new attractions such as beach dog agility displays, alongside the beloved stallholders and musical performances.

Staying true to its roots, the main festivities will unfold on the last Monday and Tuesday of August, transforming the town with hundreds of stalls, live music, and vibrant entertainment. The 2024 Ould Lammas Fair promises a celebration of heritage, culture, music and agriculture—an event for the whole family and a highlight not to be missed.

There will be a wealth of activity to look forward to from Saturday to Tuesday, such as the heavy horse show, vintage tractor run, and the new dog agility display. Kite displays and sand sculpting competitions will sit alongside fairground rides, live music, entertainment, and of course market stalls selling favourites such as dulse, yellowman and much more.

On Saturday 24, live band The Groovesmen will be play the seafront from 8pm, with a fantastic fireworks display lighting up the sky at 9.30pm to mark the start of the traditional fair. The ever-popular outdoor concert will be hosted at The Diamond on Sunday 25 from 8.30pm, with music from 5 piece twisted-trad band, Ruaile Buaile.

Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market will feature stalls at the seafront, offering a variety of fresh takeaway food, local produce, delicious treats, and handmade arts and crafts. Explore the market and meet the talented creators behind these products. The special Twilight Market will be held on Saturday and Sunday, set against the scenic beauty of Ballycastle beach.

Looking ahead to the event the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan said: "I am very much looking forward to this year’s Ould Lammas Fair and I’m particularly interested to see the new beach dog agility event. The Ould Lammas Fair is always a well-attended event that showcases the culture and heritage of the area and on behalf of Council I look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors for what will no doubt be the best fair to date. Thank you to all involved in continuing to make this a must attend event of the summer for Ballycastle and for the Borough."

On Monday and Tuesday, Fairhill Street will host its annual tradition, transforming into a lively horse-trading hub featuring farrier displays, pony rides and an animal petting farm. Meanwhile, at Quay Road, a funfair will entertain visitors of all ages. Families can also enjoy inclusive activities and relax together in a dedicated rest area, creating cherished memories.