Other News In Brief

Appeal Following South Belfast Burglary

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following a report of a burglary at residential premises in the Greystown Close area of south Belfast on Saturday, 24th August.

Detective Sergeant McGearty said: "At around 11.00pm, we received a report that four masked men, one of whom was armed with a gun, had forced entry to the property.

"They made threats towards the two people present in the home before making off with jewellery and a large sum of cash.

"Thankfully, the victims were physically uninjured, but understandably they were left extremely distressed by the incident.

"Our enquiries are continuing.

"Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area, or who may have relevant doorbell or CCTV footage, is asked to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 1620 of 24/08/24."

A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Nesbitt Extends Appointment Of NI's Mental Health Champion

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the extension of the appointment of Professor Siobhan O'Neill as the Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland.

The Mental Health Champion's tenure is for a period of three years and the current appointment is due to come to an end on 29 August 2024.

In line with the appointment arrangements, there is the potential for one extension of up to three years.

Minister Nesbitt said: "Since the official appointment of Professor O'Neill as Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland in 2021, she has provided much vital support to the Department of Health, the wider Executive and across the mental health sector, in promoting emotional health and wellbeing, accessing evidence-based support and services and promoting recovery.

"Mental ill health remains one of our greatest challenges across Northern Ireland and there is a continued need to address this. I am delighted that Professor O'Neill has accepted an offer to extend her appointment as MHC for a further three years to continue her crucial work."

The overarching aim of the Mental Health Champion is to advise and assist in the promotion of mental health and wellbeing through all policies and services.

Professor O'Neill said: "I'm honoured to continue to work as the Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland for another three years. At present we are seeing a mental health workforce crisis, our services are struggling to cope with the demand, and many services are facing closure due to the lack of funding.

"This is a key time for the transformation of mental health services and we need to see the full implementation for the Mental Health Strategy, as well as a Programme for Government that prioritises mental health as the foundation for peace and prosperity."

Professor O'Neill also thanked all those who have worked closely with her in her role to date.

"I am dedicated to continuing this work to ensure that high quality services and treatments are provided to those in need. I am also grateful to all those that that have shared their personal experiences, this continues to inspire me in my commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Northern Ireland."

Latest Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy Announced

The latest Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at Southern Regional College (SRC) has been announced by Economy Minister Conor Murphy.

SRC is collaborating with six local companies in Newry and the surrounding area to offer 12 people the opportunity to receive industry standard welding skills.

Fully funded by the Department for the Economy, this Assured Skills Academy will see successful applicants receive six weeks' intensive training at SRC's dedicated training facility in Portadown where they will study City & Guilds Level 2 MIG Welding Qualification. Applicants require no experience or qualifications.

Participants who successfully complete the full training course will be guaranteed a job interview.

Encouraging all who are interested to apply, Economy Minister Conor Murphy said: "With no experience required, this Academy is an excellent opportunity for those who are just starting out on their career journey. It is also an opportunity for those who wish to retrain or return to the workforce.

"The engineering sector is hugely important to our local economy. People with welding skills are in high demand in our engineering and manufacturing sector, as demonstrated by the number of local companies supporting this Assured Skills Academy with Southern Regional College.

"With the opportunity to receive industry standard welding training that will provide the skills to take up potential welding roles with companies in Newry and the surrounding area, I urge all who are interested to apply.”

Participants will receive a weekly training allowance of £175 for the duration of the Academy, as well as help with travel and childcare costs.

All applications must be at least 18 years old by Monday 14 October 2024 and eligible to work in the UK at the time of application. By applying for a place on this pre-employment training programme applicants are committing to pursuing a job opportunity with one of the employers supporting the Academy.

Further information on the Welding Academy and how to apply can be found on nidirect.

The online application form must be completed by 12 noon on Friday 13 September 2024.