SEXUAL HEALTH CAMPAIGNER CONDEMNS LACK OF SEXUAL HEALTH SERVICES IN NORTH BELFAST

FAME — Sat, 02 May 2009 15:56:33 +0000

A LEADING sexual health campaigner has condemned the lack of sexual health services in North Belfast. Mary Crawford, director of Brook Northern Ireland, a sexual health advice service for young people under 25, has condemned the lack of service provisions in one of Northern Ireland’s most deprived areas.“We can only provide on session a week for local young people, while the Community Family Planning in Carlise House on the Antrim Road only provides two. This serves the whole of North Belfast alone, compared with the availability of services in South, East and West Belfast.
“I am calling on local politicians to find funding to fix this situation. North Belfast has high rates of teenage pregnancies, yet few chemists in the area provide emergency contraception across the counter, and they have among the lowest rates of doctors prescribing contraception to patients.
Ms Crawford added that the poor availability of services was down to “lack of strategic planning” by local authorities.
“From a sexual health point of view, it is hard to work in North Belfast because of how it is divided; trying to find a neutral space in North Belfast is very hard.
“There is a general lack of awareness concerning sexual health within Northern Ireland. I was asked to give a talk on chlamydia by a health organisation in North Belfast on the condition that I did not give out free condoms. I refused. We have trouble getting into North Belfast anyways, because of how segregated its community is. It is hard to find neutral ground. For example, one community partner in Ardoyne decided not to work with us because Protestants may not feel comfortable travelling to there.”
According to statistics from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), Belfast has the highest number of teenage mothers in the province, with 364 babies being born to girls aged 13-19 in 2007 alone.
North Belfast Partnership’s four Neighbourhood renewal schemes, based in Upper Ardoyne/Ligoniel, Inner North Belfast, Crumlin/Ardoyne and Rathcoole, are said to be working together to improve sexual health services in the area. The partnership between the groups is in its early stages, but it will be “taking things forward”.
BY LYRA MCKEE
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Posted in HEALTH & FITNESS, KIDS & YOUNG PEOPLE, OPINION, PEOPLE

FIGURES REVEAL 2000 AMBULANCE CALLS NOT RESPONDED TO ON TIME IN NORTHERN IRELAND

FAME — Sat, 02 May 2009 15:52:08 +0000

2,000 calls made to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service were not responded to on time, latest figures show. Statistics released under the Freedom of Information Act show that 1,194 emergency calls were not responded to within the eight minute target set by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Trust.
The worst offenders during 2008-9 were the Northern and Southern Social Services boards, wiith both responding late to a whopping 42 per cent of calls made to them. The NHSSB, which covers Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Cookstown, Larne, Magherafelt, Moyle and Newtownabbey, missed the vital 8 minute deadline in 386 calls. SHSSB, covering Armagh, Dungannon, Craigavon, Newry, Mourne and Banbridge, responded late to 254 of its calls.
Figures from the Eastern and Western boards have raised concern among politicians also. Eastern Health and Social Services Board (EHSSB) botched 342 calls, while the Western Health and Social Services Board (WHSSB) missed the eight minute deadline on 212 calls.
Overall, Northern Ireland Ambulances met 67 per cent of their calls on time in the last year. This is more than 10 per cent below the UK average of 77.1 per cent.
SDLP Health Spokesperson Carmel Hanna MLA expressed concern at the figures.
“Considering the reforms that the Health Minister is carrying out within the Ambulance Service these figures are very disappointing and it would appear that he has yet to get a grip on this issue”, she said.
“I have no doubt that ambulance staff are doing their very best but are limited by lack of infrastructure which is in the pipeline but has not yet been delivered. In the interim the Minister must do all he can to ensure that the Ambulance Service is as efficient as possible.”
Earlier this week, Minister Michael McGimpsey announced the addition of 66 ambulance vehicles to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Trust, 26 of which are replacements. Only 15 are designated for emergency calls.
Currently, there are just 60-65 ambulances working daily across Northern Ireland. This means that on average, there is only one ambulance for every 28,000 people. The introduction of additional emergency vehicles will decrease this number to over 21,000.
NIAMB’s Freedom of Information Manager, Alison Vitty, defended the Trust’s call rates, arguing that they were making use of “defined resources”.
“Every public sector has to work within their defined resources. If there was a big pot of money, then obviously you would use it to get more ambulances, but that’s not the real world”, she said. “If you have 1,000 calls, you’re not going to meet every single one of them within 8 minutes.”
BY LYRA MCKEE
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Posted in COMMUNITY, OPINION, PEOPLE

BELFAST YOUTH FORUM SCOOP AWARD

FAME — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:07:51 +0000

BELFAST Lord Mayor, Councillor Tom Hartley, has congratulated members of the Belfast City Council Youth Forum after winning national recognition for their work highlighting the issues facing young people.
The teenagers were the only group from Northern Ireland recognised at the BT Seen and Heard Awards, which were held at the House of Commons.
Councillor Hartley said: “The Youth Forum has proved an invaluable tool not just for Belfast City Council in helping us interact more effectively with young people but for highlighting issues of interest to young people themselves.
“In the time they have been in existence they have advised the council on our successful bid to create the city’s first skate park, produced an alcohol awareness DVD, have undertaken visits to our leisure centres to advise on services for young people and have cascaded a suicide awareness training programme among their peers.
“These are young people aged between 13 and 18 years old who come from every corner of the city and work together to improve the lives of their own age group.
“They clearly demonstrate that young people can and do make a difference when given a platform and when people are willing to listen to their ideas. Members of the Youth Forum are contributing to a better future for Belfast and I am delighted that their work has been recognised nationally.”
The winners were chosen from across the world for making a positive impact on society.
By Cathy Black
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Posted in COMMUNITY, KIDS & YOUNG PEOPLE, POLITICS & GOVERNMENT

MERRY CHRISTMAS

FAME — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 09:37:44 +0000

Posted in CHRISTMAS

FAMILY INCOME HAS IMPROVED SAYS ASDA

FAME — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:14:12 +0000

THE average UK family is only £7 a week worse off compared to November last year, an improvement of £4 from its lowest point in September, according to Asda’s monthly tracker.
The grocery giant’s research also showed that the average UK household spent £135 a week on recreation in November, 5.1 per cent lower than a year ago, but the highest since May.
A sharp drop in the cost of fuel helped reduce the burden of the cost of living as Petrol prices fell by 9.3 pence per litre in November.
Asda asked customers, ‘if your household’s disposable income increases in 2009, will you spend or save the extra?’ – just over 70 per cent of the respondents said they would save but also use extra income to pay off debts.
Andy Bond, ASDA CEO and President, said: “There is some good news for families as inflation falls and disposable incomes increase but the mood of the nation is that cutting back on conspicuous spending, being more frugal and an increased savings mentality will be a priority for most families in 2009″.
Cebr says inflation is expected to fall sharply over the next few months, further easing the cost of living pressures on family finances.
One factor that could limit the extent of the drop in inflation is the steep fall in the value of sterling.
On a trade-weighted basket of currencies, the pound has lost more than a fifth (21 per cent) of its value since the beginning of the year. This means the price in pounds of imported goods will rise.
The UK imported £347 billion worth of goods and services over the first three quarters of 2008 and imports account for 31 per cent of gross domestic product, so this is an important consideration.
Charles Davis cebr economist said: “The Asda income tracker shows that the Pressures on average UK family budgets were eased by another significant fall in Inflation in November.
“The VAT cut and collapsing global commodity prices will further reduce the cost of living for UK families providing some festive cheer.”

By Cathy Black
Photos by Fabrizio Belluschi
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Posted in CHRISTMAS, MONEY & FINANCE

SAINSBURY’S LAUNCH NEW WINE CODE

FAME — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:03:31 +0000

Sainsbury’s celebrated the launch of their new wine coding system today with a special tasting event in the city centre.Hosted by Sainsbury’s UK buyer, Barry Dick, the system divides its range of 163 own-brand wines into six categories- ‘crisp and delicate’, ‘soft and fruity’ and ‘complex and elegant’ for the whites, and ‘light and fruity’, ‘smooth and mellow’ and ‘rich and complex’ for the reds.
The idea behind the coding is to break customer habits and encourage shoppers to explore other wines.
Barry said: “It is really about taking customers out of their comfort zones and basically saying to them, if you like this wine, why not try this?
“We want people to be able to match wine with their meal. Picking a wine can be very daunting, so we want to show people it can be straight-forward and very rewarding”.
The labels have got a make-over too. The Sainsbury’s logo has been placed more discretely on the bottle and the label now features an authentic and traditional design based on the province it was made.
Barry said: “People hesitate buying an own-brand wine. What they don’t realise is by spending the same amount on a Sainsbury’s bottle they can afford a better quality wine.
“It is all made in the same way, in the same places with the same ingredients.”
For more information visit sainsburys.co.uk
By Cathy Black
Photos by Fabrizio Belluschi
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Posted in FOOD & DRINK

NEW CHRISTMAS TALE ON DVD

FAME — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:36:16 +0000

LITTLE did British film director Bill Clark know that when his wife encouraged him to read a children’s book it would become a project that would take over his life for more than a decade. The project eventually resulted in an award-winning movie that will touch the hearts of all who see it. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is released on DVD on November 24 and stars Oscar nominated and Golden Globe winner Tom Berenger and the Golden Globe nominated Joely Richardson.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is a film for our credit crunched, cynical times. No sex or violence, no loud rap music or cool dance moves, this movie is about hearts and what moves them.
Based on the best selling book of the same name written by Susan Wojciechowski, Bill Clark bought the rights to the book and then set about making the story into a movie.
He succeeded against the odds, raising a budget of $10 million (US) and enlisting an award-winning cast to create The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey.
Jonathan Toomey (Berenger) known as “Gloomy Toomey” to the local children, is a fantastic wood carver with a secret past. Some years before his wife and newborn son had died – so he locked his heart away and moved to a lonely log cabin deep in a forest.
Thomas McDowell, played by Luke Ward-Wilkinson of Wild at Heart and Beautiful People fame, is a young boy living a happy family life of baseball cards and cookies in the city with his devoted parents.
All this is destroyed when his father is killed in a far off war. His mother, Susan (Joely Richardson) is forced to sell their home and move to the country to live with her sister, leaving behind Thomas’s beloved Grandfather and the housekeeper and everything he holds dear.
Just when Thomas thought that his life couldn’t get any worse, he realises that on the journey to the country he has lost the family’s wooden carved nativity set. This is his last link with his father and his past life.
Angry at the broken promises of grown ups, Thomas retreats within himself. Nothing is ever going to be the same. His mother, Susan, decides to try and bring him out of his shell and a chance encounter with the woodman Toomey leads her to put aside her own struggles with grief and ask the carver to create a new nativity set for the boy.
She even convinces the reclusive Toomey to allow Thomas to watch him as he works.
With each carving the relationship between the man and the boy grows stronger – each dealing with their own grief in their own way. They learn to laugh and move into the future with hope. The scenery and musical score add to the sentiment and humour of this lovely Christmas movie.
Yes, this film does deal with dark themes but more importantly it deals with life and new beginnings.
Watch it with your kids, it’s a movie that should be shown every Christmas along with all the other classics.
A thought provoking, gentle film for those of us who long for a time when Christmas was more about people than presents.

Merry Christmas!

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey (U) is released on DVD on November 24 at around £9.99 available from HMV and all good DVD outlets.

For more information on the film, please visit thechristmasmiracleofjonathantoomeythemovie.com
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Posted in CHRISTMAS, ENTERTAINMENT, KIDS & YOUNG PEOPLE

NEW ZOO WEBSITE LAUNCHED

FAME — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:23:24 +0000

BELFAST Zoo has enlisted the help of eight Northern Ireland celebrities including Zoe Salmon, Colin Murray and Gerry Anderson to promote their new website by impersonating the animals.

Zoo Manager, Mark Challis said: “Visitors can download the clips onto their iPod or mp3 player and listen to them while in the zoo. They certainly highlight our animals in a fun and informative way”.

Other celebrities who have taken up the challenge include Ralph McLean as a Barbary lion, Olivia Nash as a penguin, May McFetridge as an elephant and Julian Simmons as a Californian Sea lion.
The downloadable audio clips can be found at belfastzoo.co.uk/audiogallery

By Cathy Black
© FAME Inc

Posted in COMMUNITY, KIDS & YOUNG PEOPLE

MARKETING INDUSTRY TO STRUGGLE IN 2009, SAYS NEW SURVEY

FAME — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:10:08 +0000

A NEW global marketing survey has predicted a struggling and challenging year for the industry in 2009.The review by M&A revealed that 83 per cent of marketing companies are expecting major budget cuts next year and predict traditional media and advertising will take a hit because more Irish marketers are choosing to advertise online.
The real impact of the downturn is likely to be felt in staff cutbacks and a pay freeze in 2009.
According to the survey, 21 per cent of Irish companies said they would cut staff next year, while 95 per cent stated that salaries would not rise for their marketing staff.
Ed McDonald, Chief Executive, Association of Advertisers in Ireland said: “If anything should happen in an economic downturn, it should be that companies assess the most effective way of promoting themselves and their products and then invest more specifically and intensively in their marketing and promotion initiatives.”
Stephen Quinn, Managing Director of Atomic added: “This survey has given us a keen understanding of the new reality for Irish marketers. The advertising industry needs to wake up to this and take an honest, considered approach to the financial pressures that its clients face.
“Simply trotting out the same ‘keep on spending’ advice is not particularly responsible or constructive. It’s our responsibility to act smarter and work harder to make sure our clients can weather the acute financial challenges they are telling us about.”
A copy of the survey is available from atomic.ie

By Cathy Black
© FAME Inc

Posted in MONEY & FINANCE

CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR IN BELFAST

FAME — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:01:28 +0000

PLANS have been unveiled to celebrate Chinese New Year 2009 in Belfast.
On Sunday January 25, Lord Mayor Tom Hartley will mark the start of the city’s largest ever Chinese New Year celebrations.
From 1.30pm-5.00pm the grounds of Belfast City Hall will be transformed into a bustling Chinese market place full of local and Chinese performers, acrobats, jugglers, martial arts and oriental arts and craft workshops.
Oriental themed gifts and food stalls with local and global cuisine will fly the flags at the truly international event to welcome in the Year of the Ox.
Over 9000 people attended last year’s event, so organisers are advising visitors to arrive early to enjoy the spectacular Chinese lion dance.
Chinese immigrants began arriving in Northern Ireland in the 1960s, mostly from Hong Kong, and today there are over 13,000 Chinese people living here, making it the largest ethnic minority group.

By Roisin Dowds
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Posted in COMMUNITY, ENTERTAINMENT

CALL FOR HEALTH MINISTER TO RESTRIST TOBACCO AVAILABILITY IN NI

FAME — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:52:56 +0000

FOLLOWING the announcement from the Department of Health on new tobacco control measures in England and Wales, the Ulster Cancer Foundation has called on Health Minister Michael McGimpsey to restrict the availability of tobacco to young people in Northern Ireland.The idea of encouraging people to quit smoking by banning the display of tobacco in shops is not new. Iceland’s ban came into effect in 2001, followed by a province of Canada, and both countries have seen youth smoking rates fall.
The Government estimates that 200,000 children aged 11-15 are regular smokers despite the withdrawal of all tobacco advertising since 2002 and raising the legal age for purchasing tobacco from 16 to 18.
There are over 87,000 deaths in the UK every year due to smoking.
Gerry McElwee, UCF’s Head of Cancer Prevention, said: “ The Minister must act immediately.
“Tobacco kills 2,300 local people every year and nearly all smokers become addicted to this deadly habit while still teenagers.
“Our government must prevent the tobacco industry from continuing to recruit future generations of children addicts to their lethal products”.
By Roisin Dowds
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Posted in COMMUNITY, HEALTH & FITNESS, KIDS & YOUNG PEOPLE, POLITICS & GOVERNMENT

BELFAST CITY COUNCIL SET TO MAKE £10M CONTRIBUTION TO TITANIC PROJECT

FAME — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:58:22 +0000

BELFAST City Council is set to ratify its £10m contribution to the Titanic Signature Project at a special council meeting on December 16. Diane Dodds, Chairperson of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, welcomed the announcement that the Northern Ireland Executive is to offer £43.5m towards the £97m Titanic Quarter proposal.
Dodds said: “Belfast City Council has already agreed in principle to contribute £10m to the project. The council has to wait until the Executive made its decision and now that is in place we can proceed with our planned meeting in December.
“The timing will allow work on the project to begin in January as outlined by the Executive”. The cash injection is set to create 850 jobs and will bring in almost half a million visitors to Northern Ireland.
Councillor Dodds said: “Without wishing to pre-empt our discussion, I think that the council’s response will be positive given that this project will create 600 construction workers jobs and 250 permanent jobs.
“There is clear evidence that this will prove to be is a significant investment that will result in consolidating and growing the Belfast tourism product, which we all know has been a major success story in recent years.
“Bringing the Titanic story back home to its birthplace in time for its centenary is timely and is expected to attract up to 400,000 visitors to our city who will spend up to £30m each year.
“As well as Belfast City Council’s £10m contribution towards the remaining £53.5 million, it is expected the rest will come from Titanic Quarter Limited and Belfast Harbour Commissioners.”

By Cathy Black
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Posted in COMMUNITY, POLITICS & GOVERNMENT

LIDL LUXURY BEATS CREDIT CRUNCH

FAME — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:55:56 +0000

AS families across Northern Ireland face economic doom and gloom in the lead up to Christmas, Lidl has launched their amazing Luxury for All food and wine range that won’t break the bank. Packed with sumptuous produce like lobster, wild pheasant, goose and horseshoe gammon, Lidl’s Luxury for All Christmas range offers great quality products without the hefty price tag.
Martin McGlone, Fresh Manager for Lidl Northern Ireland said: “We have worked hard to build on the Luxury For All range that we launched in 2007 – to extend the range of quality products we provide but to also keep our prices at the lowest in the market.
“Our 2008 Luxury For All range will delight customers and will no doubt add a little festive decadence into homes across Northern Ireland. With mouth watering lobsters at £4.99, palate pleasing champagne from £12.98 and delicious langoustines for £8.99, your guests will be hard pushed to believe the prices that you paid”.
The Luxury for All range also offers an assortment of carefully selected wines, at good value prices.
The range includes superb wines such as a Chateauneuf du Pape at £11.89 or a Fleurie at the affordable price of £6.99. The Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe is a rare opportunity to drink wine from one of Bordeaux’s top estates at under £20.
For white wine lovers a Chablis 1er Cru is available in store at £11.99 or a Pouilly-Fume Loire at £8.89.
To top it all off why not try a Champagne Brut Rose, which is fantastic value at £22.99.

By Andrea Clarke
© FAME Inc

Posted in CHRISTMAS, FOOD & DRINK

OMAGH CELEBRATES THE END OF WARM LAGER THANKS TO COORS LIGHT

FAME — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:48:53 +0000

COORS Light celebrated the launch of their new cold activated bottle with a special night of beer and prizes at Sally’s of Omagh. Introducing the new bottle that tells drinkers when their beer is perfectly chilled, Sally’s customers were give the chance to sample the ice cold beer and take part in the Coors Light Blue Peaks Challenge to win some great prizes. Emma Deazley and Paula McAteer pictured with the Coors Light Ice Queens at the Coors Light Blue Peaks Challenge in Sally’s of Omagh.

The innovative new bottle uses what’s called ‘thermochromic ink’, and the famous Rocky Mountains featured on the label of the new Coors Light bottles will turn from white to blue when the beer reaches its optimum drinking temperature of four degrees.
Coors Light marketing manager Aisling Duffy said the new bottles are in response to customers’ desire for a truly cold and refreshing beer.
“Customers want cold beer and they want to know when it’s cold enough to drink”, she said.
“Research shows that 89 per cent of lager drinkers chill their beer in the fridge before drinking but 62 per cent would rather drink in the pub than at home. The development of our new thermochromic bottles means that when customers go out to the bar, they can now make sure that the bottle they’re served is properly chilled and ready to drink.
“The huge investment in this innovative technology illustrates Coors’ commitment to ensuring that our customers enjoy an even greater refreshing experience, in a way that no other beer can”.
Thermochromic technology will also be incorporated in cans of Coors Light, with the icon turning blue when the can reaches its optimum cold temperature of two degrees.
In Northern Ireland, Coors Light is the fastest growing packaged lager and is on track to sell over two million bottles in 2008 alone, which will be a massive 100 per cent increase on 2007.
Gavin McAloan and James Wamsley pictured with the Coors Light Ice Queens at the Coors Light Blue Peaks Challenge in Sally’s of Omagh.
COORS LIGHT BLUE PEAKS CHALLENGES Chris Gormley and Tony Kelly with the Coors Light Ice Queens at the Coors Light Blue Peaks Challenge in Sally’ s of Omagh.
Emma Deazley and Paula McAteer pictured with the Coors Light Ice Queens at the Coors Light Blue Peaks Challenge in Sally’s of Omagh.
COORS LIGHT BLUE PEAKS CHALLENGES Helena McSorley, Shiela Quinn, Siobhan McSorley and Claire Donnelly at the Coors Light Blue Peaks Challenge in Sally’s of Omagh.
Catherine Campbell and Niall O’Donnell with the Coors Light Ice Queens at the Coors Light Blue Peaks Challenge in Sally’s of Omagh.

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Posted in FOOD & DRINK

JAMES CRACKNELL LEADS THE “GET HOME SAFE” INITIATIVE

FAME — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:51:29 +0000

AS the Christmas countdown begins and the festive party season gets underway, Stella Artois has found that up to 83 per cent of revellers will get frustrated when trying to get home after a night out, due to not planning journeys home in advance. Stella Artois is encouraging people to make a plan to ‘get home safe’, which builds upon the brand’s commitment to responsible drinking.The initiative is lead by former Olympic rower and gold medallist James Cracknell, who is about to set off on a race to the South Pole with Ben Fogle.
He said: “From my experiences I know the importance of making a plan and getting home safe so I was really excited when I was asked to lead the Stella Artois campaign.
“It doesn’t matter if you are heading to the South Pole or East Finchley this Christmas everyone should make a plan to get home safe”.
Edinburgh residents are least likely to plan ahead, with 55 per cent of partygoers only sorting their transport home once out or just as their evening ends.
This is followed closely by Newcastle and Glasgow with only 50 per cent of them arranging transport in advance. In contrast, 75 per cent of the residents of Plymouth and 69 per cent of Londoners are likely to plan their journey home at least a day before they go out.
Gender also seems to play a big role, with 45 per cent of men as opposed to 25 per cent women will find themselves caught short with no way of knowing how they will get home.
According to 76 per cent of men, the most important factor of a night out is ‘having a good time’, whereas 64 per cent of women rank a ‘hassle-free journey home’ top of their priority list.

To find out more about the ‘Get Home Safe’ initiative and to find transport links in your area, log onto gethomesafe.org.uk

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Posted in CHRISTMAS, PEOPLE, TRAVEL

MLAs PLEDGE TO REDUCE CLIMATE CHANGE

FAME — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:27:08 +0000

NORTHERN Ireland MLAs have vowed to combat climate change, says a new environment body. A survey, conducted by the Northern Ireland Climate Change Impact Partnership, found that both the public and local politicans are willing to make changes to their lifestyle to reduce climate change and feel that the Northern Ireland Assembly has a role to play in encouraging more action.The extensive poll of Northern Ireland people, politicians and key decision makers will be launched by NICCIP at their climate change conference held on Tuesday November 25.
According to the NICCIP, 99 per cent of the public and 96 per cent of MLAs surveyed agree the Earth’s climate is changing, with 62 per cent of people saying changes to the climate have already had an impact on them.
Also 74 per cent of MLAs think the changing climate has had a significant effect on their constituents.
A whopping 89 per cent of the public say they have already made changes to their lifestyle to help reduce climate change and 92 per cent have said they would be willing to make more changes.
The MLAs surveyed felt that ‘doing nothing’ will have negative economic consequences for Northern Ireland.
These findings are based on survey returns from more than 400 members of the public, 28 MLAs and 55 key decision makers from local and central government departments and agencies.
The NICCIP was established in March 2007 to widen the understanding and knowledge of the impacts of climate change within Northern Ireland and the adaptation actions necessary to deal with it.
The survey will help to determine what role NICCIP will play in helping Northern Ireland to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
At the conference the NICCIP will also formally announce their new Chair, Douglas McIldoon, former Northern Ireland energy regulator.
The conference will be held at Lough Neagh Discovery Centre on Tuesday 25 November at 9.30am to 3.30pm.

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Posted in COMMUNITY, POLITICS & GOVERNMENT

NATIONAL TREE WEEK IN BELFAST

FAME — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:12:34 +0000

BELFAST families are invited to plant trees at Orangefield Park on Saturday November 29 to celebrate National Tree Week. The event, taking place between 12-4pm, will also be marking the first of four seasonal events planned for the park by Belfast City Council, Bloomfield Wildlife Watch and BBC Breathing Places.Lynn McCreery, Outreach and Development officer, said she hopes getting the community involved in the east Belfast park will create a sense of pride and encourage more people to use the facilities available.

“Children and adults are being asked to get their hands dirty while learning about the environment in their local park and the native species which grow there”, she said.
“There will also be games, a nature walk, an orienteering trail or for the less energetic arts and crafts sessions.
“It is a chance for young people to learn about their environment and the important part parks play in health, leisure and simple enjoyment.”
Children must be accompanied by an adult when participating in the activities and everyone is asked to wear sensible clothing and footwear.

By Cathy Black
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Posted in COMMUNITY, HEALTH & FITNESS, KIDS & YOUNG PEOPLE, PEOPLE

AMNESTY CONDEMNS HOMOPHOBIA AS PHOTO EXHIBITION OPENS IN BELFAST

FAME — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:02:17 +0000

HUMAN rights campaigners have published information showing deep-rooted prejudice and intolerance towards LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual) people across eastern Europe.
As a new photographic exhibition opens in Belfast, Amnesty International reported that, in countries including Russia, Lithuania, Poland, Croatia and Estonia, participants in Pride events have faced threats and official hostility even before they march.

They have been jeered at, spat at, and pummeled with bottles, eggs, excrement, and fists by protesters, sometimes while police look on. Some events are banned outright, in violation of international law, while authorities breach their obligations, claiming security concerns and the violation of what they perceive as spiritual and moral values.
The “Hate and Pride in Riga” exhibition features images from the May 2008 Pride March in Riga, the capital of the Baltic state of Latvia.
Amnesty supporters from 30 countries travelled to Riga to support the local Mozaika (“Mosaic”) alliance of LGBT people by marching with them through the streets of the city. Unlike in previous years the march was well protected by police although participants still suffered a torrent of abuse from anti-gay protesters and experience threats of losing jobs and other ongoing persecution.
Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland Programme Director, Patrick Corrigan, said: “Despite some fringe opposition, Belfast’s Pride parade has become a generally good natured affair, with positive relations with the police and tremendous support from Saturday shoppers. It is therefore shocking to see the level of hate, intolerance and violence still existing elsewhere in Europe.
“Amnesty International believes that love is a human right and we will continue to show solidarity with Riga Pride until local LGBT people are able to assemble without fear of violence.”
The exhibition will be shown at The Space, Queen’s University Belfast Students’ Union until the end of November and is part of the Outburst Arts Festival.

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Posted in COMMUNITY, PEOPLE, REAL LIFE

RAPE CRISIS CENTRE REVEALS DOCUMENTS TO SHOW A GOVERNMENT MINISTER WAS MISLEAD TO WITHDRAW FUNDING

FAME — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:07:32 +0000

THE Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Centre today reveals an internal memo that shows a government minister who approved a recommendation in 2006 to withdraw the organisation’s funding was deliberately given information that was factually incorrect by civil servants.The document refers to cash withdrawals and claims that they “were not recorded in the organisation’s financial records”.
Co Director of the organisation Eileen Calder blasted this claim saying that it was “totally untrue”.
She added: “This is a deliberate and provable lie, since this document was uncovered we have sought legal advice and are considering a formal complaint against the civil servants responsible.
“The allegation was never made to our centre because they know it is provably untrue. From our own records it is very clear what this money was used for and during each subsequent review and verification the information was made available.
“The continual referral by the Department to this has damaged our organisation and cast aspertions on the staff volunteers and organisation”.
In light of this new information the Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Centre is appealing to Northern Ireland politicians and public representatives to consider the evidence and ensure that adequate public funding is provided for the valuable service.
Eileen added: “Following the documentary this week we are overwhelmed by the generosity of the public, however, the fact remains it is government’s responsibility to ensure the Centre is funded and we can continue to provide these very valuable services which were portrayed excellently in the recent BBC documentary made by award winning film-maker Alison Millar of Tern TV.”
This is just one of a number of issues that the RC&SAC press conference will deal with today.
In another document attached/enclosed you will find an outline of other issues arising from this internal memo and other documents obtained under the Freedom Of Information Act.

If you would like more information on the work of the Centre or to make a donation call 02890 329001, 02890 329002 or log onto rapecrisisni.com

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Posted in CHARITY, COMMUNITY, PEOPLE

BELFAST-BASED SLA OPENS MALAYSIA OFFICE

FAME — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:19:02 +0000

BELFAST technology firm SLA Mobile has opened an office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in a major effort to expand its foothold in the fast-growing mobile market in the Asia Pacific region.The company, which has added global phone giants such as Nokia, Vodafone and Sony to its client base, designs and installs high-tech platforms to enable mobile phone companies to deliver services such as games, music and video downloads.
The office, launched officially by the Belfast-born British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Boyd McCleary, began full operations this week and will be used as the company’s South East Asian hub.
Nic Stirk, managing director of SLA, said: “There are many companies in this sector that are reining in any thoughts of expansion globally, but we are committed to taking our skills, ideas and our people into these new and exciting markets, showcasing the best that Northern Ireland has to offer.
“Strategically, the mobile data service market in Asia is one of the fastest-growing in the world and Malaysia is leading that charge. Logistically, it’s centrally-located with excellent transportation links to other countries in the region.
“The market is developing fast, with consumer demand for a broader range of services and content increasing at a rapid pace. We look forward to meeting the opportunities and challenges our presence in Kuala Lumpur will present.”
SLA, which provides tailor-made ICT solutions to over 100 local businesses including W5 and Titanic Quarter through its SLA Networks arm, was recognised last month as Northern Ireland’s ‘Rising Star’ by Deloitte at its Fast 50 technology awards in Dublin for the second year running.
SLA is also one of only two Northern Ireland firms to feature on The Sunday Times Tech Track 100 list of the fastest-growing high-tech firms in the UK. It employs 90 people in Northern Ireland, Europe, Asia and the US.
Boyd McCleary, British High Commissioner to Malaysia said: “I am delighted to learn that a company from my home town, Belfast, is doing so much business here in Malaysia and the wider region.
“SLA Mobile’s success is testament to the strong ties between Malaysia and Northern Ireland and I am excited that they are here, growing their presence and partnerships. I wish them every success going forward”.

sla-mobile.com

Pictured are (left) Boyd McCleary, the British High Commissioner to Malaysia, who was born in Belfast, and SLA managing director Nic Stirk.

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