The positive impact that social care can deliver has been recognised at the launch of the ‘Social Care – Making a Difference’ campaign at Stormont today.

Attendees at the launch heard of the many benefits that a career in social care can bring including Melvin Gould who as one of Northern Ireland’s 40,000 social care practitioners shared his inspirational journey.

A former delivery driver, Melvin became a social care practitioner at 55 years of age. He knows, like other social care practitioners, that every day when he goes to work he makes a positive impact on people’s lives.

Melvin Gould, Social care practitioner with Harmony Community Care Services, told his story as part of the campaign and wants others to consider a career in social care too:

“I know people head into work and sometimes don’t want to be there. I just couldn’t do that. I can say hand on heart that for me that is not the case. I know that my job gives me the ability to make a difference in peoples’ lives, with no two days being the same. I came to social care later in life, but Iwish I had made that change sooner. If you are a good listener, are kind and want to help other people live a better life – join social care like me – you won’t regret it.”

The campaign invites people who want a career in care to learn more through stories from social care practitioners doing the job – about what it is like, why they do it, and showing the flexible, varied and diverse opportunities available.

At the event, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said ‘thank you’ to the social care workforce and to those who have shared their stories of the difference they make to the community, and how important it is that people consider a professional career in social care as one that is diverse, flexible and rewarding.

Speaking at today’s launch, Minister Nesbitt said:

“Social care work really matters and is truly valued. It is vital that the right care is available for adults and young people and that they are supported to live independently for as long as possible.

“My Department and I are committed to both supporting our social care workforce and promoting social care as a career choice.

“I want to thank all of our social care practitioners for their commitment, compassion and the valuable work they do every day in our communities.”

Patricia Higgins, CEO, Social Care Council added:

“In social care there are some great opportunities for caring, compassionate and committed individuals looking for a career where they can make a real difference in their local community.

“Importantly, our campaign not only highlights the diverse and exciting opportunities available in the social care sector to progress in their career, but also celebrates the brilliant social care practitioners, some of whom feature in our new campaign stories – this campaign is also for the social care work force – to know we value them.”

Agnes Lunny, CEO of Positive Futures, who helped develop this year’s campaign added:

“Social care services can only offer high quality support to the community because they have committed, compassionate staff who make a difference every day. Our ‘Social care – making a difference’ campaign highlights a key part of why we do what we do as providers of care – the warm and mutually beneficial relationships we have with the people we support. It shares the real stories of workers and the people they support, and shows the diversity, value and impact they have.

“There are lots of jobs available, with options to suit a range of lifestyles, skills and experience. Specific qualifications aren’t required for an entry-level role in social care – training is provided on the job. For those who want career progression, there are a range of qualification and training opportunities. No matter the role, in social care you can make a real difference to people’s lives. My advice to anyone thinking of a career in care is – reach out to your nearest social care provider and find out more.”

This campaign is run by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council) on behalf of the Social Care Collaborative Forum, a Department of Health partnership across the social care sector in Northern Ireland, which has been established to lead a programme of work to improve social care services for the community.

Make a difference to lives with a career in social care…Want to know more? Check out NISCC’s social care stories page on https://niscc.info/social-care-stories

SOMA Festival kicks off today in Castlewellan, County Down, for three days of excellent musical performances, holistic activities, and intriguing workshops as part of this year’s stellar lineup. Running from July 19-21, SOMA Festival’s 2024 instalment promises to bring a plethora of entertainment options that the whole family can enjoy, celebrating the rich heritage of Irish culture.

Part of the extensive line-up are the Little Gems events, combining the environment into workshops, walks, and more. Lorna Nic Cathmhaoil, SOMA Fest Programme & Events Co-ordinator, identified these activities, speeches, and screenings as vibrant events that add splashes of colour to the festival weekend.

The official opening day on Friday, 19 July, features several Little Gems events. The ‘Becoming Life’ Workshop at Turnip House starts at 10am, led by environmental scientist Laura Kehoe, exploring the human relationship with the planet. At 3pm, Castlewellan Library hosts the Language, Landscape & Memory session, delving into Irish place names and their significance. For children, the Ancient Whispers: Children’s Art Workshops will run from 12-3pm in the Stretch Tent in Castlewellan Upper Square, with stories and crafts inspired by the mythical Tuatha Dé Danann. At 4pm, Michael Magee will read from his award-winning novel Close to Home at Nana’s Kitchen.

Soma In The Square will be open from 10.30am-7pm on Saturday, 20 July, and 11am-7pm on Sunday, 21 July. The Castlewellan Upper Square base will include a pop-up bar run by Whitewater Brewing Co., offering their locally brewed ales and lagers as a delicious refreshment. There will also be a variety of food vendors on-site to ensure that festival-goers need not miss a second of the terrific offerings in the space.

On Saturday, SOMA Festival will run their eco-friendly Share Stall from 10.30am, creating a community space where anyone with unwanted plants and extra seeds can swap what they have brought along for another garden delight. For visitors who don’t have green thumbs, Kazoku Karate will host a hands-on workshop at 2pm where anyone can try their hand at the martial art.

Saturday’s line-up also includes the Historical Walking Tour of Dolly’s Brae starting at 2pm, led by historian Pól Ó Gribín and Stiofán Ó Nualláin, exploring local history. At 5.30pm, a short film screening of ‘The Eel Fisher’ will be held in Castlewellan Community Centre, followed by a Q&A.

Sunday, 21 July, brings the final Little Gems event, Drink & Draw, at Savages Bar, blending artistry with alcohol in an expressive workshop led by local environmental artist Tracy McCoey.

As for Soma In The Square, Sunday’s activities include Phil’s Farm, which will take place between 2.30-4.30pm, displaying plenty of exciting animals for everyone to interact with. Different tables under the Upper Square stretch tent will also have arts and crafts workshops available on Saturday and Sunday for the little ones to take part in, providing additional hours of fun.

Both days over the weekend will also give people the chance to visit Bucky’s Circus for free. The nationally-known travelling act promises to bring smiles to the faces of all family members, from kids to grandparents.

Speaking on the fantastic 2024 event lineup, Tíona McSherry, SOMA Festival Director, said: “Our team has come up with another stellar programme for festival goers to enjoy this year. It takes a dedicated group of people to attempt to pull any festival off, not to mention doing it for the love alone. A big thank you to all of our funders and sponsors, in particular Whitewater Brewing Co. and Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, and the wonderful volunteers who help make the SOMA Festival a reality.”

The SOMA Festival runs between 19th-21st July, and full details including tickets can be found at www.linktr.ee/thesomafestival.

This year’s SOMA Festival is set to return to Castlewellan, County Down for three days of excellent entertainment, spanning everything from music performances to spiritual gatherings.

From July 19-21, attendees can experience a plethora of different activities outside of the typical gigs on offer, including the Mind, Body & Soul event that is set to run across all three event days.

Held at The Lodge Business and Cultural Centre, Castlewellan, any SOMA festival goers can avail of the blissful opportunities found inside.

A variety of different events will take place each day, with collated workshops being separated into set spaces to ensure everyone gets the most from their interests.

The Healing Arts space is the go-to spot for physical tranquillity in The Lodge, boasting movement and breathing classes that promise to calm anyone.

The tent offers more well-known practices such as Yoga Nidra, Vinyasa Yoga, Tai Chi and Breathwork as well as unusual activities, including a serene Cacao and Sound Bath, spiritual martial art Qi Gong, holistic-centred Somatics and more.

Mind, Body & Soul coordinator Kathryn Shaw said, “Soma Mind Body & Soul is a space to move, breathe, connect, explore and express. It is an event that provides all involved many different routes to better physical, mental and emotional health. My hope is that we all come away connected as a more resilient community with tools to live life fully.”

Alternatively, anyone hoping for a more hands-on experience can step inside the Mythic Crafts room, where they can revel in learning a new craft.

Not only does the enticing list include activities such as willow weaving, printmaking, copper smithing and a herbal workshop, but all completed creations can be taken home as a cherished memory of the alternative weekend.

The Holistic Hall offers another crafty vibe, with the in-house fair promoting small, independently-owned businesses selling everything from sweet-smelling candles to aesthetically pleasing artwork.

As well as meeting the faces behind the handmade goods, SOMA Festival visitors can also take advantage of the taster Reiki, reflexology and massage sessions.

Finally, the Serenity Tent provides visitors with a relaxation space to meet friends for a chat or just sit alone to rejuvenate and enter into a state of mindfulness.

SOMA Festival Director, Tíona McSherry, spoke of the behind-the-scenes team who have worked hard to provide such a varied event line-up, saying: “It takes a dedicated group of people to attempt to pull any festival off, not to mention doing it for the love alone. 

“A big thank you to all of our funders and sponsors, in particular Whitewater Brewing Co. and Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, and the wonderful volunteers who help make the SOMA Festival a reality.”

The SOMA Festival runs between 19th-21st July and full details including tickets can be found at www.linktr.ee/thesomafestival 

Manufacturing industry leaders from across the UK and Ireland are set to arrive in Belfast for the biggest event of its kind in Northern Ireland.

The Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition, in its 5th year, will be taking place at the Titanic Exhibition Centre on September 12.

The event will feature over a hundred trade stands as well as incorporating a comprehensive conference programme featuring free workshops and keynote speakers.

Exhibitors will range from business services through to innovative companies displaying the latest technological solutions for the industry.

Managing Director, Colin Murphy from organisers Premier Publishing & Events said the event will serve as a forum for manufacturers and operators involved throughout the associated supply chains from across Northern Ireland to gather to discuss pressing issues facing their industry.

He added: “Generating annual sales of about £20 billion, manufacturing is crucial to Northern Ireland’s economic development. 

“Manufacturers directly employ 80,000 people while supporting further employment throughout the wider supply chain in every region of Northern Ireland. 

“The manufacturing sector accounts for 13.4% of Northern Ireland’s economic output, significantly higher than the UK figure of 9.8%. 

“Not just that but Northern Ireland’s manufacturers also generate almost half of the country’s external sales and more than half of export sales.

“The Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will encompass the full manufacturing spectrum across the country, including the food and drink, biopharma, medtech, healthcare, engineering, transport, technology, building products, fabrics, polymers, packaging and renewables sectors.”

Throughout the day the event will cover topical themes such as Manufacturing; Supply Chain & Logistics; Sustainability; Lean Productivity & Continuous Improvement; Automation & Robotics; Procurement; 3D Printing; Hi-tech Manufacturing & Precision Engineering; IoT & Industry 4.0; and Lean Productivity & Continuous Improvement.

Colin added: “The Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will provide an ideal location for businesses to meet with Government agencies and supporting associations, and gain free advice from experts on how to improve operational performance. 

“The Event will also provide networking zones to connect buyers and suppliers. Indeed, the layout of the Conference & Exhibition is intended to maximise the opportunity for visitors to network and make new contacts.”

Registration for the 2024 Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on September 12 at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast is free. Tickets are available from www.northernirelandmanufacturing.co.uk/register 

SOMA Festival will return to Castlewellan, County Down this month for three days of excellent musical performances from artists right across the whole of Ireland. This year’s festival celebrates the rich heritage of Irish folk music and the vibrant local culture.

Spanning from July 19-21, some of the biggest names in folk music will headline the 2024 instalment of the ever-popular festival.

Kicking off the weekend, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin will play the King’s Inn on Friday 19 July (doors 7.30pm), supported by the Ciara McCrickard Trio. This event is in partnership with Glór Uachtar Tíre. 

The Dublin-native is one of the best known vocalists and multi-instrumentalists from the Irish capital, performing in both English and Gaeilge and taking inspiration from the sean-nós tradition. 

Also playing to audiences on July 19 is Belfast-based tradtronica group Huartan, consisting of Stiofán Ó Luachráin, Catriona Ní Ghribín and Múlú.

Taking to St Malachy’s GAC stage, with doors at 9pm, the award-winning trio promise an evening of electronic beats combined with traditional Irish music that is unlike anything heard before.

Supported by DJ Dalba, this high-adrenaline event will have everyone jumping and dancing the whole night.

Headlining SOMA Festival 2024 is Saturday’s musical feat John Spillane, who returns to Castlewellan from his native Cork for another captivating concert.

Well-known for his iconic tunes such as All The Ways You Wander and The Dunnes Store Girl, the mesmerising show will see John switch between his love of music and poetry as well as some Irish humour thrown in there for good merit.

Joined on stage by the exceptionally talented Soma House Band, John will be supported on stage by Graham Henderson (keys), John McSherry (pipes/low whistle), Emma King (percussion/drums), Seán Ó Meara (guitar), and Tola Custy (fiddle).

Ending on a bang, King’s Inn is set to play host to both Grooveline and Lonesome George as well as support act Le Chéile from 8pm on Sunday 21 July.

Six-piece funk group Grooveline boast a unique sound, mixing jazz, hip-hop, trad and more together in one cohesive arrangement that is infectiously energetic.

Lonesome George will also take to the stage, with songwriting duo Joe Campbell-McArdle and Myles McCormack being joined by Finatan Mulholland, Dermot Moynagh and Catriona Ní Ghribín on a variety of instruments.

Delving into a range of hard-hitting lyrics sung in both English and Irish, the interwoven genres remain rooted in Irish tradition and are sure to provide an ambient event for all in attendance.

There will also be a session trail over the weekend that is open to musicians of all abilities. 

Speaking of the line-up, SOMA Festival Director, Tíona McSherry, said: “Our team has come up with another stellar programme for festival goers to enjoy this year. 

“We’re so excited for the incredible acts we have coming to perform. We hope Castlewellan is as buzzing for it as we are.” 

With funding from Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Foras na Gaeilge, and sponsors and partners Whitewater Brewing Co., Glór Uachtar Tíre, Excalibur Press, Dolmes Climate Action Network, and Cumann Phobail Garbhdhoire, SOMA Festival 2024 tickets are already available and can be purchased for individual events or as a weekend access pass to all concerts.

The SOMA Festival runs between 19th-21st July and full details including tickets can be found at www.linktr.ee/thesomafestival