Conor Graham (founder of #HackTheHub & director NIGMA). #HackTheHub will be taking place on May 28 at Slice in Belfast. Photo Arthur Allison / Pacemaker for Excalibur Press.
With just less than a week to go to the annual #HackTheHub 2022 Hackathon, all tickets to the UK and Ireland’s number one leading series have now sold out.
Taking place on Saturday May 28 from 9:00am to 22:00, the tech event hosted in McAuley House Belfast marks the return of the in-person innovative tech day that combines all things code, creativity and community.
#HackTheHub Director Conor Graham, revealed this year’s theme is Data and Artificial Intelligence, both increasingly popular developments in the tech industry: “This year we are bringing together the intersection of data and artificial intelligence.
“We chose this theme because that’s the way the economy is going. Everyone wants to be using data and analytics to learn more effectively and run their businesses better but many don’t know how to do that.”
At Hackathon, developers, data scientists, designers and product owners of all levels are encouraged to develop innovative solutions and tackle a range of challenges within 12 hours over the weekend.
The Hackathon will officially begin at 9:45am on Saturday morning after registration, breakfast and a welcome talk from the Hack The Hub team.
Conor added how the Hackathon gives those breaking into the tech space invaluable experience which will open doors professionally in the near future.
He added: “#Hack the Hub provides the perfect opportunity to try something different. Being in a team with people who have a wide array of skill sets ensures there’s a solid kind of proof concept there that they can then go to look to take further on down the line.
“In the past it has helped people secure jobs or companies have straight up offered multiple job offers. There’s also been people starting businesses, building products and starting businesses from it.”
With Slice as the headline partner, other partners include: Insider Inc, Confluent, Enthuse, Github, Nigma, Datactics, Analytics Engines, Barclays Eagle Labs and help from the community groups PyBelfast and Women Tech Makers, all tickets to the event are free.
John Byrne, manager, customer innovation engineering at Confluent said: “My favourite part of working at Confluent is the people and the journey we’re all on together. Agility, innovation, collaboration and learning all contribute to the values I feel here.
“By being a part of #HackTheHub here in Belfast we are looking forward to seeing all of this in a local community setting and being a part of that community moving forward. Being a part of this high energy and fun environment is a cherished value for the whole Confluent team.”
Previous attendee Stuart said his time at the Hackathon was ‘fun’ and ‘enjoyable’.
“If you’re new to Data and AI, it’s a great opportunity to acquire new skills. Learn from pros and surround yourself with a team. It was exceedingly fun, enjoyable and relaxing.”
Participants will be judged on their best application of Data and Artificial Intelligence in any sector will be scored based on the level of innovation, business value and quality of pitch.
4C UR Future chairperson Rose Mary Stalker and Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee
Belfast City Council has announced it is hosting a pilot careers inspiration event for over 700 Year 9 pupils called 4C UR Future LIVE in June 2022.
Designed and delivered by local social enterprise, 4C UR Future, the industry-led Community Interest Company – founded by business leader Rose Mary Stalker – works collaboratively with a wide range of employers from the key sectors in Northern Ireland, with the aim of empowering young people to make more informed education and career choices.
4C UR Future LIVE is a fun, fast-paced, and action-packed day of interactive skills games and work-based challenges, with each game co-created and delivered by local employers, giving Year 9 students an insight into the future world of work, as well as their own strengths and talents.
Announcing support for the event Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “We’re really looking forward to 4C UR Future Live at St George’s Market on 1 June.
“We are committed to supporting each young person across Belfast to fulfil their potential as outlined in the Belfast Agenda. This event is one of the many ways we support young people on their pathway towards employment.
“We currently support young people through a wide range of programmes including our Youth Support Programme which helps young people who need help most, and our GCSE Maths and English Support Programme that helps young people get their grade C in both subjects therefore opening up as many opportunities as possible after leaving school and post compulsory education.”
The world of work is changing rapidly with new jobs, and even entirely new sectors, emerging. This has resulted in a complex careers landscape that can make choosing GCSE subjects, further education pathways, and future career options overwhelming, confusing, and stressful for our young people.
4C UR Future Managing Director, Rachel Doherty, added: “With the support of Belfast City Council, we’re delighted to be holding a pilot 4C UR Future LIVE event at St. George’s Market in June.
“Over 50 employers are involved in 4C UR Future LIVE 2022 and we’re mobilising almost 300 ‘Career Heroes’ from our volunteer community to deliver and facilitate the LIVE events across the province. We welcome more local employers to reach out and get involved in these game-changing events.”
Through 4C UR Future LIVE events and our first-generation CAREERS PORTAL, which is launching in September, we aim to inform young people of the wide range of opportunities available to them, help them navigate the complex careers landscape, and inspire them to achieve their ambitions and become the best version of themselves.”
For more information on 4C UR Future, and how local employers can get involved, go to: www.4curfuture.com.
Boardroom Apprentices May Cheung (2019), Nikita Brijpaul (2020), Jo McGinley (2020) Minister of Finance Conor Murphy MLA, David Johnston (2021) and Roisin Kelly (2019) encouraging people to #GetOnBoard by applying for the Boardroom Apprentice programme before applications close on May 24th. Photo by Colm Lenaghan at Pacemaker Press.
The 2022 Boardroom Apprentice deadline is approaching for people to join the 12-month unique board learning, development and placement programme.
Earlier this week, five Boardroom Apprentices joined Finance Minister Conor Murphy to encourage people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to apply for the programme which enables those who would like to serve on a public or third sector board to learn and gain experience through in-depth learning and support.
Founded by Eileen Mullan in 2017, the programme has helped 223 candidates from across Northern Ireland to begin their Boardroom journey thanks to its support from the Department of Finance.
Eileen Mullan said: “I decided to create a programme that brings together three key elements – knowledge and understanding, experience and support. Over a twelve-month window Boardroom Apprentices will get practical board experience, a suite of learning days and support to fully equip them to serve on a board in the public or third sector.
“Being a Boardroom Apprentice is a gift. You get the programme as a gift with the expectation that you give it back. Being a Boardroom Apprentice is about preparing you for public service, which is about you playing your part.”
Now in its sixth year, the 12-month Boardroom Apprentice programme is a UK first, and applications, which are open to people aged 16 and over, should be submitted by 3pm on Tuesday May 24.
The programme aims to enable a wider diversity of individuals to sit on boards and help move their board member role from aspiration to reality.
2021 Boardroom Apprentice David Johnston said: “Being part of the Boardroom Apprentice programme has been a privilege. For me it has reinforced the importance of being motivated and committed to enhancing public service delivery.”
Throughout the 12 months, candidates are required to take part in regular learning days on topics such as finance, governance and complete a board placement on a host board.
2019 Boardroom Apprentice May Cheung added: “My placement allowed me to get an understanding of the boardroom environment, how it worked and the pressures they’re under. You see a lot of what’s going on in the headlines and understand the public opinion.”
2020 Boardroom Apprentice Jo McGinley revealed her experience with the training days helped shape who she is today: “The training was top class. Each facilitator who led the training is as passionate about the ethos of Boardroom Apprentice as Eileen is.
“My time on the Boardroom Apprentice programme fundamentally changed me. I’ve transformed as a person.”
2020 Boardroom Apprentice Nikita Brijpaul said the programme “demystified the boardroom experience” and taught him to “trust in my instinctive leadership abilities”.
He added: “It has given me the confidence to believe that with time, an open mind and practice I have what it takes to be successful in the boardroom environment.
“It gives underrepresented groups the self-belief and self confidence that is integral. I think all boards wish to see more diversity however it’s exceedingly difficult to recruit, without the support and encouragement of the likes of Boardroom Apprentice.”
2019 Boardroom Apprentice Roisin Kelly added: “Anybody could sit on a board and will have something to contribute if they’re interested in that board, in that organisation and what they do.
“You don’t have to have 30 years of experience in senior management in an organisation. You don’t have to come from a big private sector firm. You just have to have your own life experiences.”
This year’s programme will run from 01st September 2022 – until 31st August 2023 in adherence to all relevant Covid-19 guidance.
“If being on a board giving your time and sharing your skills is something you aspire to do, but are not sure how to do then Boardroom Apprentice will enable you to do just that,” said Eileen.
From left Conor Graham (founder of #HackTheHub & director NIGMA), Marion Rybnikar (senior director of Data Strategy & Governance at Slice) and Kyle Harrison (senior software engineer at Slice & Organiser at Pybelfast)
#HackTheHub will be taking place on May 28 at Slice in Belfast.
Photo Arthur Allison / Pacemaker for Excalibur Press
For more information contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305 354209, tina@excaliburpress.co.uk
The UK and Ireland’s number one leading hackathon series has announced their return to Belfast this month for #HackTheHub22.
Founded by a group of Data Science students in Northern Ireland, this year’s annual event will take place on Saturday, May 28 hosted in McAuley House, Belfast and marks the return of the in-person innovative tech event that combines all things code, creativity and community.
#HackTheHub Director Conor Graham, revealed the 2022 theme is Data and AI, both increasingly popular developments in the tech industry: “This year we are bringing together the intersection of data and artificial intelligence. Teams will explore areas such as forecasting, time series analysis, natural language processing and machine learning techniques.”
“We chose this theme because that’s the way the economy is going. Everyone wants to be using data and analytics to learn more effectively and run their businesses better but many don’t know how to do that.”
The hacking extravaganza runs from 09:00am to 10pm and welcomes developers, data scientists, designers and product owners of all levels who will spend the day developing innovative solutions and tackling a number of challenges within the space of 12 hours.
Senior Director of Data Strategy and Governance at Slice, Marion Rybnikar said: “#HackTheHub is back and Slice is delighted to be part of it. At Slice we believe in community. We tackle challenges, we collaborate, we persevere and we celebrate our successes together which is at the heart of HackTheHub and exactly why we are sponsoring this year.
“We’re excited to finally get the Belfast tech community back together and what a way to get things started. As a company, we value big ideas and bold goals and we can’t wait to see what the teams dream up at this year’s Hackathon.”
Conor said that the #HackTheHub22 hackathon is ideal for both those breaking into the tech space, but also those already in the industry that haven’t had the chance to develop these sought after skill sets.
He added: “#HackTheHub provides the perfect opportunity to try something different. Being in a team with people who have a wide array of skill sets ensures there’s a solid kind of proof concept there that they can then go to look to take further on down the line.
“In the past it has helped people secure jobs or companies have straight up offered multiple job offers. There’s also been people starting businesses, building products and starting their careers from it.”
With Slice as the headline partner, other partners include: Insider Inc, Confluent, Enthuse, Github, Nigma, Datactics, Analytics Engines, Barclays Eagle Labs and help from the community groups PyBelfast and Women Tech Makers, all tickets to the event are free and will begin on Saturday morning.
Judges will decide which solution is the “Best Application Use of Data & AI” in Northern Ireland and will score based on the level of innovation, business value and quality of pitch.
Previous attendee hacker, Kathleen said that her time at the event was a great opportunity to connect with other like minded individuals: “I met so many people working in tech at HackTheHub. They were so willing to help out, so supportive and I am so glad I got the opportunity to attend.”
There’s only one week left to apply for this year’s Boardroom Apprentice programme online via the official Boardroom Apprentice website.
All applications are to be submitted by 3:00pm on Tuesday, May 24.
Now in its sixth year, the Boardroom Apprentice is a UK first 12-month unique board learning, development and placement programme which enables those who would like to serve on a public or third sector board to learn and gain experience through in-depth training and support.
Founded by Eileen Mullan in 2017, the programme has helped 223 candidates from across Northern Ireland to begin their Boardroom journey thanks to its support from the Department of Finance.
Applications are open to those aged 16 or over from all backgrounds and abilities as the programme aims to enable a wider diversity of individuals to sit on boards and help move their board member role from aspiration to reality.
Eileen Mullan, Boardroom Apprentice founder, said: “I decided to create a programme that brings together three key elements – knowledge and understanding, experience and support.
Over a twelve-month window Boardroom Apprentices will get practical board experience, a suite of learning days and support to fully equip them to serve on a board in the public or third sector after completing the programme,“Being a Boardroom Apprentice is a gift. You get the programme as a gift with the expectation that you give it back. Being a Boardroom Apprentice is about preparing you for public service, which is about you playing your part.”
Throughout the 12 months, candidates are required to take part in regular learning days on topics such as finance, governance along with a board placement on one of this year’s 58 Host Boards, matched by both Eileen and a selection of former apprentices.
2020 Boardroom Apprentice Magdalena Bisewska revealed the experience is for everyone.
“I would encourage anyone to apply. It’s about creating opportunities for everyone. We’ve all got something to contribute.
“I think everyone from any nationality, any background, all walks of life, should apply as it’s given you the confidence, the knowledge and the skills to make a difference.”
This year’s programme will run from 01st September 2022 – until 31st August 2023 in adherence to all relevant Covid-19 guidance.
“If being on a board giving your time and sharing your skills is something you aspire to do, but are not sure how to do then Boardroom Apprentice will enable you to do just that,” said Eileen.
PAC Group urges new Northern Ireland MLAs to get to grips with green agenda
Northern Ireland’s leading engineering company, PAC Group, has called on newly elected MLAs to tackle the energy crisis by reducing barriers to renewable sources, such as solar.
PAC Group Business Development Director Darren Leslie was one of PAC Group’s team at the Balmoral Show this week, explaining to farmers and householders the benefits of solar panels, but he said that there is an urgent need for the new Assembly to address the renewable sector.
“We are facing one of the biggest energy problems for generations,” he said.
“Domestic consumers, businesses and farmers are all looking at massive price increases. With no reduction in the foreseeable future there has to be a concerted effort to support renewable energy.”
Mr Leslie explained that barriers included the lack of zero VAT, that applies in England, on solar panels.
“The UK government just over a month ago said anyone installing solar panels would benefit from zero VAT, but it’s not applicable to Northern Ireland. According to Westminster our Executive has to make that decision as we’re governed partly by the European Union rules” he said.
In addition, the PAC Group representative said that the lack of incentives for farmers and businesses prevents people from developing renewable energy sources.
“In Ireland grants are available but not here in Northern Ireland, and that is worrying for everyone in the agricultural sector especially,” explained Renewables Business Development Manager Brian Alexander of PAC Group.
He added: “Farms, businesses, outlets and stores want to establish their green credentials, for example supermarkets and fast food chains will be looking at their suppliers to show how green they are throughout the supply chain, without assistance many agricultural companies simply can’t embrace it.”
Although PAC Group were showcasing how they can support farmers with renewables at the Balmoral Show recently, they also want to explain to those attending the event the benefits of solar panels in the domestic sector.
“We can deliver a system that meets the needs of many people,” said Mr Alexander. “One of the biggest draws in your house when you go home at night is hot water. You need hot water to shower people, wash dishes, so whatever, hot water is a draw all year round.
“We have a system where you can generate the solar and any access solar that you don’t use it switches on a thing called a Solar iBoost or an Eddi and that will give you hot water onto your immersion. Basically, your immersion will top up but it’s using the power from the solar panels.
“A standard house will use about 4kW of electricity per year and a solar system in Northern Ireland will generate between, depending on where it is, 3.2-3.6 kW per year. In the current energy climate this would represent a considerable saving.”
Mr Leslie said the company’s attendance at the Balmoral Show is proving now is the time for action as soaring costs.
“Already we have seen a much larger number of enquiries than expected at the Balmoral Show. Many of these enquiries are from small domestic farms hoping to reduce the electricity consumption from the grid both from their home and farm buildings.
“Not just that, a large majority of enquiries have asked about funding sources and whether there is any help available to embrace solar as a renewable energy source.
“This entire sector needs to be addressed urgently by the new tranche of MLAs to support everyone in Northern Ireland as we look at having an energy crisis for some years ahead.”
PAC Group were offering domestic, commercial and agricultural packages at the Balmoral Show, all of which included a free, no obligation site analysis and estimate, along with free design and system yield calculation. For those that require it, the team will also provide assistance with commercial NIE Networks applications.
The UK wide industry-standard, We’re Good to Go, which has supported businesses throughout the pandemic has been phased out following a successful campaign.
The standard which was introduced in July 2020 when organisations were struggling to adjust to new regulations allowed businesses to demonstrate the Covid-19 protocols they had put in place to keep both staff and visitors safe while the hospitality sector moved to reopening.
“It has been tough, we had to adjust and review our operating procedures and various range of risk assessments,” said Pim Dalm, the Managing Director of Clandeboye Lodge Hotel in Bangor County Down.
With the help of the ‘We’re Good To Go’ accreditation, Clandeboye Lodge Hotel was able to maintain a safe environment for its staff.
“We felt it was very important to make sure that our staff felt confident that as business owners we had taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the environment in which they were either interacting with guests or interacting amongst each other was as safe as could possibly be.”
Looking back on the unpredictability the tourism sector was facing at the time, Dermot Friel, owner of Friel’s Bar and Restaurant explained the importance of safety for organised trips.
“Tour operators wanted to know if their guests and visitors were going to be looked after in a safe environment. That was one of their first questions, were we ‘Good To Go’ accredited?” he recalled.
Fortunately, the success of the initiative allowed many local businesses to safely reopen their premises and welcome visitors and guests after a long period of uncertainty.
For Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, the We’re Good To Go accreditation meant that Northern Ireland’s primary royal residence could start planning for the future.
“Being declared Good To Go was peace of mind that you were safe at work and that you can provide a safe experience for your visitors.
“The We’re Good To Go campaign was an incredibly important part of our discussions with international vendors about our 2022 calendar and for trying to build back up to our pre covid business levels,” said Christine Grant, Palace Host Team Leader of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
Examining the consumer confidence, propensity to travel and consumer concerns at the time, Tourism NI’s Consumer Sentiment Analysis gave exceptional insight into the success of the We’re Good To Go initiative.
Only a few months after launching the initiative, by March 2021, almost a quarter of NI consumers (23%) were aware of the ‘We’re Good to Go Mark’. For the vast majority (92%) who were aware of it, this mark gave them confidence that a business was safe to visit. The same research confirmed that when restrictions eased, two-thirds of NI consumers would be more inclined to visit a business that displayed the mark over one that didn’t.
Tourism NI’s CEO John McGrillen said: “The ‘We’re Good to Go’ scheme was vital for businesses as it reassured visitors that they had put the necessary arrangements in place to deal with Covid safely. That consumer confidence was a critical part of driving consumer demand.
“I am exceptionally proud of the industry for their collective effort and investment to ensure guests felt safe when visiting their experiences and attractions. This is testament to the resilience and strength of character of the wonderful people we have working within the sector across Northern Ireland.
“This tenacity and giant spirit throughout the tourism sector contributes to the positive outlook as we move towards economic recovery following the pandemic.”
Throughout the campaign, all businesses operating within the visitor economy including accommodation providers, visitor attractions and more were encouraged to apply for the accreditation. In Northern Ireland, a total of 2,148 businesses took part and displayed the green logo on their premises and online.
By the end of summer 2021, NI holidaymakers felt more confident to book further in advance than ROI visitors. This could partly be attributed to the success of the We’re Good To Go standards of which 50% of consumers were aware.
Since Covid restrictions in Northern Ireland were officially lifted in February 2022 and consumer nervousness around travelling lessened, VisitEngland, VisitScotland, Visit Wales and Tourism Northern Ireland have agreed that the initiative has achieved what it set out to and drew the scheme to a close.
With nationwide restrictions behind us, Tourism NI acknowledges the support of the industry for taking the proactive step in helping visitors feel safe when travelling within, or to Northern Ireland.
The organisation is looking forward to welcoming both domestic and international visitors and guests in the coming season and seeing the tourism and hospitality industry restored to pre-pandemic levels.
Whilst the ‘We’re Good To Go’ scheme has closed we would like to encourage businesses to stay connected with Tourism NI for other supporting activities.
For more information on how Tourism NI can support your business visit: www.tourismni.com
What better way to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee than through our royal passion for food. The Council is calling on all bakers in the Borough to dust down their aprons and enter the Ards and North Down Platinum Pudding Competition!
Brian Magill (Hospitality and Catering Lecturer at SERC) with a pudding. Image: Ian Pedlow
The British pudding comes in all shapes and sizes, so you can decide if it is steamed, baked, rolled or layered. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating though, as our judging panel shortlists the puddings considered most fit for a queen.
There are top prizes up for grabs, including a KitchenAid food mixer, food blender and electric hand mixer. The overall winner will receive an invitation to the Big Jubilee Lunch at this year’s festival.
Fancy your chances? Pudding entries need to be delivered to Bangor reception of SERC on Friday 27 May, by 11.30am. Judging will take place that day with winners notified the following week. Entries must be accompanied by a copy of the recipe and the entrant’s contact details. Ts and Cs apply.
Excitement builds as we plan to welcome celebrity chef Jean Christophe-Novelli MBE, from Novelli at City Quays, at Sea Bangor Celebrates the Platinum Jubilee on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June. Highlights will include top culinary tips from this multi-award-winning chef and answers to all your cookery questions. Jean-Christophe will bring charm and expertise to proceedings as our host for the Big Jubilee Lunch.
Our team of chefs from SERC will continue Jubilee celebrations by shining a gastronomic light on dishes from the seven decades of Her Majesty’s historic reign. Expect a trip down memory lane, with delights such as Coronation Chicken, Prawn Cocktail or maybe a Devilled Egg or two!
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Mark Brooks, said:
“We are thrilled that Jean-Christophe Novelli MBE will be our celebrity chef at Sea Bangor on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June. He is a multi-Michelin star and 5/5 AA Rosette winning chef, author, and restaurateur who is known around the world for his amazing cooking artistry. It will be a great opportunity to gather some cooking tips and tricks from the best in the business while also celebrating food from the past 70 years.”
Brian Magill, Hospitality and Catering Lecturer at SERC, said:
“We are delighted to be involved in Sea Bangor, which has become a key date in the calendar for hospitality and catering students who will be involved in demonstrations, street food and ambassador roles at the festival. We are excited to be involved in the judging for the Platinum Pudding Competition and recreating the winning pudding for festival-goers to savour. We are expecting the highest standard of entries which will make judging a challenge.”
Jean-Christophe Novelli MBE, from Novelli at City Quays, said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Bangor and working with the fantastic Brian Magill and the team from SERC. I am very much looking forward to hosting the Big Jubilee Lunch and meeting all attending and involved. The Pudding competition is a great way for people to get involved and showcase their creativity and imagination.”
For more information, visit ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.
There’s just over a week left to apply for this year’s Boardroom Apprentice programme online via the official Boardroom Apprentice website.
All applications are to be submitted by 3:00pm on Tuesday May 24.
Now in its fifth year, the Boardroom Apprentice is a UK first 12-month unique board learning, development and placement programme which enables those who would like to serve on a public or third sector board to learn and gain experience through in-depth training and support.
Founded by Eileen Mullan in 2017, the programme has helped 223 candidates from across Northern Ireland to begin their Boardroom journey thanks to its support from the Department of Finance.
Applications are open to those aged 16 or over from all backgrounds and abilities as the programme aims to enable a wider diversity of individuals to sit on boards and help move their board member role from aspiration to reality.
Eileen Mullan, Boardroom Apprentice founder, said: “I decided to create a programme that brings together three key elements – knowledge and understanding, experience and support. Over a twelve-month window Boardroom Apprentices will get practical board experience, a suite of learning days and support to fully equip them to serve on a board in the public or third sector.
“Being a Boardroom Apprentice is a gift. You get the programme as a gift with the expectation that you give it back. Being a Boardroom Apprentice is about preparing you for public service, which is about you playing your part.”
Throughout the 12 months, candidates are required to take part in regular learning days on topics such as finance, governance and complete a board placement on a board one of this year’s Host Boards, matched by both Eileen and a selection of former apprentices.
2020 Boardroom Apprentice Jo McGinley revealed her experience with the training days helped shape who she is today.
“The training was top class. Each facilitator who led the training is as passionate about the ethos of Boardroom Apprentice as Eileen is.
“My time on the Boardroom Apprentice programme fundamentally changed me. I’ve transformed as a person” she said.
This year’s programme will run from 01st September 2022 – until 31st August 2023 in adherence to all relevant Covid-19 guidance.
“If being on a board giving your time and sharing your skills is something you aspire to do, but are not sure how to do then Boardroom Apprentice will enable you to do just that,” said Eileen.
From left, Aine Wallace, Lord Lieutenant David McCorkell, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Cllr Billy Webb, Liz Brown, Danny Kinahan, John Conaghan
Ahead of mental health awareness week next week, Northern Irish social enterprise Fresh Minds Education celebrated the launch of Connections: Operation Link Life, a training session that aims to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention for veterans and their loved ones.
Joined by a range of mental health facilitators from across the country, the afternoon marked the beginning of the bespoke edition of the already established Connections Link Life course which has helped hundreds of people across the five years increase their awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.
As a result of the pandemic, there was a lack of suicide awareness and prevention training which inspired the team at Fresh Minds Education to take on the role and with the help of the Public Health Agency, they became the first company in the UK to bring facilitated suicide prevention training to 1500 people online.
Speaking at the event, CEO of Fresh Minds Education, Practitioner and Director of Connections Link Life Aine Wallace, described the importance of the veteran course in understading the complex topics of emotional health and suicide awareness.
She said: “It was important for me to create something that made space for people to gain information, have an opportunity to have a conversation about the elephant in the room, hear their own voices, be represented, learn skills and be informed with the knowledge of who and what local supports there are in our ever-evolving landscape of service.
“During the pandemic, Fresh Minds Education used that period to innovate our training programme by recording the stories of those experienced by suicide and embedding these stories safely into our programmes. Through film, digital media and online platforms we have demonstrated how even in the most difficult of circumstances we can bring local voice and local experience safely into the room and continue to help people and save lives.
“Developing this course is an important step in the right direction and a valuable piece of the tapestry of interventions that collectively will make life a little better for those of us suffering, in pain and living with a loss of hope.”
Based on the connect 4-ways model, the course empowers participants to act should they ever become concerned about a loved one or colleague and also encourages them to reach out and ask for help themselves.
The afternoon was also attended by BFBS radio presenter Rachel Cochrane, the Connections Link Life 2022 Champion and online facilitator who bravely opened up about her personal journey with mental health: “During my time with the company I have worked at the sharp end broadcasting from Afghanistan for many months working alongside those who fought for our freedom. I believe that we really do have a duty of care to our veterans and their families and I’m absolutely delighted that this course will be available to those who need it.
“Having spent 10 years on antidepressants, struggling with depression and PTSD, I know just how low things can go and how tough it can be for those who love you the most,” she said, adding: “Mental health is an epidemic which is why I’m so proud to champion this programme to make sure regardless of the month, everyday we protect our peace. Having those who recognise the signs and ask the questions others are too scared to ask will without a doubt save lives.”
Also speaking at the event was endurance runner, adventurer and mental health campaigner Sally Orange who spoke candidly about her firsthand experience with suicidal thoughts.
She said: “I rang up Samaritans to ask what was the best way to die. I returned to my parents house for six weeks where I didn’t shower, I didn’t eat. It was a horrific way to live.
“I gradually got better but unfortunately I lost my job as a reserve in the Army. I lost my self confidence and self belief but just two months later the Army Cadet Force asked if I would be their national ambassador, and that gave me a purpose. I would not have believed two years ago that I could be standing here today.”
To mark the lives of those lost from suicide, Her Majesty’s Representative for Antrim Lord Lieutenant David McGorkell and Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey Billy Webb were joined by attendees including Sally Orange and Dolores Savage who helped lay a wreath at The Antrim Cenotaph and participated in two minutes of silence led by Robert McCartney from Beyond The Battlefield.
Speaking after the remembrance ceremony, Her Majesty’s Representative for Antrim Lord Lieutenant David McGorkell said: “It’s so important that we do what we can to raise the awareness of the issues facing veterans and the support that is available to them.
“This course has been made specific to those in the veteran community by including veterans and families of veterans. It hopes to empower and inspire meaningful personal action that will help save lives, improve wellbeing, cultivate emotionally healthy practices and break the cycles of trauma. I’m sure it will bring great success to all those who wish to participate.”
Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey Billy Webb also took to the stage to congratulate the Fresh Minds Education team.
“There’s a lack of support so it’s good to see a programme like this and I look forward to hearing about the course that’s available” he said.
The event which was funded by Alderman Paul Michael, The Veteran Champion for Antrim and Newtownabbey and Antrim & Newtownabbey Council closed with live music from Antrim Children’s Choir who sang their version of Gary Barlow and the Military Wives powerful song, ‘Sing’.
The all-island charity, Inspire Wellbeing, have commissioned Fresh Minds Education to deliver this programme throughout Northern Ireland and are also supporting the delivery of the ‘train the trainers’ event which will take place next month.
Funding for the launch was sourced from The Antrim Veteran Champion and provided by Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council.
If you are in need of support for emotional distress or suicide please reach out. LifeLine is available 24hrs a day and is free from all phones on 0808 808 8000.
