Author: Tina Calder

Having worked at the forefront of the industry for several decades, creating a business centred on music creation was a natural progression for County Antrim’s Simon Mills.

Hailing originally from Nottingham, England, Simon moved to Northern Ireland fifteen years ago in 2009 amidst a successful career as one half of electronica group Bent, which the musician still pursues currently, where his role as a sound engineer has come into its own.

After a string of solo and group musical releases, the reality of royalty cuts and contractual percentage agreements left the 50 year old Economically Inactive. 

Speaking on why he undertook the Explore Enterprise Support Service, Simon said: “My income went quite low, because a lot of my royalties that I would get on Spotify ended up straight into the back pocket of Sony.

“I realised I was going to have to think of a different plan on top of just releasing new music, so I got in touch with the Ballymena Business Centre, and it kind of went from there, really.”

The Explore Enterprise Support Service was set up by Enterprise NI and the Prince’s Trust. The service aims to help people across Northern Ireland who are economically inactive to develop their entrepreneurial and employability skills through tailored mentoring and training. 

The Explore Enterprise Support Service has received £1.8m from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  

Paired with Ballymena Business Centre mentor Lawrence Greer, the business idea that had sparked within Simon’s self-professed unorganised brain began to have substance.

Explaining how the mentorship helped him and his subsequent business, Simon said: “It helped me just sit down and work out how I’m going to sell all this and pitch it, and then who am I pitching it to.

“It allowed me to have some kind of a plan, being able to make an overview and work out who my target customers were, and even things like pricing.”

Using his skills to finesse creative output from other musicians and bands, ranging from novices to those with record deals, Simon’s business offers mixing and mastering services to enhance this output to the level where it is good enough to be released commercially. 

Following his experience receiving support from Lawrence, Simon spotted an opportunity to offer his own form of mentoring in the shape of helping musicians through what can often be a minefield of available software.

The flexible structure provided by Explore Enterprise was a particularly beneficial aspect for the County Antrim resident in his entrepreneurial journey, reducing the formality often associated with such services and instead enabling time for development.

Simon said: “I didn’t feel like I was put into a rigid program. It’s organic and it fits everybody, because everybody’s got a different situation going on.

“For me, I didn’t have to change too much to get the wheels turning a little bit more, and Lawrence was great as well, because he was really detailed and focused.

“He was really good at finding my weak spots and sort of helping me there, which I still struggle with. 

“I’m terrible at financial organisation, but Explore Enterprise grabbed my brain and organised me a bit.”

Lawrence’s impact was a profound one for Simon, with the relaxed approach resonating well with the music whiz, enabling him to progress at his own pace without any external, or internal, pressure.

Identifying what his favourite part of Explore Enterprise was, Simon said: “I think the main highlight for me really was something as simple as just being able to sit down with someone. 

“Lawrence had this little office, which is like a shed within a shop, which was kind of quite crazy, you know, but it was just nice to go in there and just focus on something each week if there’s no specific thing that I think stood out.

“It’s just been so nice. And he’s been messaging me, actually, to keep up with me and see how things are going.”

As with many other people who involve themselves, Explore Enterprise was invaluable in taking an intangible idea into a profitable business for Simon.

He said: “I just think it’s worth doing. If you’ve got an idea and you’ve been mulling it over for a while, I think it’s a really good course to go and do because it helps you visualise the overall view of it.

“I think having all those different modules that you can experience, it’s a great thing to do  because everyone’s got a blind spot and it just helps inform you of whether your ideas are realistic or not.

“It’s been a really, really positive experience overall.”

For more information on Enterprise NI go to www.enterpriseni.com

A Belfast doula has launched a free ebook aimed at helping women improve their fertility following pregnancy loss.

Nicola Morgan, a birth and postnatal specialist, has released Optimising Fertility After Loss: The Ultimate Guide, which offers practical nutritional advice and lifestyle tips to support women on their journey to conception after experiencing the heartbreak of miscarriage.

Nicola, the founder of Doula of Belfast, has been an advocate for women’s maternal health and wellbeing for many years, providing essential support during one of the most vulnerable times in a woman’s life. 

Her new ebook is a continuation of this commitment, offering guidance to those who have suffered the heartbreak of miscarriage and are seeking to improve their chances of conceiving again.

Speaking about the motivation behind the ebook, released to coincide with Pregnancy & Infant Loss Day on October 15, Nicola said: “Walking through loss with a few friends and clients, I realised there was a gap when it came to nutrition for fertility, especially after a loss. With long waiting times and hard core medical treatment, I wanted to create something where BOTH parents feel they can do something practical that will benefit not only their fertility, but their health and well-being too.”

“There are 1 in 4 pregnancies that end in miscarriage, often within the first trimester when women don’t even know they are pregnant. This resource was created on the back of completing my perinatal nutrition course, and it addresses that gap.”

The ebook, which is available for free download from the Doula of Belfast website, delves into various aspects of fertility health. It highlights the importance of reducing oxidative stress and controlling blood sugar, two factors that can significantly impact fertility. 

Nicola emphasises that “small, but effective lifestyle changes” can make a big difference. 

She explained: “Sperm quality can improve within 74 days, and it takes 100 days for an egg to reach its maturity. As a first step, making wholesome dietary changes can be the first step in optimising your fertility.”

Nicola’s own journey to becoming a doula is deeply personal and has been marked by her own positive birthing experiences. 

“After having three successful water-births with a private midwife, it really changed and empowered me as a person. After my births, I knew I could do challenging and difficult things” she said, adding: “My sister-in-law asked if I would be her birth partner if her husband couldn’t do it. I felt so honoured to be invited into such a sacred space. I had never heard of a doula before, but a seed was planted, and a passion started to grow”

It wasn’t until 18 years later that Nicola pursued her calling. 

“I had home-schooled my kids through to the end of GCSEs, and thought I was now too old to become a doula. However, a Canadian company came to Belfast back in 2019 and I saw this as my opportunity to follow my heart’s calling. I attended the three-day in-person training, followed by their intense online two-year training programme, which I completed within a year.”

Nicola’s expertise now spans a wide range of areas including pregnancy, birth, holistic living, breastfeeding, trauma processing, biomechanics, and perinatal nutrition. Her dedication to supporting women during pregnancy and childbirth is evident in her comprehensive approach.

“I wanted to support and encourage women through their pregnancy journey,helping to prepare couples for their birth” she said. 

“The way a woman holds the memory of her birth, the way she was listened to, trusted, and treated, affects the way she steps into motherhood—be that the first time or the eighth.”

Addressing common myths about doulas, Nicola is keen to clarify misconceptions: “Doulas are not just for hippies or home births. A doula supports her client, whether she is having a natural birth, home-birth, planned or unplanned caesarean section, or a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean). We bring continuity of care throughout pregnancy, building a relationship based on trust,” she said.

Another common myth is that doulas replace partners during childbirth, a notion Nicola firmly disagrees with. 

“I love working together with the partner. We can work synergistically, bringing our strengths together. This really is a beautiful opportunity for the couple to bond, and it’s wonderful to be able to encourage that bond to deepen.”

In addition to her work during pregnancy and childbirth, Nicola also provides vital postnatal support, recognising the challenges new parents face. 

She explained: “New parents are incredible, but we can’t forget how much support they need to keep on top of things.

“I offer postnatal doula services where I come into the home to help with whatever the mum needs, whether it’s washing, light cleaning, meal prep, time to rest undisturbed, or even just someone to talk to, as being a new parent can feel lonely and isolating.”

Nicola’s work is underpinned by a deep belief in the importance of education and empowerment for expectant mothers. 

She said: “Through educating both parents about birth, autonomy, and advocating for their rights, there is more confidence, empowerment, and self-trust in the choices a woman makes, irrespective of how the birth unfolds.”

Her new ebook, Optimising Fertility After Loss, is a testament to this philosophy, offering women actionable steps to take control of their fertility health after experiencing loss. The guide covers key topics such as supporting egg and sperm health, managing oxidative stress, balancing blood sugar, and ensuring the diet is rich in essential micronutrients. It also includes practical advice and recipes to help women make these changes.

“This resource is meant to help women and their partners take the first step in optimising their fertility after a loss, and I hope it offers them both comfort and practical guidance,” said Nicola.

To download the free ebook Optimising Fertility After Loss: The Ultimate Guide go to doulaofbelfast.co.uk 

BarCamp Belfast has cemented its plans to bring an unconventional open-environment conference for collaborative business development and casual networking to Northern Ireland’s capital in two weeks.

The event on October 4 will move away from traditional conferences to bring an eclectic day-long feat that is uniquely different from what attendees will have experienced before.

Part of Belfast Tech Week, running from September 28 – October 4 this year, the user-generated unconference is open to individuals from all sectors, including founders, designers, developers, creatives, supporters and more.

Not a wholly new concept, unconferences feature a lack of overt structure, with the non hierarchical arrangement enabling attendees to deliver volunteered talks on a subject of their choosing, rather than specific speakers being selected.

Building on Andy McMillan’s 2009 success, organisers Marty Neill (of AirPOS Pay) and Martin Gilchrist (Gilchrist & Co Chartered Accountants) have brought the captivating day to fruition alongside the event’s headline sponsors Options Technologies, AirPOS Pay and media partner Excalibur Press.

Speaking on the need for events such as the one scheduled for October, Marty Neill stressed the importance of nurturing in-person learning and social communication.

Marty said: “With tech and entrepreneurial culture now very much shifting towards working from home we felt it was more important than ever to get the community together and Belfast Tech Week looked like the perfect time to do it.

“BarCamps and Biz Camps thrived back in the day as places to meet, spaces to learn and as environments where the sparks of starting something were lit. 

“We’re hoping that we’ll see some of the older heads from the original events rubbing shoulders with the new generation of makers and builders, transferring knowledge, making contacts and hopefully sharing some collective wisdom over a pint or two.”

“We’ll also be helping the Oh Yeah Music Centre in their campaign to buy their building with all proceeds on the day being donated to Oh Yeah.”

Featuring two stages, there will be a series of talks on everything from automation, menopause, networking, payments and private AI to net zero, social media, neurodiversity and a very exciting Metaverse launch.

Anyone registered for the event is granted the opportunity to freely discuss topics in front of an audience, granting exposure to otherwise unspoken subjects.

Registration is open and free of charge to individuals hoping to attend the October 4th spectacle.

For more information about #BelfastBarCamp2024 and to register interest for the October 4 event go to barcampbelfast.com

By Nicola Morgan 

In today’s world, we are fortunate to have access to remarkable medical advancements. From the discovery of penicillin to the development of X-rays and MRIs, these innovations have transformed healthcare, saving countless lives. 

Hospitals and doctors are invaluable when medical emergencies arise, but should childbirth be treated as a medical event?

Is Birth a Medical Event?

Childbirth is a natural, physiological process that occurs in women during their fertile years. (Birth is as natural as breathing or emptying your bowels, although it only happens a few times in a woman’s life.) While medical intervention is sometimes necessary, it is increasingly common for pregnancy care to be heavily risk-based, with numerous tests and scans that can instil fear and doubt in expectant mothers. When problems are sought out, they are often found, leading to even more interventions. Inductions in Northern Ireland are close to 60% in some areas with caesarean sections around 50%. The WHO recommends no more than 10-15% of births should be c-sections, so something is wrong! 

A recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) report identified that an overwhelmingly large majority (65%) of NHS maternity units are unsafe for women to give birth in. The inspections also uncovered that hospitals do not always consider women’s suffering after receiving poor care and, most shockingly, that some hospitals refrain from reporting incidents resulting in serious harm, whether that be to the mother or child.

Many pregnant women, trusting in the expertise of their doctors, may unknowingly hand over their autonomy. This compliance can result in experiences where mothers feel unheard and disempowered, leading to trauma and a lasting impact on their memory of birth and the way they transition into motherhood. The language used by healthcare providers, such as warnings about the risks of a large baby or the need for early induction or else the baby may die, can be coercive and is certainly unethical. 

Patient or Client?

The dictionary defines a patient as someone undergoing medical treatment, while a client engages the services of another. Pregnancy is not an illness; it does not automatically require medical management unless complications arise. Expectant mothers should view themselves as clients, making informed decisions about their care after considering all the options.

In a recent training session in Belfast, midwives and doulas discussed what hinders the natural birth process. A common observation was how women often adopt a ‘patient mentality’ upon entering the hospital, becoming passive and compliant. This mindset can strip them of their strength and agency, reducing them to mere recipients of medical care.

Take Control of Your Birth Experience

It is crucial for pregnant women to take control of their birth experience. By becoming informed and asking questions, they can make decisions that are right for them and their families. Maternity services are a service, not an authority. Women should feel empowered to accept or refuse treatment based on comprehensive information, without feeling pressured to conform to hospital policies. Having people who know her, her preferences and are willing to stand up and speak up for her when she is at her most vulnerable will only  benefit the woman and her birth experience, no matter how her birth unfolds. Research shows having a positive birth is about being heard and listened to more than the birth itself.

Midwives, too, are facing challenges. With overwhelming caseloads and limited resources, many are leaving the profession, unable to practise the true art of midwifery. This situation further emphasises the importance of women taking an active role in their care.

Becoming a Student of Your Birth

To change your birth outcome, it’s essential to educate yourself about the birthing process:

• Explore Your Options: Learn about different places to give birth and choose what suits your needs. If you have a low-risk pregnancy, consider midwifery-led care or a home birth.
• Ask Questions: Understanding the benefits, risks, and alternatives to any medical recommendation will help you make informed decisions.
• Hire a Doula: A doula provides guidance, emotional support, and advocacy throughout your pregnancy and birth. Research shows that having a doula improves birth outcomes and increases breastfeeding success rates.
• Childbirth Education: Enrol in an independent childbirth education class to understand the stages of labour, pain relief options, and how to start your breastfeeding journey.

Advocating for Yourself

Empowerment in childbirth comes from standing up for what you want. While it’s important to have support from a birth partner or doula, learning to advocate for yourself is crucial and empowering! It’s important to trust your body to grow and birth your baby alongside planning for different birth scenarios, including a caesarean, as this will help you feel prepared and in control.even if you are birthing outside of guidelines.

Knowledge is Power

The more you know about birth, the better prepared you will be. Seek out reliable resources from books, podcasts, positive birth stories, and knowledge from those who have had empowering experiences. By taking charge of your pregnancy and birth, you can create a positive and memorable experience for yourself and your baby.

For more information on how to take control of your birth experience and explore the support available to you go to doulaofbelfast.co.uk 

Some of the biggest names in Marketing are set to appear at ICC Belfast on November 14th for a remarkable day of learning and networking.

The Big Marketing Meet Up will return this Autumn to bring professionals together in one place and the 10-hour programme is filled with plenty of presentations from industry experts including best selling author and entrepreneur Seth Godin.

Following his surprise appearance at last year’s event, Seth  has announced his return to the event this year to speak on his upcoming book, This Is Strategy, which all attendees will receive a free digital copy of.

Appearing via video link from his NYC studio, Seth’s inspirational talk will delve into the importance of strategy and how a seemingly small action today can result in a monumental change tomorrow.

Emmy award winning former CNN White House correspondent, Gina London will also be presenting at the event. With the conference taking place 9 days after the much-anticipated 2024 US election, Gina’s topical speech “Trump vs Harris, who stands out as the master of persuasion will examine their real life communications styles with real life application beyond political podiums.

Rounding off the initial three speakers announced for the event is Joe Glover, founder of the Marketing MeetUp.

Joe has managed to create a community of over 10,000  members, and will be urging marketers not to sweat the small stuff and why the craft of marketing is just as important as the tactics you use.

Organiser Treena Clarke has specifically curated an awe-inspiring list of speakers to make sure that guests will get the most out of the event, embracing networking opportunities as well as facilitating learning.

She said: “The success of our last meet-up showed the demand for a programme that provides key insights and discussions in a fun environment. 

“Our speakers and attendees ensure that this will be an event created by marketing professionals, for marketing professionals. It’s time for marketers to take time out, learn, and energise.”

The Big Marketing Meet-Up is designed to stimulate marketers, leaving them passionate about upcoming projects or with a reignited fire for the industry to ensure they excel at their careers moving forward.

To find out more about the programme and to secure earlybird tickets, go to bmmubelfast.com

Skypark, Carlingford, is set to transform the winter season with the launch of Adventure Lights, a unique 14-week event designed to enchant visitors and boost the local economy. 

Running from October 26 to February 2, this immersive light experience brings Irish mythology to life, offering an unforgettable journey through the ‘Land of Legends’.

The €500,000 investment in Adventure Lights reflects a commitment to creating a standout winter attraction for the region. As visitors traverse the illuminated path, they will be drawn into an interactive adventure that merges ancient Irish myths with engaging, family-friendly activities.

Edward Fuller, General Manager of Skypark, highlighted the significance of the event: “This event is not only a celebration of the unique heritage of Ireland, especially County Louth but also a crucial driver of local employment. By attracting thousands of visitors, we are creating new opportunities for local businesses and seasonal jobs, ensuring that the benefits are felt across the entire community.”

The event’s path takes visitors through themed zones including the Dolmen Adventure, Maze Adventure, Skynet Adventure, Mythology Adventure, and Extinction Adventure. These zones are brought to life through striking 2D and 3D illuminated statues, creating a magical atmosphere against the winter backdrop. As part of the adventure, participants can solve clues while learning about legendary figures from Irish folklore.

For a fresh take on exploration, visitors can experience Ireland’s Ancient East maze or enjoy the Skynet Adventure—a whole new experience after dark.

Alongside the activities, Adventure Lights will feature a range of food options. From pizzas, burgers, and loaded fries to sweet treats like crepes, donuts, and toasted marshmallows, visitors will have plenty of delicious choices to enjoy during their evening.

Thomas McArdle, Managing Director of Skypark, praised the hard work of the team, saying: “The Skypark team has truly gone above and beyond in bringing our Adventure Lights event to life. In partnership with Decoled, a specialist European lighting company, whose expertise will transform Skypark into a captivating winter destination, the team on the ground has been working tirelessly around the clock. Their dedication is turning Skypark into a one-of-a-kind event that promises to captivate visitors from near and far.”

As Carlingford is only one hour from Dublin and one hour from Belfast, and the Adventure Lights is expected to attract visitors from across the country, providing a much-needed boost to local tourism during the off-peak winter months. The opening hours of 4pm to 8pm and style of the event is designed for families, schools, and groups, making it a perfect outing for anyone looking to combine outdoor adventure with the allure of Irish mythology.

This event is kindly supported by Failte Ireland and Louth County Council and Louth Leader.

For tickets and more information go to skypark.ie

Women in tech organisation TechFoundHer has opened applications for its highly anticipated Innovation Labs, an eight week programme designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools and skills needed to innovate with technology.

The forward-thinking initiative will empower women who have identified big problems they want to solve, applicants aren’t required to have a tech background or experience as the programme will teach them how to leverage emerging technologies such as AI, low-code/no-code tools,  to overcome business challenges, optimise workflows, and accelerate product development. 

“The Innovation Labs programme isn’t just for people who have tech industry experience, it will support all women regardless of their tech knowledge. We’re  busting the myths surrounding the idea that you need to be able to code to start a company that creates a tech driven product or service” explained Mairin.

Funded through the Shared Island initiative, a collaboration supported by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland, the programme is set to begin in mid-October and aims to create a supportive environment for 35 women entrepreneurs from both Ireland and Northern Ireland.

A Unique Opportunity for Women Entrepreneurs

The TechFoundHer Innovation Labs are part of a larger mission to address the gender gap in the tech industry by empowering women who may not come from a coding background. 

The programme is open to women founders who have already created a prototype or concept for a tech-driven product but may lack the technical expertise or roadmap to bring their ideas to market. 

Over the course of eight weeks, participants will be introduced to AI-driven tools, innovative frameworks, and hands-on learning, providing them with the confidence to lead tech product development.  

The women participating will benefit from a series of  hands-on workshops in Dublin and Belfast, complemented by a  schedule of online tool demonstrations, webinars, and mentoring sessions with industry experts. 

In addition to hands-on practical learning which requires only four-five hours per week commitment, the programme fosters a network of like-minded women founders who can share experiences and support each other throughout the process.

Building on Previous Success

The Innovation Labs builds upon the success of previous TechFoundHer Boot Camps held in 2023 and 2024. These one-day events provided an introduction to tech-driven business strategies and offered insight into how women founders can leverage technology for success. 

However, the Innovation Labs go one step further, offering a more comprehensive, deep-dive experience into specific tech topics, with an emphasis on learning by doing. The programme will have a focus on practical takeaways showing entrepreneurs how they can use tools to make progress fast

Mairin Murray, founder of TechFoundHer, explained the importance of such initiatives in today’s entrepreneurial landscape.

“Many women want to have an impact and solve big global problems and they want to use tech to achieve this.  But if you’re not a techie or coder – where do you start? The Innovation Labs programme maps out the steps” she said.

“The Innovation Labs aim to bridge the know-how  gap by building the skills and confidence needed to lead tech product development no matter what your background.

“The programme’s approach ensures that participants are not only introduced to tools and templates but also given the opportunity to put what they learn into practice immediately. 

“From prototyping tools to AI-driven insights, the Innovation Labs are designed to turn ideas into actionable solutions that can be implemented into participants’ businesses straight away.”

Supporting Cross-Border Innovation and Collaboration

In line with the Shared Island initiative the TechFoundHer Innovation Labs programme will promote cross-border innovation and collaboration, with a particular focus on helping female entrepreneurs in Ireland and Northern Ireland build the necessary tech skills to drive business success. 

Mairin added: “With only 20% of computer science graduates being female, programmes like this are critical to addressing the gender imbalance in tech-driven industries.

“The Shared Island initiative has recognised that many women founders face barriers due to a lack of technical skills. As a result the TechFoundHer Innovation Labs were developed with this in mind, providing tools and resources that allow non-technical founders to lead product development without relying on a technical co-founder.”

Applications and Eligibility Criteria

Applications for the Innovation Labs, also supported by KPMG, are now open and will close on Friday 4th October. The programme is open to women founders who have identified a tech-driven solution to grow their business and have at least a prototype or wireframe of their product. 

Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to participate in the programme and a willingness to attend in-person labs in Dublin and Belfast.

The programme is limited to 35 participants, with places split between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Applicants will be selected based on their business concept, potential for growth, and readiness to integrate technology into their operations.

How to Apply

Women entrepreneurs interested in joining the programme are encouraged to submit an expression of interest as soon as possible. 

The programme will kick off in October followed by a series of events and labs running until December 2024.

For more information and to submit an expression of interest go to techfoundher.com/innovation-labs 

A Northern Ireland disability rights campaigner has launched a new initiative that will allow wheelchair users to enjoy ‘all inclusive’ accessibility at local hospitality venues and hotels.

Shelley Cowan, from Enniskillen, was confined to bed, tube fed and unable to use her limbs for 12 years as a result of severe ME and spent a further decade as a wheelchair user.

She is now using her lived experience and research findings into the ‘purple pound’, the spending power of disabled people and their families, to help make all venues accessible with her campaign #accommodationforall.

She said: “When people think of ‘all-inclusive’, they think of ‘all you can eat’ food and drink. I want it to mean that hotels and venues are fully accessible for all.

“In 2024, it is shameful that there are not adequate facilities available for everyone. I know of people who have had to sleep on pool loungers at hotels because the hotel rooms aren’t accessible.

“Negative hospitality attitudes are commonplace, causing guests with severe disabilities to feel humiliated, ignored, unwanted and a nuisance. It isn’t good enough.”

Placing her passion into a project, Shelley founded Access Avenue, a business venture which she hopes will help people with disabilities to be included in society.

Speaking on her first-hand experience of the difficulties that disabled tourists are forced to accept, Shelley said: “I was a wheelchair user and it was following personal experience of ineffective hospitality venues that I researched the area to improve accessibility within hospitality and tourism.

“I want everyone to have the opportunity to fully participate and explore equal, effective, enjoyable experiences – the campaign follows these 5E’s.

“For me, as a wheelchair user, travelling was inaccessible, unaffordable and too cumbersome to gain any real benefit from the experience.”

Speaking on the shocking conditions that guests with disabilities are faced with due to hotels frequently exaggerating their accessibility status, Shelley said her research concluded that: “75% of tourists with severe physical disabilities perceive current hotel venue barriers as excessive, increasingly difficult or unreasonable to navigate.

“50% of tourists with severe disabilities bring, purchase or rent their own heavy, expensive hoisting devices to be able to stay in hotels.”

Shelley herself shared that she fit into this category: “I had to purchase and transport a portable hoist, blow-up pressure relieving mattresses for myself and a mattress for a carer.”

To combat this, Shelley created the ‘Hotel Accessibility Grading Classification’, a system which aims to help guests understand the level of accessibility within certain venues.

From today, her outlined plan to work with hospitality providers in an attempt to equip them with the knowledge and skills on how they can change their premises in a positive move towards being more accessible is underway.
Shelley has previously conducted research into the problems faced by those with disabilities as part of her MSc in International Business.

The findings highlight major failings for people with disabilities and vast access barriers within the hospitality sector in the country, including how, despite there being hundreds of pet-friendly accommodation options in the UK, there are only 17 fully accessible hotels for disabled guests to choose from, with zero of these being found in Northern Ireland.

Shelley believes that her personal experience as a wheelchair user for ten years, and throughout her illness has fitted into all three categories of the grading system, has offered a unique insight into the daily barriers faced by those who have disabilities, developing a fail-proof of adequate provision for the hotel industry.

Shelley said: “Overall, Northern Ireland hotel accessible offerings are limited, basic, impractical and inadequately designed, however this was found to also be a global issue.

“Hospitality, particularly hotels, lose millions of pounds due to inaccessibility-related non-participation.

“To be able to stay away from home for even one night took weeks of rigorous planning and several phone calls to the hotel to ensure the venue and facilities were suitable for my needs.

“The majority of rooms were not spacious enough to manoeuvre and use the equipment safely.”

Having conducted numerous interviews with domestic and international wheelchair-using tourists, Shelley discovered they find accommodation providers in Northern Ireland inadequate, inaccessible and unavailable for the severely disabled.

Shelley said her findings show that this is a regional, national and global issue, impacting the tourism industry, and she believes that accommodation providers lose millions of pounds annually due to inaccessibility-related non-participation.

She said: “Hotel guests with disabilities want fair, equal service and prices comparable to other guests.
“Guests with disabilities want barrier-free travel with accommodation as stated. We want to enjoy hotels as much as anyone else.”

The purple pound is the spending power of disabled households, currently valued at £274 billion per year in the UK alone and $8 trillion globally; £12 billion of the former figure is in accessible tourism, signalling the potential that hospitality companies are excluding by ignoring this demographic.

Rounding off her remarks with advice for the sector, Shelley Cowan said: “I believe accommodation providers with full accessibility will benefit from an increase in trade from the ‘purple pound’.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone if we work together.”

September is a key month in any parents’ calendars, with the start of the academic year meaning a whole new experience for three and four year olds: nursery. 

Starting nursery school or creche is a huge milestone for any child and whilst exciting, it can be a very daunting time for both children and parents alike.

North Belfast childcare expert and owner of Wee Chicks CIC, Kelly Molloy, is armed with almost two decades’ worth of experience caring for kids and has shared some of her top tips on aiding the process.

Well-versed in overcoming the struggles associated with sending your little ones off on their own for the first time, Kelly has outlined the best way to ease the transition and set the stage for a positive start.

Calling on her years of experience owning Wee Chicks, Kelly states that maintaining a positive attitude will help your child settle and enjoy the start of their journey with education.

Kelly explained: “A child can read your energy – so if you feel calm and prepared, they will too.”

Here’s Kelly’s top tips to help your little one love their new school:

1. Pay a visit

“Working out your little ones’ schedule means your mind will be put at ease and you will be prepared to guide them through their day” explained Kelly.

“Take a look at the facilities, check out the environment and put yourself in their shoes, noting anything that your child might be interested in to mention to them on days when they feel overwhelmed. 

“Don’t be scared to ask lots of questions and always trust your instincts.”

2. It’s good to talk

Kelly said: “Communicate with your child about what will happen. This is a big change that needs to be normalised, even after the switch over has occurred. 

“Bring nursery life into everyday conversation and try to remove any fears your child raises with you, including updating them on how you’ll be spending the day too. 

“Make sure they know what they will be doing each day and what you will be doing while they are there – even if it is just cleaning the house.”

3. Stay positive

“Your attitude towards nursery school will influence your child’s feelings” said Kelly, adding: “The majority of the time, it’s the parents who are feeling nervous about the shift, so it’s important to reassure your child that this is going to be a fun, new experience. 

“Tell them it’s going to be very exciting. Explain that they are going to meet new friends, and they’re going to be able to play with great new toys.”

4. Establish a routine

Start adjusting your child’s daily routine to match the schedule they will follow at nursery school. 

Kelly explained: “This means they will know what is happening and it should reduce anxiety. So, have a good bedtime routine, make sure your child knows what to do in the morning and stick to this trend. 

“If they know what is about to happen, it will reassure them. It will also help them understand that you will come back at the end of the day.”

5. Special affirmations

“If your child is feeling anxious, you can give them small affirmations that they can repeat to themselves” said Kelly.

“I recommend telling them to say things like: ‘I’m going to have fun,’ and ‘I am going to be safe.’ This can be really helpful.”

6. Comfort items

Kelly said: “Your child is still very young and may need a little reminder of home with them during the transition period. That could be a special toy (ask at the nursery about their policy on this) or a picture. 

““You can draw a little heart on their hand with a pen and tell them to touch it if they are feeling sad. Or send a ‘pocket hug’ with them. This can be a piece of paper with a heart drawn on it that they can look at for reassurance.”

For more information go to weechicks.com