Annual Awards Launched To Recognise Social Enterprise Excellence In Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards, in partnership with Go Succeed are back for 2024. The annual awards led by Social Enterprise Northern Ireland recognise and celebrate the remarkable achievements and positive contributions of social enterprises across the region.

Applications are now open, and organisations are encouraged to enter before the deadline of midnight, Sunday 7th of July, to showcase their impact and key achievements in the last year. 

The prestigious Awards shines the light on the talented individuals, teams and organisations who are making a real difference, changing lives, building inclusive communities, and making a positive impact in society, all while making a profit through their respective business. With a wide range of Award categories, they offer the opportunity to highlight success, gain local recognition and enhance credibility.

2024 Award Categories: 

  • Best New Start Up 
  • Best Use of Social Media 
  • Community Wealth Building 
  • Consumer Facing Social Enterprise 
  • Cooperative  
  • Council  
  • Credit Union – Assets up to £25 million
  • Credit Union – Assets over £25 million
  • Emerging Leader  
  • Leader of the Year 
  • Outstanding Team Award 
  • Product Based Social Enterprise (New) 
  • Rural Social Enterprise of the Year 
  • Social Enterprise of the Year – up to 500k turnover
  • Social Enterprise of the Year – over 500k turnover
  • Social Impact Award  
  • Social Value Partnership  
  • Young Person    

The 2024 headline Awards sponsor Go Succeed, is the new go-to business support service that helps local entrepreneurs and businesses including Social Enterprises across Northern Ireland to start, grow and scale their businesses. Delivered by Northern Ireland’s eleven local councils, Go Succeed offers a huge range of support, from masterclasses, online workshops and help accessing grant funding to one-to-one mentoring, peer networking and beyond, all free of charge.

Mayor of Derry City & Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue said: “Go Succeed is delighted to partner with Social Enterprise NI for their annual sectoral Awards this year. All eleven Councils have worked in collaboration with SENI over many years to support the growth of the Social Enterprise sector and this new partnership further strengthens that relationship

“Through Go Succeed, we are privileged to work with a range of Social Enterprises to take their organisation to the next level and can’t wait to hear from others as we aim to help entrepreneurs and businesses across all sectors realise their ambitions.”

Colin Jess, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise Northern Ireland said: “Our annual awards are a fantastic celebration of the impact and innovation of the social enterprise sector in Northern Ireland. Submit your application now for the chance to recognise the incredible hard work and contributions of your team. Last year we had record-breaking entries and look forward to another successful year.”

“Entrants will complete applications using an online portal, allowing them to edit, amend and review their entry before submitting. Entry is free and open to all social enterprises operating in Northern Ireland.”

Economy Minister Deirdre Hargey said: “The innovation and vibrancy of the social enterprise sector is one that should excite and inspire us. It is a sector I am committed to and focused on.

“Indeed, I am pleased that my Department has recently awarded SENI a grant agreement to partner with us to deliver a renewed and enhanced Social Enterprise Work Programme, including an increase of more than 50% in grant funding for the current financial year, reflecting the value and importance of the sector. 

“The Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards are an important opportunity to showcase and recognise the quality of talent in this diverse sector and I encourage social enterprises across the north to submit an entry.”

Winner of Social Enterprise of the Year last year, John McLean OBE, Chief Executive of Radius Housing said: “Winning this key accolade provided invaluable recognition of our team’s hard work, not just locally but nationally. We are on an exciting journey to enhance our service offering and to be as sustainable as possible. I strongly encourage everyone to enter and maximise this opportunity to gain recognition and credibility.

Winners of the 2024 Awards will be announced at a gala ceremony on Friday 8th November compered by radio presenter and Social Enterprise Northern Ireland ambassador Cate Conway. Guests should expect an entertaining evening, filled with inspiration and excitement.

To enter the Awards, visit https://socialenterpriseni.awardsplatform.com/

Women In Tech Organisation TechFoundHer To Host International Film “Show Her The Money” At The MAC

 

Women in tech organisation TechFoundHer is hosting the showing of an international film highlighting the under investment in women entrepreneurs in Belfast this week.

Only 2% venture capital funding goes to women and the LA produced documentary Show Her The Money asks what entrepreneurs and people in positions of influence across the globe can do to change this. This is a movement for change as well as a movie.

TechFoundHer, set up by entrepreneur Mairin Murray, is a collective of women tech founders, advisors and champions who work together to raise awareness about the entrepreneurial opportunities and ecosystem across Ireland.

Show Her The Money will be screening at The MAC, Belfast on Wednesday May 22 at 5pm and will be part of their bigger AI Roadshow featuring a range of expert speakers from across the country.

The film, which is a powerful and uplifting film dedicated to shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of women entrepreneurs in their quest for funding, will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with film producer Catherine Gray and other founders and investors.

“TechFoundHer is on a mission to ensure women have the opportunity to fully contribute as tech entrepreneurs and innovators,” explained founder Mairin Murray. 

“Women are currently massively under-represented as the founders of tech companies. This has to change. Tech has no gender, and it’s time we come up with bold solutions to address the underinvestment in women’s startups.

“Show Her The Money is critical as a key moment to start our campaign for entrepreneur equity – this is a global movement.”

Directed by Ky Dickens, the film will also demystify the world of venture capital. It follows four visionary founders as they endure uphill battles to turn their ideas into reality and the women who invest in them. Despite their dedication and passion constantly being challenged, these women, with the financial support and mentorship of their angel investors, become even more determined, resourceful, and resilient, and the growth of their businesses is mind-blowing. Each business has the potential to become a ‘unicorn’… a billion-dollar business.

Show Her The Money will also showcase the rockstar women angel investors who support them and features Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Sharon Gless (better known as one half of Cagney and Lacey) and award-winning movie producer, author and founder of She Angel Investors, Catherine Gray. 

Speaking of the film Catherine said: “For the first time in history, women are starting their venture capital funds, and we are on a mission to educate women about why we need more women investors to support these funds.

“I just couldn’t bear the thought that these innovations would go unfulfilled. I do believe film and television can help change culture – thus the creation of this film. We want Show Her The Money to move the needle by telling the stories of these exceptional women. We’re on a 50 city tour and excited to be coming to Belfast and Dublin.

Speakers include producer and She Angels founder Catherine Gray, investor featured in the film, Wendy Ryan, Dr Lollie Mancey (innovator and entrepreneur), Tina Calder (media and marketing expert from Excalibur Press), Áine Denn (former co-founder at Altify, Jemma Simpson (founder DiverseTalent.ai), Alison McMurtrie (investor / founder Trrue & iDunn Consulting), Aislinn McBride (services CTO at Kainos), Lata Setty  (VC, How Women Invest Fund “The New Table”), Laura McClean (MD Synechron) and Mairin herself.

TechFoundHer AI Roadshow is supported and sponsored by Synechron, Belfast City Council, MCS Group, Queen’s University Belfast Business School, Kainos, Invest NI, Version 1, Bring It On, iDunn Consulting, Ormeau Baths, DogPatch Labs, PorterShed, Republic of Work, RDI Hub and Excalibur Press.

For information and to book tickets go to techfoundher.com

Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI Demands Urgent Government Action on ME Specialist Services at Stormont Rally

12.05.24 – World ME Day – Belfast, Northern Ireland

By Joan McParland, founder, Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI

 

Today, the Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI community stood at the historic gates of Stormont united by our shared challenges and hope for a better future. 

Ten years ago, in 2014, we rallied here with a silent demonstration, collecting thousands of signatures that demanded the attention of our leaders – a call for the urgent establishment of specialist M.E. services in Northern Ireland. 

Our gathering today renews and intensifies this demand, underlining the critical need for immediate action and robust support for those living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.).

The outdated NICE Guidelines on ME/CFS, CG53, in place since 2007 and only revised in October 2021 to NG206, had recommended treatments like Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) which subsequent research and patient experiences proved to be harmful to patients.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), was used as a way to diminish patient experiences rather than help support them to mentally and emotionally manage and cope with living with a very real and physical illness. These changes marked a significant shift in understanding but have yet to translate into improved care for our patients in Northern Ireland, who remain in desperate need of professional and compassionate medical support.

Our call at Stormont today is charged with urgency. The absence of commissioned M.E. services in Northern Ireland has left our patients without the specialist care they critically require. 

Intermittently for well over a decade, the community relied on being able to pay for a private consultant from London, but this service was disrupted by the pandemic and unfortunately had not been able to be resumed, leaving a void filled only by despair. With the impending retirement of our metabolic/endocrinology consultant who showed a keen interest in M.E., the prospect of having no medical professionals familiar with this complex condition becomes a harsh reality.

This situation has placed an undue burden on general practitioners, many of whom lack the necessary training to effectively manage M.E. and are disadvantaged due to being unable to refer patients to a secondary care specialist or consultant. The disparity in disbelief, stigma of and lack of understanding around the illness among healthcare providers has led to a postcode lottery of care, where the quality of treatment depends heavily on the knowledge and belief of individual practitioners. This is a grave injustice to those afflicted.

What we urgently need is for M.E. to be recognised in Northern Ireland as a legitimate, severe medical condition by all healthcare professionals, organisations, and political figures. 

We demand the immediate commissioning of specialist M.E. services and a dedicated medical lead in Northern Ireland, supported by recurrent financial resources. Furthermore, the newly revised NICE Guidelines on ME/CFS NG206 which were endorsed by the Department of Health and circulated to healthcare professionals by the deputy chief medical officer of Northern Ireland in January 2022 must be implemented across all health and social care services immediately.

Education is crucial. M.E. must be included in the curriculum for medical students and part of ongoing training for all healthcare professionals. This will ensure that future generations of healthcare providers are better equipped to understand and treat M.E. and related conditions. Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI have created a 2-part educational programme for professionals who can earn three hours of CPD points by registering for and completing through the charity.

In fact Minister for Health Robin Swann recently highlighted the need for M.E. to be highlighted in the medical curriculum.

Awareness programs must be extended to dispel the stigma associated with these illnesses, promoting a more empathetic and informed approach within the medical community and beyond.

We call on our politicians to take decisive action. We need the government to facilitate the negotiation and establishment of M.E. specialist services and to ensure that the revised NICE guidelines are applied throughout our healthcare system. Accountability mechanisms should be put in place to ensure these services are not only promised but delivered.

Our political advocates need to speak up in the Northern Ireland Assembly and at Westminster to champion the cause of those living with M.E.. By fostering greater awareness and pushing for the implementation of essential services, they can play a crucial role in transforming the lives of thousands.

The path to achieving these changes has been fraught with administrative and logistical setbacks, as evidenced by the repeated failures to secure a dedicated M.E. consultant. These challenges underscore the systemic issues within our healthcare recruitment and retention strategies, which must be addressed as part of broader reforms.

As part of our ongoing advocacy, Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI has launched the DISCOVER ME campaign. This initiative includes a tour of our educational VR film, Discover ME, across 13 libraries across the country in partnership with Libraries NI, aiming to immerse viewers in the realities of living with M.E.. 

This powerful film, created by Professor Deepa Mann-Kler, has already begun to change hearts and minds, providing a visceral, empathetic insight into the daily lives of those affected by these conditions.

It is time for acknowledgement, action, and advocacy. Our community cannot afford any more delays in receiving the care and recognition it deserves. We have united here today to demand immediate change and to assert that we will accept nothing less.

Join us, support us, and help us forge a future where M.E., Fibromyalgia and other related conditions such as Long Covid are not just recognised but adequately addressed within our healthcare system. Together, we can ensure that no one is left to fight alone.

For more information about the campaign go to hope4mefibro.org 

Lord Mayor Launches Groundbreaking Discover ME Campaign With Virtual Reality Experience

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy has launched the powerful Discover ME campaign which begins on World ME Day.

The Discover ME campaign has been organised by the Charity Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI, as part of an ongoing initiative to raise awareness for the medical conditions Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), Fibromyalgia, Long Covid and other Post Viral Syndromes (PVS) such conditions can demonstrate overlapping characteristics.

The campaign, designed to deepen public and professional understanding of chronic conditions like M.E., will begin on World ME Day where significant landmarks such as Parliament Buildings at Stormont and various council buildings are to be lit up in blue to symbolise solidarity and support for those affected by M.E., Fibromyalgia and Long Covid.

Having teamed up with Libraries NI, the campaign will then tour 13 libraries across Northern Ireland giving the public, politicians, educators and healthcare professionals the chance to experience the powerful Discover ME film in Virtual Reality (VR).

Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy said he was delighted to launch the campaign.

He added: “I’d like to commend Discover M.E.’s innovative approach, harnessing some of the best of our innovation talent in Professor Deepa Mann-Kler’s company Neon to create an immersive, hard-hitting campaign. It’s going to increase awareness and understanding of these chronic medical conditions which are unfortunately negatively impacting on so many people’s lives here. 

“Partnerships like these will help to drive medical progress and treatment forward and I encourage people to take the time to discover more about these conditions through the Discover M.E.VR experience at their local library.”

The 13-library tour across the country will start on May 14 at Lisburn and Falls Road libraries before moving on to Holywood Arches and Bangor Library on May 15, Portstewart and Grove Library on May 21, Omagh and Derry City Library on May 28, Antrim and Lisburn Road Library on May 29, Portadown and Newry Library on June 3 and finishing the tour at Belfast Central Library on June 4.

Julie Reid, Deputy Head of Services for Libraries NI said they were delighted to be supporting a powerful educational campaign like Discover ME across their network.

She added: “Libraries NI is pleased to support this initiative as it raises awareness of the significant impact that conditions like M.E. and Fibromyalgia can have on individuals’ lives.

“Our libraries serve as pillars of support and compassion for many members of the local community, offering valuable resources and information on a wide range of health-related topics. We hope that the upcoming events in libraries will provide a platform for people to gain a deeper understanding of the personal experiences of those managing the daily challenges of M.E., Fibromyalgia, and other illnesses.”

At each library location, visitors will be able to have the opportunity to put on a VR headset and experience the six-minute Discover ME film themselves.

Hope 4 ME & Fibro founder Joan McParland MBE said developing the Discover ME film into a VR experience introduces M.E. and addresses the stigma and misinformation surrounding the disease.

She explained: “We felt it was important to turn the film into a VR experience because it’s a unique way to view the message. Because it is in VR you are completely immersed in the patient experiences – they’re sharing the hard hitting reality of living with M.E. in their own words” 

Linda Campbell, chair of Hope 4 ME & Fibro added: “The film allows viewers to be immersed in the sight and sound. In the viewings we’ve already facilitated with healthcare professionals and the public we’ve seen an increased impact of the film because it is in VR. The individual is immersed in the experience, which proves to be both memorable and emotive. 

“Increased awareness and education of M.E. is achieved as a result, and this then becomes a learning and discussion point to share with others.”

The Discover ME film was directed and produced by Professor Deepa Mann-Kler, chief executive of Neon and visiting professor of Immersive Futures at Ulster University.

“When Professor Mann-Kler first approached us with her previous VR technology used to help self-manage pain, we saw an opportunity not just to educate but to foster genuine empathy towards M.E., amplifying our message through the power of storytelling” said Joan.

“Our mission with the Discover ME campaign is to challenge the myths and misrepresentation surrounding M.E., and other related conditions like Fibromyalgia and Long Covid and to show the harsh realities faced by patients through a compelling VR experience. Professor Deepa Mann-Kler has brilliantly transformed this into an animated VR film that goes beyond conventional awareness efforts.”

Professor Mann Kler said using virtual reality allowed the charity to provide a visceral understanding of the lives disrupted by M.E. and similar conditions.

“How we made Discover ME was as equally important as the final piece, where the process of co-creation has lead to a truly authentic and compelling insight into the lives of people from all walks of life and their lived experiences. As a storyteller, it was an honour to be trusted in this way. 

“This campaign is so important in helping raise awareness. Discover ME also now forms part of the Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast respective Medical Schools course curriculum. That will help change people’s lives, by training future Doctors” she explained.

The Discover ME campaign also includes a series of awareness billboards, social media and a series of additional events for the medical profession and educators in the area of M.E., Fibromyalgia and Long Covid.

Discover ME Film is a partnership between Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI, Silverink, Enter Yes and Neon and was funded by NI Screen.

Additional funding for virtual reality headset equipment was provided by The Hospital Saturday Fund and monies raised by patients and their family members.

For more information about the campaign go to hope4mefibro.org

Deputy Lord Mayor Encourages Women Entrepreneurs To Attend First TechFoundHer AI Roadshow In Belfast

Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Áine Groogan said Belfast must “support inclusive growth and opportunities in businesses of the future”.

She was speaking at the launch of the TechFoundHer AI Roadshow which will be taking place at The MAC, Cathedral Quarter, later this month.

The women in tech organisation, set up by Co Down entrepreneur Mairin Murray, has announced they will also launch their Northern Ireland community at the event.

The roadshow follows on from the success of the recent TechFoundHer Bootcamp in Dublin, a one-day innovation summit for female founders.

Speaking of the city’s commitment to creating growth opportunities for local entrepreneurs, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Áine Groogan said: “As event co-sponsor, we’re really looking forward to welcoming TechFoundHer 2024 to Belfast, following the successful TechFoundHer Bootcamp in Dublin last month. 

“We’ve made a commitment in The Belfast Agenda to support inclusive growth and opportunities in businesses of the future, so it’s wonderful to see this event encouraging female entrepreneurship and greater participation in Belfast’s burgeoning tech sector. 

“As well as providing valuable learning and networking opportunities for women who want to learn more about emerging technology trends and the funding environment, TechFoundHer is also going to share international perspectives from female founders, with input from investors and entrepreneurs from the US, UK and Ireland. 

“I encourage women at any stage of their tech career or business to register for this event and come along to The MAC.”

The AI Roadshow on Wednesday May 22 will include the premiere screening of the Los Angeles produced award winning movie Show Her The Money, a powerful and uplifting film dedicated to shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of women entrepreneurs in their quest for funding.

The film, produced by Catherine Gray and directed by Ky Dickens, takes audiences on an emotional journey through the lives of resilient and visionary women who have defied societal norms, shattered glass ceilings, and overcome obstacles to build their businesses. Catherine Gray and investor Wendy Ryan, featured in the movie, will be attending the roadshow from the US and leading the post screening panel with a Q&A session. 

The TechFoundHer AI Roadshow has an inspirational lineup of speakers who will lead a series of motivational talks with practical takeaways about the power of tech and the AI revolution that is underway

TechFoundHer founder Mairin Murray said she is delighted to be bringing a prestigious lineup of speakers to Belfast and added that it’s been her goal to run Northern Ireland based events for a number of years.

She added: “TechFoundHer is on a mission to ensure women can fully contribute as tech entrepreneurs and innovators.

“Women are currently massively under-represented as the founders of tech companies. This must change. Tech has no gender, and it’s time we come up with bold solutions to address the underinvestment in women’s startups.

“AI is happening now, and women founders need to be embracing all the opportunities it presents as quickly as possible.”

TechFoundHer was set up by Mairin Murray earlier this year with the mission to “unlock the potential of women to start and lead tech companies for the benefit of our economy, society and world” she explained, adding: “We build tech competence. We advocate for entrepreneur equality and system change. We are data driven and ask questions and look for answers. We connect impact focused women tech founders in our network with peers, champions, supporters and allies.”

Speakers include producer, advocate and She Angels Founder Catherine Gray, diversity champion and CEO Kadabra, Wendy Ryan, innovator and entrepreneur, Dr Lollie Mancey, Belfast based media and marketing expert Tina Calder of Excalibur Press and Mairin herself with more to be announced.

TechFoundHer AI Roadshow is supported and sponsored by Belfast City Council, Queen’s University Belfast Business School, Ormeau Baths, DogPatch Labs, PorterShed, Republic of Work, RDI Hub and Excalibur Press.

For information and to book tickets go to techfoundher.com.

TechFoundHer Brings AI Roadshow To Belfast

A women in tech organisation set up by Northern Ireland entrepreneur Mairin Murray is set to bring their hugely popular AI Roadshow to Belfast.

The roadshow follows on from the success of the recent TechFoundHer Bootcamp in Dublin, a one day innovation summit for female founders.

The AI Roadshow taking place at The MAC, Belfast on Wednesday May 22 will include the premiere screening of the Los Angeles produced award winning movie Show Her The Money, a powerful and uplifting film dedicated to shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of women entrepreneurs in their quest for funding.

The film, produced by Catherine Gray and directed by Ky Dickens, takes audiences on an emotional journey through the lives of resilient and visionary women who have defied societal norms, shattered glass ceilings, and overcome obstacles to build their businesses. Cathering Gray and investor Wendy Ryan, featured in the movie, will be attending the roadshow from the US to do an after screening panel plus Q&A. 

The TechFoundHer AI Roadshow has an inspirational lineup of speakers who will lead a series of motivational talks with practical takeaways about the power of tech and the AI revolution that’s underway

TechFoundHer founder Murray said she is delighted to be bringing a prestigious lineup of speakers to Belfast and added that it’s been a goal to run Northern Ireland based events for a number of years.

She added: “TechFoundHer is on a mission to ensure women have the opportunity to fully contribute as tech entrepreneurs and innovators.

“Women are currently massively under-represented as the founders of tech companies. This has to change. Tech has no gender, and it’s time we come up with bold solutions to address the underinvestment in women’s startups.

“AI is happening now and women founders need to be embracing all the opportunities it presents as quickly as possible.”

TechFoundHer was set up by Mairin Murray earlier this year with the mission to “unlock the potential of women to start and lead tech companies for the benefit of our economy, society and world” she explained, adding: “We build tech competence. We advocate for entrepreneur equality and system change. We are data driven and ask questions and look for answers. We connect impact focused women tech founders in our network with peers, champions, supporters and allies.”

Speakers include producer, advocate and She Angels Founder Catherine Gray, diversity champion and CEO Kadabra, Wendy Ryan, innovator and entrepreneur, Dr Lollie Mancey, Belfast based media and marketing expert Tina Calder of Excalibur Press and Mairin herself with more to be announced over the coming weeks.

TechFoundHer AI Roadshow is supported and sponsored by Belfast City Council, Ormeau Baths, DogPatch Labs, PorterShed, Republic of Work, RDI Hub and Excalibur Press.

For information and to book tickets go to techfoundher.com

Hundreds Of NI Companies & Experts Set To Attend National Construction Summit In Dublin

Hundreds of construction companies and experts are set to travel to Dublin next week for the annual National Construction Summit at the Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown.

Taking place on Thursday April 18, the event incorporates a comprehensive programme including a wide array of seminars and free workshops, the National Construction Summit, organised by Premier Publishing & Events, will also feature an extensive exhibition area, showcasing the latest products, services and technology for the construction, engineering, sustainable building, maintenance and architectural sectors.

Key Conference themes at the 2024 National Construction Summit include: Jobs, Skills, Training and Education; Infrastructural Investment; Public & Private Housing; Finance; Building Materials & Services Innovation; Foreign Direct Investment (FDI); Project Ireland 2040, the Housing For All Plan; Smart Design for Off-site Construction; Construction 4.0; Green Technology; and Sustainability.

Speakers at the conference will touch on a variety of subjects including discussing the fact that construction output in Ireland is forecast to grow by 3.2% in 2023 and 4.4% in 2024, according to Euroconstruct, an independent construction market forecasting network active in 19 European countries. Which is in contrast to output declines in construction across Europe.

Attendees will also hear about the Government’s housing policy for housing for all all to 2030. A multi-annual, multi-billion euro plan, it is designed to improve Ireland’s housing system and deliver more homes of all types for people with different housing needs. It has a built-in annual review mechanism to respond to progress made in implementing the plan, to challenges in implementation, and to changes in the external environment.

The conference will discuss the fact that housing supply has been increasing, and the continuing increase in house prices and rents indicate that demand for housing is still growing at a faster pace than supply.

The conference will also touch on the challenges being faced by the sector discussing how the construction sector is a vital component of the Irish economy providing the necessary infrastructure required to sustain Ireland’s economic growth and competitiveness and to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). According to a recent EY Economic Advisory report, the value of Irish construction output is projected to reach €35.2 billion in 2024.

Although the Irish construction industry is undergoing a steady recovery following subdued activity in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it faces significant challenges, such as rising materials costs, skills shortages and difficulties in planning and public sector procurement.

Innovation will also play a central role in the event with many speakers discussing the fact that in order to design and construct the sustainable buildings and infrastructure required by a growing population and to help businesses adapt to the challenges of the unfolding fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), the construction industry throughout Ireland needs to rapidly adopt innovative technologies and techniques. However, there is concern that the industry is not evolving fast enough to meet these changing needs.

The National Construction Summit will host over 100 speakers across seven stages. Included in the day will be a series of panels on topics ranging from “Building a Resilient Workforce: Attracting and Retaining Skilled Construction Talent”, “Voices of the Irelands MMC Sector: Priorities and Perspectives for a Sustainable Future”, “How PPPs can help meet Ireland’s infrastructure challenges”, and “Is Ireland Destined to Become a Secondary Data Hosting Location?” 

Agendas for the event are now live at nationalconstructionsummit.ie/agenda and details on all speakers are available at nationalconstructionsummit.ie/speakers 

The National Construction Summit also includes a number of co-located events which include:

  • Project Controls Event
  • The Architecture, Design and Planning Expo
  • BIM & Digital Construction Show
  • The Data Centre and Critical Infrastructure Expo
  • Fit-out & Interior Live
  • Health & Safety
  • Lean Construction Show
  • Modern Methods of Construction
  • Modular & Offsite Construction Show
  • The Engineering Summit
  • The National Facility Management and Maintenance Show
  • Passive Construction & NZEB
  • Smart & Green Building Expo

 

Registration is free at nationalconstructionsummit.ie

Banbridge Woman Melissa Irvine Transforms Personal Care Experience into Social Work Passion

“I think small things can have the biggest impact on people”

For Melissa Irvine, social work has always been a goal. Even when she temporarily took a different path, she knew she wasn’t where she wanted to be.

The 30-year-old from Banbridge knew social work was something she admired following her personal experiences. It was from these that she decided that she wanted to be the person to help people too.

Speaking about where her passion for social work came from, Melissa said: “I had been looking after my grandparents, and I had my granny living at home with me receiving palliative care. I just remember the social worker being there and the difference that she made to those final days for my grandma and for our family.

“I know what that meant to me and so if I could get the chance to reciprocate that for someone else, it would be lovely.”

Melissa knew she wanted to help people, however, when applying for university courses through UCAS, she was put off applying for social work courses as her by teachers who advised her that it was difficult to get a place on the social work degree at the time.

Going down a different path, Melissa began studying psychology at Queen’s University Belfast, but within four months she knew that wasn’t what she wanted. She then went on to do a foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies. After taking a year out to have her son, she completed the course in 2016, but still felt like she wasn’t where she was supposed to be.

“Once I had the degree, I felt unfulfilled. I didn’t know what I was supposed to do, there were no jobs for that foundation level” she explained.

After getting married, buying a house and having her second child, Melissa decided it was time to get back to her original plan.

“I applied for social work at Queen’s and started in September 2020.”

Melissa’s experience with her grandparents sparked her interest in social work and she hoped to work with older people when she qualified.

She explained: “It was an area of my personal life that I had experience in, but not professionally. I wanted to challenge myself. That’s the beauty of social work, the training is generic so you can work in any field when you qualify to find your perfect fit.

“I just thought about older people’s services and how I enjoy that work. Older people have a wealth of knowledge but they can also be vulnerable. My experience and compassion are based around that.”

After taking part in one of the few face-to-face interviews in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Melissa began her course in September at a time when the education system had to make changes to the way students were taught.

“My experience at Queen’s was not how I imagined it at all. But I embraced it, just like everyone else. We had to get on with it and figure it out. I had a baby and a child in P1 at home so I was trying to home school them while also getting my degree. It’s not what I would have wanted” said Melissa.

The main thing that Covid altered for Melissa was her first placement. After being assigned to the South Eastern Trust on the Permanent Placement team, there were a lot of infection control measures that had to be taken in order to get into the care home.

Speaking about her experience, she said: “the first placement was where I learned core skills like the social work process and reflection.

“My second was in my final year. I had to apply for special circumstances because my granny at that point was receiving palliative care. I asked to be placed within half an hour’s travel from home should I need to get to her.”

“Granny fell and broke her hip and although when she came out of hospital we arranged for her to go to a care home, she just wanted to go home. She was deteriorating so much.

I wanted to bring her home to live with me, so I phoned her social worker, Lisa.

“I knew it was a big ask, but I wanted her home for me for Christmas. It meant organising equipment and moving Granny from her house to mine, and all of that on the 23rd of December.

“Lisa got her home to me and two weeks after Christmas, she passed away. She was where she needed to be to let go.

“If it hadn’t been for Lisa and what she did for me, I wouldn’t have had that final time with her. She died surrounding people she loved and where she wanted to be,

“I now work with Lisa every day, and I want to do for other people what she what she did for me. She made me realise how valuable social work is.”

Reflecting on public awareness of social work with older people Melissa thought that more people knew about the role in children’s services. She said: “Older people services are actually carrying some of the highest levels of caseloads in the social work profession. We have an ageing population and there are more and more people needing our services.

“A lot of families don’t know about these services until they have a loved one needing to access support. We’re trying to respond and support people and families who have ever changing needs. There are a lot of demands on services and sometimes people have unrealistic expectations of what we can actually do”.

In terms of advice for others who hope to pursue a career in social work, Melissa said: “The degree gives you training but it felt like a big step up to become a qualified social worker. I think as a social worker there are things that you need to be able to bring to the table that you cannot learn, for example, your values, your empathy.

“Every area of social work is different. You need to believe in yourself. If you don’t have confidence in yourself, in what you’re doing and what you’re saying, then how can you expect other people to have confidence in you?

“The more you put into it, the more you’re going to get out of it. And the more you invest yourself in what you’re doing, the better outcomes you’re going to achieve.”

And when it comes to how difficult the profession is, Melissa explained: “The social work degree is demanding. I think it is that way for a reason.

“You’re being assessed and tested at every juncture to ensure you are going to be able to cope with the pressures, the workload and the pace and the difficulties that you’re going to face in day-to-day practice.

It’s the little unexpected things that make it worth it: “Just seeing people happy, and being able to be that person who can sometimes help them  fulfil their wishes.

“I think sometimes small things can have really big impacts on people.”

For more information on how you can train to be a social worker in Northern Ireland go to https://niscc.info/degree-in-social-work.

From Retail to Social Work: Tandragee Mum Embarks on Journey to Change Lives

“I just want to make a difference to anyone who is struggling”

From a young age Cathy Blevins knew she wanted to become a social worker. In her teenage years she wanted to give back to the community.

However, life got in the way, and Cathy missed out on her opportunity to pursue the career she dreamed of as an 18-year-old.

Now 34, the support worker who currently works for disability charity IncredABLE, she’s finally pursuing her dream.

The Tandragee mother of one 13-year-old is currently studying Social Work at Belfast Metropolitan College*. Although in her younger years she had encountered people who felt they had a negative experience with social workers she is excited about helping to dispel some of the myths around the work carried out by social workers in Northern Ireland.

Cathy, who currently helps families affected by disability, says having the ability to help people is one of the “best feelings” and something she is looking forward to bringing into her career as a social worker.

She said: “The reason I always had an interest in it was because I loved the thought of helping people and making changes for the better.

“When I told people I was applying for social work, they expressed their concerns because of what they thought the profession was about, but I want to prove to them that they’re wrong, I want to show them that social workers are there to help people.”

Despite wanting to enrol in social care when she was 18, Cathy’s life took a different path. She explained that school didn’t work out the way she wanted, she began working in retail and eventually became a mum to her son at 21.

Cathy then chose to put her career ambitions on hold as she wanted to watch her son grow up and be a stay at home mum.

But as her son started to get older Cathy realised it was time to do something for her. The feeling she should be helping people never left her, and three years ago she made the decision to return to her calling.

She explained: “I spent two years doing an access course and then I applied for university. I genuinely didn’t know if I would get in, but then I got the email to say I had been offered a place.

“I was initially in two minds about it because I’m getting married next year and knew this would mean I would have to come out of full-time employment and so I started worrying about how I could afford everything, but I knew I hadn’t just worked the last two years for nothing.”

Despite not having studied for many years, Cathy was able to return to education with few struggles.

“Everyone has been really supportive,” she said, adding: “The biggest challenge is that I live in Tandragee, so to avoid traffic I’m leaving the house before seven in the morning.

“I’ve had a lot of mum guilt that’s led me to question myself. But I know that it’s something that I really want to do and I know it will be worth it.”

While she completes her course, Cathy is also working as a Support Worker and Project Worker for people with learning disabilities and autism. Through this she participates in a number of different programmes.

She said: “We support and empower people by taking them out, we want to give them support while having their own freedom.”

The hands-on experience from her job has helped her in many different elements of the course, Cathy explained: “I have a better insight. In my job, we have reports to write and there’s been people on the course who have no idea how to do all of that yet.”

Describing the course itself, Cathy said it’s important for people to understand what they’re getting into: “There is a huge workload. I completely understand why we have so much to do. You can’t leave things to the last minute.

“The lecturers and tutors have been so brilliant across all my modules and really do make it easier for you.”

In hindsight, by deciding not to continue on her journey into social work when she was 18, it gave Cathy time to grow up and find herself.

She said: “If I had gotten onto the course when I was 18 I definitely would not have dealt the same with it. I wouldn’t have the same maturity. At 18 my heart wouldn’t have been in it the way it is now.

“I had my son when I was 21 and that made me grow up and I’m 34 now and I’ve been in situations where it’s given me a better understanding.”

For Cathy the journey may have taken a while but the satisfaction that she feels when she helps people is the reason that she keeps on going. Although her preference would be mental health, she knows that wherever she ends up, it’ll be for the right reasons.

“I knew whenever I was going into social work that I wanted to be involved with the healthcare side of things. It’s not just the supporting individuals, but we’re also supporting their families,” she said.

“That’s when I started to fall in love with it. When I saw that I was making a difference to not only one person’s life, but to their entire families. It’s just the most rewarding thing.”

Working in social work also comes with a lot of tough moments, something which Cathy is aware of and is ready to tackle.

She said: “There’s obviously some emotionally draining times where you feel that you’re not making progress with someone. A lot of people just tell you to not get attached, but we’re human beings. It does break my heart sometimes.”

Looking at her own life in comparison to some of the things that she experiences in her job makes Cathy feel a huge sense of gratitude and helps get her through rough times.

She added: “I have a 13-year old son and he is completely healthy, so you definitely do realise that people take life for granted sometimes. But, when you’re able to help somebody, or you see progression that someone is making, it just makes you feel so good for them and for yourself.”

Cathy not only is now on her way to becoming fully qualified, but she also already knows what area of social work she would love to work on.

She said, “At the moment, my passion is working with people with mental health issues, probably due to personal reasons. I know that that field is going to be challenging but I just really want to make a difference.

“People don’t understand mental health and there’s a real misunderstanding, so I just want to make a difference to anybody who is struggling.”

When looking to the future Cathy tries to just make it through each stage instead of looking to the end, but one thing she knows for sure is that it will be worth it in the end.

“I know it was the right decision to apply for this course, and I know it will be absolutely worth it”.

For more information on how you can train to be a social worker in Northern Ireland go to https://niscc.info/degree-in-social-work.  

Corrymeela and Starling Collective Leads the Way in Trauma Informed Support

In a landmark initiative set to redefine the landscape of trauma in Northern Ireland, peace and reconciliation charity Corrymeela, in partnership with the Starling Collective, asylum seeking and refugee led Belfast based charity, has announced a transformative three-day series of events.

Starting on April 10, the series of collective transforming trauma events are being run in partnership with psychiatrist Dr James S. Gordon and the Center for Mind Body Medicine.

Transforming trauma: A Community Approach to Healing will see three free events taking place at Stormont Parliament Buildings (April 10), The MAC (April 11) and Queen’s University (April 12). 

Corrymeela in partnership with Starling Collective have been leading on a ground-breaking collective trauma support project, supported by Community Foundation NI through the Department of Health Mental Health Fund to deliver trauma informed approaches to practice training to over 160 professionals, practitioners and volunteers. Together with a consortium of partners, ANAKA Collective, Belfast Massage Project, Counselling All Nations, L.O.R.A.G, Place to Wonder, and The Hummingbird Project, we have actively supported the health and wellbeing of over 2000 people within asylum and refugee communities in the midst of trauma, and adversity.

Denise Bradley, Manager Marginalisation Corrymeela said: “Northern Ireland is a society emerging from over thirty years of conflict and continues to struggle with a high levels of trauma.

“And, as we welcome people seeking asylum and refuge from conflict zones around the world, NI remains the only part of the United Kingdom and Ireland not to have an inclusive refugee strategy: the strategy still remains unpublished. This is having a deep impact on people having any meaningful purpose and participation within NI society. Intertwined with an arduous and often hostile immigration system, we are bearing witness to the compounding of existing traumatic experiences. Research highlights that post arrival is when people’s psychological wellbeing is at most risk of decline. The workforce supporting the community are also exhausted, experiencing chronic stress and burnout, trying to manage their own history and personal experiences of trauma.’’

The Trauma project has been evaluated to be educational impactful and healing for people within the asylum and refugee community and for the workforce delivering services, evidencing the continued need for transforming trauma models that heal population wide. 

During this period Corrymeela developed key trauma informed cross border partnerships, including advance training and peer support for Corrymeela and key partners through Center for Mind Body Medicine (CMBM). The accessible education, and cross-cultural resources and practices have been invaluable. There is no pill or medication that can replace human connection.

“As the funded project comes to its conclusion, the vision for a sustained effort to heal collective wounds across divided communities gains momentum.”

The three events, which will feature Harvard-educated psychiatrist, and a pioneer of mind-body medicine and integrative medicine Clinical Professor, Dr James S. Gordon who is also the founder and CEO of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM). 

On April 11 there will be comprehensive workshops at The MAC Theatre, Belfast focusing on practical mind body skills to reduce chronic and traumatic stress. This event will provide attendees with an education and practical skills model designed to co-create long term wellbeing at various levels.

The series then concludes with an event on April 12 at Queen’s University Belfast, aimed at an afternoon of exploration and discussion to disseminate the project findings and how an international model is applying scientific and evidence-based trauma informed model of healing throughout different conflict zones worldwide.

Clinical Professor, Dr James S. Gordon said he and the team are looking forward to he has wanted to come to Northern Ireland for a long time and is incredibly excited to meet everyone.

The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM) has, for over 30 years, developed and implemented what may be one of the world’s largest and most effective programs for healing from psychological trauma. 

Working in the Balkans, the Middle East, and Africa, with groups in armed conflict with each other, CMBM has helped both parties to deal with the trauma they have experienced as well as to enhance their understanding of each other. 

For more information on the Transforming trauma: A Community Approach to Healing events from April 10-12 go to https://bit.ly/43yhzwq