Author: Tina Calder

Renewables Experts Everun Turning Tide In Saving Energy

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Revolutionary new motor Turntide tackling climate change

Renewables experts Everun are bringing a revolutionary new energy technology product to market that will help companies save on costs and help tackle climate change.

The Turtide Smart Motor System, developed in California, has been proven to save companies on energy bills and Everun’s Managing Director, Michael Thompson believes that it will be an essential part of the drive to save money.

“Electric motors are everywhere in business from pumping air to powering production lines,” he said.

“However, we are using technology for these motors that is more than a century old and is not efficient for today’s world.

“Turntide is a proven system that uses smart technology to make sure that companies have an efficient way to power the electric motors, and we are delighted to offer it to clients across the island of Ireland.

“Recently the Department for the Economy in their Energy Strategy – Path To Net Zero Energy indicated one of their objectives was to ‘deliver energy savings of 25% from buildings and industry by 2030’. Installing a Turntide system will provide businesses with a robust solution for attempting to achieve this objective.” 

The Turntide system is cloud-connected, with smart software that is certified to be up to 60% more efficient than traditional motors and is already in use across the United States.

Ryan Morris, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Turntide Technologies said the company was delighted to be partnering with Everun to exclusively offer the product across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

He believes that it Is essential that businesses grasp the opportunity offered by this system that is similar to upgrading from a landline to smartphone.

“Across the world it is estimated that almost 50% of electricity is used in electric motors,” he explained. 

“From air conditioning to powering elevators and assembly lines these systems are everywhere.

“The Turntide solution is part of our mission to upgrade as many of the outdated and inefficient motors with our Optimal Motor Systems. They are proven to work and provide substantial reduction on costs, with a return on investment of between 18 months and two years.”

Turntide’s electrical motor is based on the physics of electric generation using magnets and holds more than 100 patents for its intelligence-based system. Its three elements are the motor, the controller and the cloud that optimises every part of the energy produced, and precisely switches the current to the motor 20,000 times per second.

Mr Thompson said that Everun, in conjunction with UK partners Future Motor Limited, have exclusive rights to distribute the Turntide technology across the island of Ireland.

“These new systems can save you from 20 to 60 percent in your energy costs from those that have already installed it so far,” he said. 

“We’ve seen it ourselves but to put that into context plug in the Turntide motor system into your air handling units can save you almost twice the amount of energy that it costs to switch your lights on in a building.”

Mr Thompson added that Everun are confident in the motors as they have been proven in applications that require absolute reliability, fault tolerance and durability, such as nuclear power plants and hospitals.

“We know that it works, we have visited sites where it demonstrates what it can do,” he said.

“Large financial institutions, hospitals and universities are already seeing the savings that can be achieved by installing Turntide’ smart system.

“Amongst other early adopters are companies such as Andras House Group as well as a large number of hospitality, hospitals and manufacturing plants across the UK, who are delighted to see bills go down and make a positive impact on the environment.

“That’s why we are inundated with enquiries already, and why we are offering free consultations to show how this easily installed system can work for you, save money for you and reduce your carbon footprint.

“We at Everun are committed to a renewable future with our experience in windfarm, solar technologies, and Turntide is the latest way we can help you and help the planet.”

Belfast Band RHINOS To Headline New Show At Oh Yeah Centre

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Renowned performers Paul Currie and Brendan Scullion, AKA RHINOS, will take to the stage at the Oh Yeah Centre in Belfast next week for their first headline show in the city.

Comedian Paul and drummer/percussionist Brendan (NI Soul Troop) who formed the band in 2013 have teamed up with local promoter Smashing Buttons to bring fans a unique show “influenced by garage rock, heavy metal, dub, psychedelic rock, blues, punk rock, progressive rock, soul, jazz, experimental rock with a jamming approach and unusual song structures” said Tina Kelly of Smashing Buttons.

Supported by LipGloss and The New Normal the show on Wednesday, March 29 is set to be an explosion of garage punk and psychedelic rock with a wide range of influences from Dub, Reggae, Funk, Soul, Hardcore and Glam Punk.

Paul explained: “I’ve been playing in bands since 1991 in Belfast but this is 100% the best band I’ve ever played in. 

“There are only two of us but we’re creating the sound of four people on a stage, which is unbelievable. We’re just pulling together all our resources, the two of us.”

This new EP launch and showcase comes after Paul had been left without a drummer and almost gave up on music altogether last October, until by complete coincidence, through a friend of a friend, he met Brendan.

“I’d given up on any music and then along came Brendan who is not just a drummer but a percussionist and he has a humongous eclectic taste in music which is coming out in RHINOS. Previous drummers have just been heavy metal or rock drummers but Brendan is a completely different style of drummer and it’s really showing in the songwriting,” explained Paul. 

He added: “It’s because of Brendan’s skill as a percussionist and a drummer, as well as a songwriter in his own right and a singer. I’m also using my voice in different, unusual ways. We’re writing songs with unusual song structures but it’s all essentially garage punk and psychedelic rock with a big wide selection of influences that we’re channelling into this band of just two people.”

Throughout the night, audiences will hear music which explores Paul’s personal experiences with bullying, coming out and issues facing the LGBT+ community, all topics that are very important to RHINOS. 

He said: “A lot of the songs are written about me having been bullied a lot as a kid and coming out just last year as queer and bisexual. That’s what we are as a band. As the main songwriter that’s what I’m writing about and where the anchor and my anger is coming from. 

“I spoke about that in my standup comedy – about being Queer and Non-Binary and Bi and part of the whole LGBT+ community and it’s very important for me to stand up and talk about that openly now. Not be in the closet anymore and openly sing about that in my music.” 

Tina Kelly of Smashing Buttons said the show will launch the band’s self-titled EP Rhinos showcasing new music from the band as well as some old favourites.

She added: “RHINOS are one of Belfast’s most exciting bands, every show is full of vibrancy and energy. Not only will fans old and new get the chance to witness a unique and exciting show but they’ll get the chance to hear some fantastic support acts in LipGloss and The New Normal.”

RHINOS with support from LipGloss and The New Normal kicks off at 7.30pm, Wednesday, March 29 at the Oh Yeah Music Centre. Tickets for the event are £7 and are available from Eventbrite (bit.ly/3TJWIS8)

Investing In Electricity Grid Urgent To Meet Climate Change Goals

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By Brian Alexander, Renewables Business Development Manager, PAC Group

Northern Ireland stands on the cusp of major changes in how we generate our power, as global forces converge to shape a very different way of how we produce electricity for our homes and businesses. 

A legacy of under-investment has created problems that put at risk the ambitious aim to generate 80% of our power from renewable sources by 2030 and have a net zero economy.

Support from the Executive is desperately needed for NIE to have the resources and capacity to deliver on their own targets for upgrading and improving the infrastructure of the grid countrywide.

As well as the upgrading of the infrastructure at PAC we would be calling on NIE and the Executive to create a regulated industry body that protects not only the consumers but the companies providing the services. As with all innovative developments in industry it is important the regulations and guidelines are put in place, at present there are none in Northern Ireland. Whilst at PAC Group we operate very strict testing and quality control processes to ensure the longevity of a healthy operating system.

However, these are issues that can be resolved relatively easily with investment and education if the will is there from all.

The Ukraine crisis and other factors brought the price of energy into sharp focus for everyone, including individuals, investors, and business owners. At PAC Group we’ve seen an 80% increase in enquiries for both commercial and domestic applications and installations. The days when you could get a grant to assist with installing a solar photovoltaic panel are long gone. However, return on investment is now down to five-six years from what it would have been more than a decade ago with panels having a standard 25 year guarantee.

Of course, the rise in energy prices has been a factor in those applications, and while the energy cap will have helped to a degree, the reality is that power remains an expensive component in costs. At PAC Group, we have seen the difference it can make, with one recent installation reducing monthly bills by more than half, and sometimes even more.

While there is much discussion around the System Operator for Northern Ireland, NIE and politicians about interconnectors bringing in power from Scotland and elsewhere, with a combination of solar and wind we generate we can work towards almost complete self-sufficiency.

With a willingness amongst consumers, combined with the targets set in the Climate Action Plan, we need a serious discussion about the capabilities of the existing grid and when the Executive will offer support to NIE to deliver on the plan. Even NIE would agree that Belfast and Greater Belfast is desperately needing switchgear upgrades, and they are dealing with poor overall fault levels.

As a result of the difficulties NIE is being forced to tell some installations that whilst they are fully installed they cannot be switched on until 2025. This is unacceptable and we cannot expect our national grid operator to be able to provide a service to the country under these extreme resource and capacity constraints.

It is not the only case, unfortunately. There are other major sites facing similar problems. The need for investment in the grid as well as having the staff in place is clear to everyone involved. If the Climate Action Plan is to become more than a piece of aspirational paper, there will be an urgent need for significant investment.

There also needs to be a re-examination of the application process and the consideration of specific sectors, such as agriculture. Many farmers have a single-phase system when they need a three-phase with a higher-capacity inverter. It is clear that if a business has electricity bills in excess of £700 per month there should be allowances made to enable them to install the appropriate equipment and connect to the grid. For the agricultural sector to be competitive within the market they must find a solution to continually rising energy bills.

NIE are aware of these issues, however, they are hamstrung by the need for a financial injection from the Executive to jump start even more sustainable solutions into life.

The willingness is there, the understanding is there, but action is not being taken by our elected representatives who are still not working after nearly a year.

Where there is this vacuum, more people are involved in installing systems, and some companies say that they can install a PV system without the need to go to NIE. If you are storing all that is generated, that may be fine, but for all others, the connection to the network is needed. If NIE is not aware, the local grid may not be capable of taking over-generation.

Worse still, it can raise safety issues. For example, if there is a power cut and NIE is not aware of a property that is generating power the repair teams’ lives will be at risk. That is why the application process has to take place.

There is a way that this confusion can be avoided, with the creation of a feed-in tariff that is higher than the current rate. That would create an incentive to comply and reduce the need to seek electricity from outside Northern Ireland.

We can solve the various conundrums. We can move the climate agenda beyond the lofty statements and plentiful printouts of policies. Yes, it will require money, and it will require effort by all in the sector.

We may not be the ones sitting around the decision making tables, but we can become energy self-sufficient, we can be economically stronger, and we can play our local part in reducing carbon levels.

Female Leaders See Positive Impact On Profile Says Women In PR Survey

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The profile of women as leaders has been a positive development of the COVID19 pandemic. That’s the findings of a new survey being released today on International Women’s Day 2023.

The survey was conducted by Women in PR NI, an independent and not-for-profit initiative, run by communication advisers, Michelle Canning and Sara McCracken.

Michelle and Sara, both Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) said:

“Today marks our fifth year in existence, nearly three of which were impacted by the COVID pandemic. It is fitting that we mark today, IWD 2023, by kickstarting the conversation on how the last three years has impacted women across the fields of communications, media and public relations.

“Societally, we all know that the pandemic has disproportionately impacted women negatively so naturally, the question for us was what had been the impact for women working in our industry.  And it has really presented a mixed bag of findings.

“We can see the really positive impact of women in leadership roles during the pandemic and the public spotlight on how they have effectively taken on the challenges presented to them.

“In our own industry, many women have excelled, are energised and are reaping the rewards.  Yet there are others who feel overworked, excluded and invisible. There are those who, as a result of the pandemic, have decided to reset the clock, find a better work-life balance and reprioritise.

“Worryingly, nearly 20 per cent of our members felt burnt out. Whilst that may be a small number given the size of our survey, we only have to look to the recent resignations of high-profile women in public life, Canadian PM Jacinda Ardern and Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, to recognise that this is a huge issue that stretches beyond our industry.”

Results

Over half of the women surveyed said they felt the profile of professional females had been impacted positively over the past three years. A huge 70% of women who responded said their career had not been stalled by the pandemic and had, in fact, progressed with 68% reporting they have been promoted.

Hybrid working and flexibility are now the norm, according to women in the communications industry. 71% say they have a better work/life balance and an overwhelming majority, 90%, reporting that their employers had flexible working policies.

Despite this welcome development, a fifth of women surveyed felt burnt out.

Michelle and Sara added:

“For the women we speak to, flexible working practices need to be the norm and employers need to embrace the non-traditional working patterns that have emerged since the pandemic.

“The prevailing issues still need to be tackled such as affordable childcare and lack of support for carers. The reality is that it is predominantly women who shoulder the responsibility, whether it is children or dependents, and until those issues are addressed then it will continue to have a detrimental impact on women, families, society.

“And we also need to focus on how women can succeed and achieve without having to sacrifice too much. Women in PR is intent on ensuring that in post-pandemic 2023 women in our industry will be given the opportunity to reconnect, re-energise and re-establish networks. These findings will form the basis for a tailored bespoke programme of workshops and events that we will deliver.

If you want to join Women in PR contact them at womeninprni@gmail.com or follow them on Twitter @womeninprni/

£1.2m Investment In Pizza Hut NI With All The Toppings In New Jobs

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Country’s only Pizza Hut to get a new home with plans for three new venues 

Northern Ireland’s only Pizza Hut has completed a £500,000 expansion, in new premises on Belfast’s Ormeau Road, adding a sit-in dining experience to the existing delivery and collection options.

New kitchen, fixtures and fittings are in place, with five more jobs being added to the existing 10 staff members.

Owner, Sandeep Sharma explained that this is the first stage in a planned expansion of the Pizza Hut presence in Northern Ireland.

“There is a demand for the quality, menus and fun of the Pizza Hut experience,” he said.

“The ability to offer that to sit in and dine was an obvious step.

“I plan to make a further investment with three more over the next two years that will represent a total investment of £1.2m in Belfast and the greater Belfast area.”

The expanded premises will also include extended opening hours from 12pm to 2am, as well as a restaurant liquor licence enabling it to offer a range of wines and beers to the existing soft drink options.

“We will be able to seat up to 25 people at a time in the new premises, and we will be offering an extended range of offers to the current fantastic Pizza Hut range of choices,” said Mr Sharma.

With fresh dough made daily on site everyday quality is guaranteed, and as well as the pizzas there will be all the traditional sides on offer such as chicken wings, cheese bits, pasta, cookies, as well as desserts and ice cream.

“For me and my customers Pizza Hut represents convenient, quality food,” said the Belfast-based entrepreneur.

“We are already expanding the offers and deals, to make it affordable.

“The new Peri-Peri chicken pizza and stuffed crust is proving a hit, and weekday deals such as Two for Tuesdays, and Monday Madness will continue. 

“And, no, we don’t judge people who want pineapple on their pizza.”

We Cannot Afford To Wait Until Tomorrow To Meet Energy Goals

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Setting an example at PAC Group

By Darren Leslie

Business Development Director, PAC Group

Northern Ireland has been without a government for a year and there is no indication that we will have one in place in the immediate future. As a result, the health service, education and infrastructure are all suffering from underinvestment.

It is affecting almost every part of life and the political stalemate comes at a time when the cost of living is affecting every person. What is clear, however, is that while policies and initiatives remain stalled, businesses must continue to project what can be done now for their own future and planned investment.

A key investment is needed in a drive towards sustainability. Yes, there is a Northern Ireland target to have 80% of our energy generated from renewable sources by 2030, but the driver for all sectors of society is the real need to drive down operating costs.

Being an environmentally friendly business now makes economic sense. At PAC Group we have seen that for ourselves, by installing solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.

Not only was it incumbent to put our proverbial money where our mouth was in selling solar solutions, but it was an economic decision. Obviously, it is easier to sell it or just talk about it when you have done it yourself, but by doing so we are able to show the outcome, show our customers the benefits of it, and then talk about it that way.

And, it is a decision that more and more businesses are taking.

However, there are many obstructions to Northern Ireland taking this even further, and rolling it out across more and more businesses, not least the planning and application processes and assessment of the grid having the correct infrastructure in place. That is not the case in many areas, and without investment, it will not be there for several years.

In addition, while higher energy prices mean that the return on investment for business and domestic solar installation is vastly reduced, the current tariff of selling excess back into the grid is paltry. Again, investment is required.

The same applies to electric vehicle charging points. Although the government announced the end of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK by 2030, there are too few chargers and too few sites with multiple chargers. For businesses that want to future-proof their fleet and support employees’ drive to save on driving costs, it makes sense. We cannot afford to wait for the government to catch up.

Innovation is essential. At PAC Group our investment in research and development is ingrained in everything we do. For example, our Enviro division is making managing water use and water waste sustainable. By incorporating solar solutions with this the cost is driven down.

Our clients also understand that a drive towards environmentally sensitive approaches is a business driver. Our composite division works to create flexible machinery and processes works in many industrial applications.

The aerospace industry has started to come back again after the downturn and what they are trying to do for sustainability is obviously lightening the aircraft. Lightweight structures are something the industry is looking to invest in and some of the machines that we build assist them in building the composite parts to make the aeroplane lighter weight. 

The future is never predictable, but there are some things we can confidently predict such as legislative demands to becoming more sustainable. Whatever happens with the current impasse over the Northern Ireland Protocol it can be said that the UK will broadly follow EU legislation on making all businesses employ sustainable production practices.

Business planning for this is part of the next five-year cycle. It is not something that can be pushed back and it is not something anyone can afford to ignore any further.

The reality is that there will be frustrations as the investment in making the infrastructure fails to keep up with the demands, but there are ways around this, such as installing batteries with solar solutions to avoid having to export back into the grid.

The frustrations should be a driver towards solutions. We see, from the growing number of enquiries for sustainable energy production through solar that businesses want to invest in these practices.

Northern Ireland’s Climate Action Plan has set ambitious targets that may or not be met, however, businesses must not see that as their driver, but rather what they can do to benefit themselves, employees, and owners.

We can create a win-win situation for the future and the climate.

Nicholl Oils Teams Up With Everun To Create NI’s Largest EV Charging Network

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Northern Ireland renewables experts Everun are joining forces with Nicholl Oils to develop the country’s largest electric vehicle charging network.

Representing a joint investment of up to £2.6million Nicholl Oils will celebrate their 60 year anniversary by installing at least one rapid charger and one AC fast charging point throughout the Nicholl network of branded forecourts.

Speaking of the partnership Hugh Nicholl of Nicholl Oils said: “Nicholl Oils have always been at the forefront of changes within the industry with a blended approach of having traditional fuels, synthetic fuels and now electrification in our product mix. 

“I’ve always lived by a motto in business which is one plus one equals three, meaning that by partnering with experts, both companies mutually benefit but more importantly, the customer stands to benefit the most.”

Everun, which has been in operation since 2010 is one of Northern Ireland’s leading installers of EV charging points.

The company are specialists in renewable energy management helping guide high energy users through their carbon reduction strategies with practical solutions.

Eimear O’Reilly, head of projects and planning at Everun explained: “For Everun it was important to find a partner whose values align with our own. 

“We are proud to be innovators in renewable energy, we also value the traditions and relationships needed to build these innovations on solid foundations. 

“By working together with Nicholl Oils we have the opportunity to build upon their last 60 years of impeccable customer service and help take it to the next level within the renewable energy space.”

Over the last 60 years Nicholl Oils has grown to become Northern Ireland’s largest independent oil distributor with a forecourt portfolio spanning the breadth of the country.

The first 46 charging points will be installed between April and September this year beginning with forecourts in County Antrim and County Down, however, both partners have plans to grow the network to over 100 points across the country.

Retail Petrol and Wholesale manager at Nicholl Oils Margaret Gallagher said the investment shows a commitment by the company to ensure they are continually offering customers the best service possible.

She added: “The addition of an EV charger service on our forecourts consolidates our commitment to provide customers with a reliable and dependable service, delivering on quality and price.”

The partnership will make the EV network the largest independently owned and operated network across Northern Ireland. 

“The introduction of the EV network across the country will make great strides in bridging the gap between the Northern Ireland shortfall of rapid charging points and the growing number of EV drivers across the island of Ireland” said Everun’s business development manager Andrew Johnston.

He added: “Everun is a local company, collaborating with local businesses to help serve local people. 

“We’re excited to partner with a company like Nicholl Oils to enhance the EV network infrastructure in Northern Ireland, which will give local drivers greater access to rapid charging in convenient locations.”

Singer Janet Devlin Backs ASCERT’s ‘RETHINK YOUR DRINK’ Campaign

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Northern Ireland singer & social media influencer Janet Devlin has spoken about her battle with alcoholism and mental health struggles.

Speaking recently on behalf of the charity ASCERT Janet revealed one thing most people who are at the mercy of addiction need is a “safe space” to talk about their difficulties.

The singer emphasized how important it was in a person’s healing process for those around them to: “Be able to approach the alcoholic or addict with an open heart and mind; creating a safe, welcoming & non-judgemental environment, and to be there for them whenever they are ready to talk”

ASCERT is a charity providing support services across Northern Ireland, working with people who have alcohol and/or substance misuse issues. 

Gary McMichael, Chief Executive of ASCERT set up the charity in 1998 as a response to concerns around drug problems within the community. 

Over the past 25 years, the charity has grown to become one of the most prominent regional service providers in Northern Ireland, delivering a range of alcohol & drug prevention, intervention, training and awareness services to people of all ages.

“All of us experience some type of challenges or pressure with our own mental health at some point in our lives. In fact, one in five people will have a mental health problem of some description during their life,” said Gary. 

“When it comes to alcohol, that’s a different issue because around 80% of the population drink alcohol and a significant number of those drink at levels which are problematic for them.  Although alcohol is more socially acceptable, there is still a great deal of stigma around reaching out for help if it has become a problem for you personally”

Janet came home to Northern Ireland to support ASCERT’s latest campaign, RETHINK YOUR DRINK, which encourages people to think about their relationship with alcohol and consider whether it is time for a change. 

“Being able to talk about these things, before they become problematic is really important since alcohol issues and mental health issues often go hand in hand” said Gary.

“We need to encourage everyone within the community to be able to be more comfortable and open – to talk about what’s going on for them, and for them to know that there are support services available tohelp whenever they need it.”

The three pillars ASCERT’s campaign are AWARE, PREPARE, and ENGAGE, providing people with information about alcohol including its effects and risks; tools to encourage people to check their own alcohol intake by taking an Alcohol MOT or visiting the Virtual Bar and resources to help people make positive changes in their life, reducing the harm alcohol could cause.  If a person doesn’t feel able to make this change on their own, ASCERT can help them with free, confidential support.

In an interview with Gary, Janet explained her initial experience with alcohol was a positive one as it helped her overcome her shyness, a phenomenon many young people experience. 

However, it eventually took a destructive turn.

She explained: “I didn’t get drunk for the first time until I was almost at the end of 16. I wasn’t the biggest fan of alcohol but I was a very shy kid and it gave me this magical elixir that would allow me to talk to people, to dance and to socialise all of these things I couldn’t do sober. 

“I had a positive feeling towards this thing that could help me out in situations that I couldn’t do on my own.”

By her own admission, Janet’s drinking started to get more insidious when she was living on her own at 17 in a city [London] where she didn’t know anybody, had no friends or personal relationships. 

“I couldn’t fly home every weekend to see my friends and my family so my semblance of normality was to drink in this apartment on my own, stick on a playlist, have a sing-song have a dance and it made me feel a little bit normal, and nobody thought it was weird, because they were like ‘oh well she’s just doing what everyone her age is doing’.”

Janet’s relationship with alcohol “turned darker” as she turned 18 years old and had access to buying alcohol. Combined with several negative turns of events in her personal and professional life, she admitted to relying on alcohol to cope. 

“I just started relying on alcohol even more and I don’t know where it fully engulfed me but very quickly through not being able to sleep, because I had insomnia at the time, I was using alcohol to go to sleep and then I was using alcohol to be social” she said.

“I always had this thing in my head like ‘when it starts being a problem I’ll stop’ but of course it’s not that easy when you’re an addict.”

Gary said ASCERT are delighted to have Janet on board as her story can inspire other people to reach out if they feel they need support and to help empower them to ask for help when they need it. 

He said: “Janet has been very open, honest and inspirational about what she has gone through personally and the challenges she’s faced with her addiction and mental health issues. 

“Her experiences will relate to so many people because they demonstrate how quickly things can spiral out of control due to pressures going on in people’s lives, whatever the circumstances may be, and the message Janet expresses with such honesty is that no matter how dark and difficult things are, there is always hope and always help to deal with those problems and get your life back on track”

One aspect of ASCERT’s work Gary is keen to talk about is to encourage anyone impacted by alcohol or drug misuse or mental health to reach out to them.

“Whether it’s your parent, your partner or a sibling; if someone has a problem with their alcohol use, a problem with their mental health, or a problem with drug use, there are people out there who you can talk to” said Gary, adding: “These people can give you support, advice and help you work out how you can best deal with what is going on within your life.  They will never judge you and you can speak to them in confidence”

“We are encouraging people to rethink their drink, to look at their relationship with alcohol and consider that it might be time for a change. We provide a lot of advice and tools that people can use themselves in order to help put those changes into place.”

Speaking of the work ASCERT are doing Janet said encouraging people to speak out has to be a top priority.

She added: “The issue of alcoholism and the root cause of it transcends gender, race, wealth or where you are on the socio-economic platform. 

“It (alcohol) doesn’t discriminate, but it’s hard to be vulnerable and open up, especially from men. I get messages from men all the time telling me they can’t talk to their friends or others about their issues.

“Organisations like ASCERT are perfect because you can speak to someone confidentially and they will provide you with the support you need”

Janet’s visit comes on the back of statistics released by Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), revealing that there were almost 2000 more referrals to child and adolescent mental health services in Northern Ireland in the last financial year than the year before. CAMHS also said they have seen an 83% rise in referrals for eating disorders.

For Janet, her struggles started in her teens. She believes all the signs were there.

She said: “I should’ve seen the signs of my addiction earlier than when I perceived it. I had an addictive personality from a very young age, I was unfortunately self-harming by 11 years old, I had Anorexia by 15 and then I was addicted to alcohol and sober by 20 years old.”

If you would like support from ASCERT go to ascert.biz or call 0800 254 5123

Carnlough School Reaching Out To Families During Financial Crisis

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(L-R) Students of Carnlough Integrated Primary School Tomas, Scott, Principal Claire Mulholland, Elsa, Rose

Healthy Heroes Lunch Club among series of initiatives

Carnlough Integrated Primary School is reaching out to pupils and their families as the cost-of-living crisis bites, with a series of initiatives to provide support and healthy, curriculum-led options designed to offer practical options.

The school has launched its Healthy Heroes Lunch Club with P6 and P7 pupils leading this school nutrition programme.

Launched recently, the programme, from the Irish Bread Bakers Association, aims to engage pupils in peer learning to encourage healthy eating.

Principal, Claire Mulholland, explained that the ethos of inclusion of the school is very much part of being a supportive environment that includes helping parents and families at this time when so many are experiencing financial difficulties.

“The Healthy Heroes Lunch Club is part of our efforts to make sure that our pupils are aware of how they can make healthy choices,” she said. “That learning is very much being undertaken by the children themselves, and the scheme is designed so that these choices can feedback to other pupils and their families.

“The learning also showcases how the healthy options can be more affordable for families in addressing their nutrition needs.”

Designed by Dr Mary McCreery, Consultant Clinical Nutritionist and Dietitian at The Blackrock Clinic, Dublin, it has grown into one of the leading pupil-led healthy eating programmes for children.

During lunch, the club meet to eat together and nutrition is addressed informally through teacher led discussion.

The children then take over and run the activities, building on those suggested in the Healthy Heroes Lunch Club pack and developing their own club games.

“The fact that, with a little teacher input, this programme emphasises that children can lead, and innovate when given the opportunity. It also echoes perfectly our school motto, ‘Learning Together’.”

In conjunction with the scheme, the school is offering free breakfast club and free break time snack on the last Friday of every month for every child. This will run until the end of the school year.

The initiative comes at a time when further support was announced by the school.

“An anonymous supporter of integrated education has pledged to donate five school uniforms each year to be kept for emergencies or for new families starting in the school in the middle of an academic year,” explained Miss Mulholland. “As we already hold some stock in school, we have been able to donate uniforms to our new Ukrainian families who have joined us.”

That support of new pupils, from a very different background, is a further emphasis of Carnlough Integrated Primary School’s culture.

“We are so very proud of our integrated ethos, an ethos that is about more than just religious balance, but about all abilities, needs, race, culture, gender, economic background,” said the principal. “We are here to welcome everyone to our loving and nurturing school community.

“Our children know that each and every one of us is unique and different, but we are also special and important. Our job is to learn from one another and with one another in a safe and secure environment.

Motorcycle Enthusiasts Gear Up For Show This Weekend At Eikon Centre

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Tomorrow (Saturday, February 4) motorbike enthusiasts are set to descend on the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn for the inaugural Motorcycle Plus Show.

Organised by 360 Events, the motorbike extravaganza is set to welcome racing and road bike fans from across Northern Ireland, Ireland and the UK.

Planned as a curtain raiser for the start of the motorcycling season for the year ahead the show will attract fans of both on and off road competitions as well as bike enthusiasts across the country.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the return of the annual bike festival hosted by former rider and commentator Gareth Keys.

“I’m delighted to come on board with 360 Events to host this year’s Motorcycle Plus Show. I’m looking forward to welcoming all our riders and motorcycle professionals for the Q&A Sessions and Meet & Greets.

“The show is a fantastic way to kick off the new season and a great opportunity to catch up with fellow riders and enthusiasts.”

Among the exhibitors and teams attending the show is Grahame Hanna who will be showing off his North West 200 and Ulster Superbike winning IFS Yamahas, Team JMcC Roofing who will have a number of machines on display, Revival Racing MCC with a display of race machines, Irish Drag Racing with their specialist bikes and cars and much more.

Whilst on the rider front the show announced big names such as BSB Superstock Champion and North West 200 winner, Richard Cooper as well as multiple TT winner, and Ulster Grand Prix superstock lap record holder, Dean Harrison will be over from England for the event, along with former World Grand Prix 250 winner, North West 200 and Daytona winner Jeremy McWilliams, and British Superbike Championship rider, Korie McGreavey and Irish motorsport icon Ivor Greenwood who will be taking to the stage for the talks and available for meet and greets.

Throughout the weekend Mental Health Motorbike, the UK charity focused on creating meaningful opportunities to grow the well-being of the Motorbike community and reducing the number of bikers in the UK committing suicide will also be on site to speak to the community.

Other attractions at the show include Faye Ho from FHO, a true trailblazer in motorcycle racing and nine-year-old Irish Minibike 90cc Championship winner, Joel ‘The Rocket’ Haire and the world-renowned motorcycle film producer Colin James along with interviewer Toni Connor who will record interviews with riders, teams, personalities, traders, young budding racers and fans.

“I’m a bit nervous about going to the show because I’m going to be on stage but I’m excited to see my teammates and hopefully see Steve Leicster for the first time,” said Joel.

Filling in for the “Plus” element of the show will be displays such as F1 star Grand Prix driver Heikki Kovalainan’s famous Dallara Nissan World Formula car, one of Ireland’s fastest racing cars.

This year’s show is sponsored by AB&C Insurance and supported by Hurst Yamaha, Hurst BMW and Crossan Motorcycles.

Organisers have also pledged to support local charities such as Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s Mayoral charity, Helping Hand for the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children,   the Atlas Women’s Centre in Lisburn and St John Ambulance service. 

Kenny Gardner from 360 Events said: “The Motorcycle Plus Show is a great meeting place in the winter to plan your summer months ahead.

“We believe that after four years’ absence the public are ready for a winter Motorcycle Show once again to ‘launch’ their year in the great pastimes of motorcycling & motorsport, whether racing, touring or just enjoying riding bikes.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone throughout the weekend. Having been on site for the last two days during setup, I’m excited to open the doors on Saturday.”

There will be a free Minibus service from Lisburn railway station to the Motorcycle Plus Show on both days of the weekend, leaving every hour on the hour and returning every half hour.

The Motorcycle Plus Show will take place at Eikon Centre in Lisburn on February 4-5, 2023. For tickets go to motorcycleplusshow.co.uk

Tickets are also available to purchase at the doors on the days of the event.

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