Dr Adam Hunniford, founder of PiP Chemicals inside PiP Chemicals in Newtownards, Co Down Photo by: Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press
A Northern Ireland company has warned that substandard and noncompliant biocidal products are being sold as hand sanitisers, resulting in the potential of harm.
PiP Chemicals, based in Newtownards, produces scientifically proven and regulatory compliant sanitising products to industry, and makes sure that all its products meet high certification standards.
Founder, Dr Adam Hunniford said that there needs to be stricter controls to keep the public safe.
“At this time when we need to be cleaning our hands to help stave off the spread of Covid-19 for the foreseeable future,” he said.
“However, if you are not using a sanitiser that is certified and has been through the regulatory processes then it could be causing harm.”
“Many appear to contain methanol, which the government’s Compendium of Chemical Hazards describes as toxic, including when used on skin.”
PiP Chemicals, based in Newtownards, was established nine years ago by Dr Hunniford, applying his experience in chemical formulation and manufacturing to produce a range of chemical products, specialising in biocides and automotive care.
It provides direct to business, not to the end user, and as such are experts in what should and should not be included in products.
“Our products have multiple test certifications, including BS EN 1500 and BS EN 14476” Dr Hunniford said. “We have gone to the trouble to make sure that the biocide contents are of the highest quality. If you are using a product that does not have the test certification you need to ask why it does not.”
Dr Hunniford said that there are some indicators that some hand sanitisers are not suitable.
“If it smells bad, don’t use it – there is a good chance it has been made from some questionable alcohol source,” he said. “If it has a sticky residue after use or leaves you with dry skin then people will be discouraged from using it so it won’t do the job it is supposed to.”
“Buyers should also be alerted to products claiming to be ‘safe’, ‘natural’, ‘eco-friendly’ or other such claims – these are prohibited by the regulations and indicate a manufacturer which is failing in it’s basic regulatory obligations.”
“There may be additives that are also toxic – an inexperienced manufacturer can fall into this trap simply by using the wrong grade of alcohol.”
“At a time when we are all conscious of the need to stay safe and healthy it is only right to make sure that the sanitiser you are using or buying has been tested thoroughly and meets all health and safety requirements.”
Photoshoot ahead of the St Patrick’s Day Live online event presented by Sailortown Regeneration at St Joseph’s Belfast on March 17th 2021. From left Anthony Toner, Singer / Songwriter; Terry Sharpe, lead vocalist, The Adventures,; Terry McKeown, project manager, Sailortown Regeneration and Johnny Hero, DJ & presenter, U105 Photo by Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press.
The rich cultural and historical heritage of Belfast’s Sailortown will be celebrated on St Patrick’s Day with an eight-hour live streamed event from the iconic St Joseph’s Church featuring music, dancing, storytelling and art.
After years of restoration the ‘sailor’s church’ has been transformed to a community hub that will host the event on March 17 from 2pm to 10pm presented by U105 presenter Johnny Hero.
Terry McKeown, Project Manager of Sailortown Regeneration explained the event will be a landmark day after the efforts of so many past and present residents of the area.
“For years we have been collating, collecting and recording the heritage of Sailortown to keep alive the memories and history, and the future of the area,” she said.
“The St Patrick’s Day event which is funded by Intercom, The Executive Office and The Community Relations Council is a big turning point for us. It’s about bringing people back to showcase the creative talent that’s in Belfast and celebrating the transformation of the Chapel on the quays to a community hub.
“We would like to express our gratitude to the National Lottery for their ongoing support of Sailortown Regeneration.”
Boasting a mixture of live events and exclusive video presentations the day will mark the re-opening of St Joseph’s.
“When the church was going to be closed in 1999 it really triggered a whole outpouring of emotion and feeling and hundreds of people who used to live here came back down,” Terry explained.
“They objected vociferously to the church being closed, with the result that there was a long campaign. Then in 2006 we managed to get a lease on it.”
However, the building was in a state of disrepair, and since then there has been a long journey, with always the vision to transform St Joseph’s and the Parochial House into a usable community space but still retaining the character of the buildings that date back to the 1880s.
“Sailortown was devastated when new motorways began in the 60s and 70s,” said Terry.
“But the spirit of the area has always been there. There is a new future with apartments, housing and some of the original buildings. Reopening St Joseph’s is a symbol that we have a population here, some new, and we have those who may have moved away, but their heart is still in Sailortown.”
Among the performances on St Patrick’s Day will be from Dalriada Folk, Anthony Toner, Ferris School of Irish Dancers, Barnbrack, Hugh Jordan, The String Ninjas, The Adventures, Amanda St John and The Lee Hedley Band, with many more on the line-up. There will also be the screening of a video about Sailortown.
Previously known as Sailortown Cultural and Historical Society, which gathered much of the heritage of the area together, Sailortown Regeneration are utilising these Listed Buildings as an Anchor Institution to promote ‘people led’ regeneration and re-establish a thriving community in this city centre waterfront area.
Sailortown is looking forward to the future, with planned developments such as the new Ulster University campus, the City Quays complex and work with the Maritime Trust, the Harbour and City Council to develop the Maritime Mile trail into Sailortown.
The group will explore the rich Maritime Heritage of Belfast and plan to host events for ex-seamen and their families to discover why Sailortown’s Seafarers became such a vital part of the Belfast Story.
“The milestone event on St Patrick’s Day will be streamed under the current Covid-19 restrictions,” said Terry.
“but we want to present St Joseph’s as an iconic space for St Patrick’s Day to show that we will soon be welcoming everyone back in a celebration of our past and a brighter future for our City.”
One of the most difficult things business leaders have had to do throughout the pandemic is ensure not only their business survived but that staff morale and client confidence was maintained.
A year ago no one knew what to expect and the economic landscape was much more uncertain than it is now.
According to Northern Ireland business coach Bernie Allen experience in how the pandemic is shaping the world around us isn’t enough for businesses to survive.
She said: “With the new of a general plan of exiting the lockdowns and restrictions and a bit of hope that a new normal isn’t far away business leaders can now start really planning for their future.
“However, whilst planning for the future is absolutely essential the threat to our businesses hasn’t gone away and survival should, for many leaders and business owners, still be top of the agenda.”
Here are 5 things Bernie says you can do to continue surviving:
1. Know Your Vision
“Successful business leaders not only know where they are with their business at any given time, but they know where they are going” said Bernie, adding: “Especially during uncertain times, it is essential that you exert as much control over your vision as you possibly can, while remaining suitably prepared for the odd bump in the road.
“You should know what you want, know what you need to do to get it and most of all know why you want it. Knowing your why is the single best way to stay connected to your vision, and achieve it.”
2. Make A Plan
Bernie explained: “So you know what you want, and you know roughly what you need to do to get there. Now it’s time to make a plan. As a business owner, these unprecedented times can cause us to feel defeated by our plans, because the plans we once had now seem so far removed from our current reality.
“However, it must be said that poor preparation produces poor results, and if you are a business leader who is hell bent on surviving this pandemic, then it is essential you have a plan up your sleeve.”
3. Focus On Action
As you make your plan, I cannot stress enough the importance of focusing on action. Centre all of your planning around tangible actions that you can take to move the needle forward in your business.
“It’s true, for many of us Covid has thrown the needle in the air completely, but getting back on track relies on focusing on action. Once you begin taking relevant, positive action, motivation will follow.” said Bernie.
4. Break It Down
Bernie said: “Have you ever felt as though you have so much to do that you don’t know where to start? Me too. We all have. However, the important thing is that you start somewhere.
“Take the actions that you know you need or want to complete, and break them into smaller, bitesize tasks which are more easily completed. This will make it much easier for you to survive the pandemic as a business owner.”
5. Serve
Bernie’s final words of advice: “Finally, there has never been a more important time to adopt the service mindset. Serve more than you ever have before.
“Focus on adding value, on helping. That way, when we are finally out the other end of the pandemic, you will be the one still standing.
“These five but simple strategies, if implemented, will help you have clarity, focus and a clear path on your journey to recovery out of this pandemic.”
If you would like to find out more about what you can do as a business leader or owner to keep on top of your game and not let challenges or situations change your direction contact Bernie Allen at bernieallen.com or by emailing Berniespowerhouseacademy@gmail.com
Bernie Allen’s book How To Succeed In Business & Life is out now published by Excalibur Press and available from excaliburpress.co.uk .
We are Hiring career employee message background. Employment hiring job recruitment concept banner.
With exit plans now revealed as to how Northern Ireland will move out of lockdowns and restrictions the recruitment landscape is looking healthy again for many companies.
From customer services, IT, tech and marketing through to business development, administration and project management there’s something for everyone out there at the minute.
Regardless of your sector, experience or desired grade, here are 17 jobs recruiting right now that might be right for you:
1. Customer Service Advisor | Tyson Wilson Recruitment
From £18,160 | Full Time | Permanent | Belfast
As a member of our clients Team, you will play a key role creating a unique customer experience for our client in Bangor Co.Down. You will become a specialist in effectively resolving incidents and queries.
Our callers want to talk to people with personality. People who’ll listen, ask the right questions and patiently offer solutions that leave them smiling. Bring your experience and enthusiasm and you’ll have the chance to support one of the world’s leading mobile phone brands.
Tyson Wilson Recruitment are looking for enthusiastic people who are comfortable speaking on the phone. Working for one of the largest contact centres in Northern Ireland you the ideal candidate will be the first point of contact for customers.
Whilst this is a temporary role, there is with potential of becoming permanent at week 13.
Tyson Wilson Recruitment are looking for enthusiastic people who are comfortable speaking on the phone. Working for one of the largest contact centres in Northern Ireland you the ideal candidate will be the first point of contact for customers.
Whilst this is a temporary role, there is with potential of becoming permanent at week 13.
Our Client is seeking an immediate experienced Customs Broker to join their expanding team. The role has been created to support our clients in specifically Post-Brexit Customs. The successful candidate will receive full training with the potential to progress and be accredited with a professional qualification.
Previous experience in a UK and/or EU Customs office and a working knowledge of Brexit, Customs procedures and International Trade are required.
£35,000 – £40,000 | Permanent | Full Time | Lisburn
As an IT Systems Analyst you will contribute to the delivery of internal IT projects and business processes to support the newly formed Customs Department with our client.
The ideal candidate will have a bachelors degree in IT, Computer Science or an equivalent field and will be knowledgeable on IT Systems.
6. Business Development and Sales | PIP Chemicals £30,000 | Permanent | Full Time | Newtownards
We want an experienced professional in client account management who is confident in generating sales and leads for PiP Chemicals throughout the UK and Ireland.
This role is centred around sales and maintaining customers of automotive cleaning and care chemicals. It is important that you have a general interest in cars and that you can work independently or as part of a team to deliver results for the organisation.
You are perfect for this role if you are hardworking, passionate about driving great SEO or PPC opportunities for our growing list of clients and you are on the lookout for a new, challenging opportunity in Belfast.
It’s important that you have a minimum of two years experience in the field and can demonstrate strong commercial awareness.
You will be working within the Payroll Bureau undertaking administrative, advisory and payroll duties to ensure that processes and systems are completed to an exceptionally high standard.
You will have experience in payroll, pensions administration and processing, and be able to showcase an ability to adapt quickly to new technology alongside strong IT skills.
Excalibur Press are looking to add to their growing team of high level, good quality copywriters.
Ideally, we want someone who has industry experience in marketing, PR or journalism and who is happy to write conversion based corporate copy as well as consumer facing content and blogs.
Excalibur Press are looking to add to their growing team of content creators.
Ideally, we want someone who has created a range of content in a variety of different platforms including photo, graphics, video, text etc.
Those who will be successfully added to our freelance register will have examples of content they have created. Candidates should be prepared to show examples and talk about what apps, software etc..they use.
You will take overall responsibility for the delivery of new projects and the success maintenance and enhancement of existing applications. The role involves creating and tracking quality project plans and managing both the delivery and operations teams’ time to deliver projects to agreed timescales.
You will be able to showcase strong experience in all aspects of project management and hold a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, business or a related field.
You will take responsibility for the success of our projects. The role involves creating and tracking quality project plans and managing the team’s time to deliver the project to the agreed timescales.
You will be able to showcase strong experience in all aspects of project management and hold a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, business or a related field.
You will help us scale our existing MySQL databases, enhance database performance, support our database batch processes, and progress our integrations with external organisations.
You will have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field and be able to show one to three years of experience in database development, information technology, database architecture, or a related field.
You will take responsibility for our projects’ successes. The role involves quality & test advocacy, resource planning & management, and resolution of issues that impede the testing effort.
You will have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field and be able to show three to five years of experience in application testing.
You will elicit, analyse, specify, and validate the business needs of stakeholders, be they customers or end users. The BA will work closely with the Chief Technology Officer and designers to deliver requirements work products and assist in the production of design work products.
You will have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field and be able to show three to five years of experience in Business Analysis along with associated Technical Qualifications.
You will be a part of a full-stack creative team that is responsible for all aspects of the ongoing software development from the initial specification, through to developing, testing and launching.
You will have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field and be able to show 5+ Years proven software development experience in PHP.
You will be positioned within the Marketing team and will report directly to the Chief Marketing Officer to grow the Lead Onion brand and deliver customer acquisition at scale.
You will have at least 2 years of work experience in a similar role and ideally have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in digital marketing in total.
The East Belfast basedfootball club have announced their involvement in the charity’s campaign which strives to raise awareness of the shocking reality of domestic abuse in Northern Ireland and raise funds to support their vital work in the community
Glentoran FC have endorsed Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid’s latest campaign – the #10KbyMay challenge- and have encouraged their fans to get involved and show support.
The challenge, which was launched at the end of January, seeks to encourage the people of Belfast and Lisburn to take part in a 10K run, walk, or cycle on or around May 1st this year.
The charity launched the campaign in a bid to raise community spirits and encourage an active lifestyle during Covid-19 lockdowns, whilst also raising awareness of and funds for their vital work with women and children.
The motivation behind the campaign is to inspire communities in Belfast and Lisburn to get involved with supporting Women’s Aid, as well as look after their mental and physical health during Covid-19 lockdowns, a feat which Glentoran jumped at the opportunity to get behind.
They approached the charity shortly after the campaign launched back in January and offered their endorsement and support in what they understood was – and still remains – a demanding time for domestic abuse charities.
On their website, the club have issued the statement: “Glentoran Football Club is delighted to support the excellent work done by the employees and volunteers at Women’s Aid, so we are very happy to formally endorse the 10K by May initiative run by Women’s Aid in Belfast and Lisburn”
Glentoran General Manager Ian Clarke said of the club’s involvement: “We are well aware of the impact the Covid-19 pandemic and resultant lockdowns have had on so many aspects of our society and on our daily lives. We are also aware of news reports indicating the very worrying increase in domestic abuse related offences over the past year.
“As a club with very strong community roots, Glentoran wishes to support Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid in their vital work protecting victims of domestic abuse across our society and offering practical help to those vulnerable to abuse. We encourage the Glentoran Family and society as a whole play their part, however small, in raising money for this very important cause.”
Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid Chief Executive Kelly Andrews added: “We are very grateful to have the support of Glentoran FC for our #10KbyMay campaign, and truly appreciate their commitment to helping us continue to raise awareness among the general public of the work we do as well as raising funds to support our work.
“In what is a difficult time for everyone, it’s great to see a club which already has a strong sense of community supporting us with our community efforts. We’re excited to continue to work closely with Glentoran for the remainder of this campaign and look forward to having their support in the future.”
Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid and Glentoran FC are encouraging everyone to consider getting involved in the #10KbyMay challenge, whether they want to run, walk or cycle the distance.
The Chief Executive of car technology company Bluesona, Mel Morrison, has welcomed the introduction of tougher action on mobile phone use while driving as an important step in improving safety.
Downpatrick-based Bluesona works with insurance companies to provide a system, LoopMatics, that tackles distraction driving caused by mobile phone calls.
“The changes to The Road Traffic Offenders (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Order 2020 are vital,” said Mr Morrison. “They are a clear signal that mobile phone use while driving is the worst type of distraction for a motorist.”
Under the changes approved the fine for using a handheld mobile phone was increased from £60 to £200 and the number of penalty points increased to six. A second offence will lead to the loss of their licence.
Bluesona’s LoopMatics system tracks the driver’s on road behaviour as well as recording their mobile phone use. It is designed to encourage safer driving by providing feedback to the user on their journey and flagging the times when a mobile is used.
“The Statutory Rules introduced by Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, are an important step forward,” said Mr Morrison. “Hopefully they will indicate to all drivers that it is not legal, and not acceptable to use a mobile when behind the wheel.
“And I particularly welcome the fact that all parties backed Ms Mallon’s changes, and spoke so powerfully in the Assembly chamber.”
From 2017 Bluesona has focused on making driving safer, in partnership with insurance companies. Unlike many of the ‘black box’ style devices they developed LoopMatics uses a simple plug-in to track journeys, acceleration, heavy braking and if these coincide with using a mobile.
During the discussion on the changes to the Road Traffic Offenders Order Ms Mallon said that she had consulted with the Assembly’s Infrastructure Committee, Justice Minister, Naomi Long, and PSNI Chief Constable, Simon Byrne, and that all backed the increased penalties.
“The illegal use of a mobile phone while driving is a selfish disregard for the law,” the SDLP MLA said bringing forward her proposals in the chamber. “It poses a serious threat to not just the driver who made the selfish choice but to many other innocent road users. The consequences can be devastating.”
Mr Morrison said that he was conscious when developing LoopMatics it was clear there needed to be more than just a nudge to the way mobile phone use is thought about.
“There needs to be a change of attitude, and a change in behaviour,” he said. “It needs to be based on it becoming the norm to stop using phones when behind the wheel.
“And, I congratulate the Assembly parties and members on passing the changes with no opposition. Too often we forget the role of MLAs in introducing safety measures.”
Under the changes newly qualified drivers who commit the offence will also be banned on their first offence as a result of the increase in penalty points.
Chair of the Assembly Infrastructure Committee, Michelle McIlveen, said: “As we are all aware, the technical advancements in phones have made the device an indispensable addition to our lives.
“However, it is the urge to check messages and respond to the sound of a notification that makes them so dangerous whilst driving.”
The DUP member also said that the committee would support the planned review of mobile phone offences to be carried out in line with the English and Welsh Department for Transport review.
Sinn Féin’s Cathal Boylan reflected on the impact of fatal road accidents.
“It is often said that a single death on a road is one too many,” he said. “We must improve road safety in any way that we can.
“We all know how families and, indeed, communities are affected by a death. It is incumbent on us to try our best to introduce as many measures as possible.”
Ulster Unionist, Roy Beggs, said: “The use of mobile phones has become more and more common. Many people are almost addicted to them. They forget the risks that are involved in being distracted when driving, even by considering the use of such a phone.”
Andrew Muir of the Alliance Party echoed the seriousness of the issue.
“Fifty-six people died on our roads in Northern Ireland last year,” he said. “Nine in 10 road deaths and serious injuries are caused by human error. That is why we must come down hard on those being reckless with the safety of others.”
Mr Morrison said that safety was the ultimate aim of Bluesona and LoopMatics, through its ability to show drivers, in an easy to use interface the habits, especially in terms of mobile phone use that needs to change.
Bluesona is based in Downpatrick and has a centre in Letterkenny. They offer their LoopMatics software to customers through various insurance companies.
Writer Stephen Connolly and Culture Night Belfast director Susan Picken. Stephen will be performing for the Culture Night Belfast Showcase for the Out To Lunch festival in association with The Office of the Executive Office in Brussels and Arts Council NI.
Northern Ireland’s talent will be highlighted to the world as Culture Night Belfast continues to support local artists in collaboration with Out To Lunch Festival supported by The Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels and Arts Council NI.
‘A Taste of Belfast and Brussels’ will be broadcast as part of the Out To Lunch festival and features musicians Anthony Toner, Ursula Burns and Ciara O’Neill and poet Stephen Connolly.
Pre-recorded at Rosemary Street Church before Christmas, the event will be broadcast at 1pm on Tuesday, January 19 2021.
Susan Picken, Director of the Cathedral Quarter Trust and Culture Night Belfast said: “2020 has been a very challenging year for Culture Night Belfast but it was wonderful to end it on a high, working with some brilliant artists as well as with Out to Lunch, The Office of the Executive Office in Brussels and Arts Council NI.
“We’re really delighted with the showcase that will be broadcast this month. It’s a great taster of the talents of Anthony, Ursula, Stephen and Ciara and a reminder of just how uplifting and important the work of our artists and performers is. And made even more special by the setting of the beautiful Rosemary Street Church.”
Since 2012, the Office of the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels has worked with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to present a Culture Night showcase of the best of Northern Irish arts and culture, bringing a host of musicians, writers and performers to Brussels and introducing their work to an appreciative international audience.
Over the years the programme has featured acclaimed Northern Irish talent including Joshua Burnside and Grainne Holland and the event has now become a highlight of the Brussels cultural calendar.
For obvious reasons, the 2020 edition has had to be reimagined for the post-COVID world and, as the online version of the event featuring some of the artists who have taken part in previous years.
Singer-songwriter Anthony Toner is a gifted guitarist and one of Northern Ireland’s most popular live acts, with a wonderfully warm and lyrical style.
Songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and comedienne Ursula Burns has been smashing the stereo-typical image of the harp for 25 years by performing and touring the world with her music through Song writing, Theatre, Circus and Comedy. Having played everywhere from the Albert Hall to the boot of her Tardis Imaginarium,
Stephen Connolly is a writer and publisher who runs The Lifeboat Press. He edited New Poets from the North of Ireland with Sinéad Morrissey for Blackstaff Press and his poems have appeared in Poetry (Chicago) and Poetry Ireland Review. He is currently writing a book about running.
Local songwriter Ciara O’Neill has received international attention and acclaim over the last six years working with some of the greats in Nashville
This year Ciara has already recorded a socially distanced performance for a short film created with Tourism Ireland and Distant Sky. She will release a new EP early 2021 and is working on her third album.
Meta Auden of Spectra Sensory Clothing Photo – Francine Montgomery | Excalibur Press
Government targets to have children to have an assessment and statement of special needs within 34 weeks could be at risk unless another £30m of funding is made available, according to evidence given to Department of Education officials.
Ricky Irwin was giving evidence to the Assembly Committee for Education in the wake of a scathing report from the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) which said that 85% of children wait more than the statutory 26 weeks for an assessment and statement.
“One of my customers has private health care but it does not cover the autism spectrum, so she is going for a diagnosis to a private clinic where the cost is nearly £400.00,” she said.
“There are not many who can afford this and considering that 85% of young adults with autism are unlikely to be in work compared to the rest of the young adult population the private route is not feasible.”
The evidence to the Assembly committee comes two weeks after health minister Robin Swann revealed that 603 have been waiting for more than a year for assessment.
The NIAO report said that the wait for children to have the assessment completed is nearly as bad, with an average of 45 weeks on the list.
New rules and a code of practice states that the limit for an Education Authority to complete the assessment and statement of special needs will be cut from 26 to 22 weeks.
“This means that the children are struggling at school, as no help without diagnosis,” said Meta. “The problem for many of our customers and in support groups, is the length of time before a diagnosis.
“Most parents know before a diagnosis that their child is on the spectrum, but also some for whom a diagnosis brings relief and understanding of their child’s behaviour.”
In his evidence to the committee for education Mr Irwin said that there is some worry that the extra monies needed may not be available.
“The financial environment next year will be extremely challenging,” he said. “We haven’t got any confirmation at this stage around the £30m pressure.”
Funding for Special Educational Needs covers support in special schools, children in mainstream with SEN and statements, SEN transport and support services for SEN through the Education Authority.
Meta Auden said that often it is not always clear what support is needed even once a child receives an assessment.
“There is not a one size fits all, each child will have different needs and the longer they go undiagnosed the more their education will suffer,” she explained. “I also feel that many do not understand the pressure parents are facing on a daily basis just getting their child out to school, only for the child not to receive any help when there.
“With no help, these children are being let down and their full potential not being realised.
The waiting lists are not going away, they will grow as more children will be diagnosed this year with autism than with cancer or Downs.”
Chairman of the Education Committee, Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle, said that without funding there is no likelihood for change.
“The new regulations and code of practice can introduce new time limits and new deadlines but if the resources aren’t in place are they going to address the abject failure to assess and respond to special educational needs of children in a timely way?” he said.
The Northern Ireland Audit Office said that the Educational Authority procedures may not be “fit for purpose”. This came after an internal audit by the EA said that there were many failings. There is another internal investigation underway.
Meta Auden said that it has been an ongoing problem for so many years.
“I was lucky when my daughter was younger to have an assessment and a great classroom assistant,” she said. “However, too many parents are waiting too long and ultimately this causes problems and is, frankly, a disgrace.
“Of course we need the investigations to show the way to improve the situation, but we also need the funding and the will to make changes.”
At present one in five of Northern Ireland pupils has special educational needs, more than 67,000 pupils.
When Northern Ireland YouTube sensation Adam B learned that a local teenager was being bullied at school he leapt into action with a birthday gift of £5,000 worth of tech equipment to help him make more and better videos.
Adam B, aka Adam Beales, reached out to 14-year-old Stewart O’Doherty after reading a tweet from Stewart’s sister Molly about what he was enduring in school.
The 21-year-old YouTube star who has amassed more than 3 million subscribers to his channel said he could relate to what the young man was going through.
“I went through a very similar position to Stewart,” Adam explained.
“I know exactly what he’s going through. And the main message in making the video and giving the gifts will be to highlight bullying and the huge negative effects it has on kids.”
Stewart started his channel about a year ago but really began making regular YouTube content during lockdown, and when he returned to school the online bullying followed the Derry teen.
“When we went back to school in September, the physical bullying started,” said Stewart.
“At first it started with sly comments, but then it grew to people physically throwing stuff at me.
“I didn’t give up on the idea of YouTubing, but I didn’t upload much because of what was happening.”
Stewart’s plight came out when he told his 18-year-old sister Molly.
“When Stewart told me I was absolutely livid,” she said. I was so annoyed with myself because I hadn’t been able to do anything to help but it was only because I didn’t know.
“Stewart just loved doing his YouTube channel – it was just silly wee things like challenges and that type of thing. He just enjoyed it. He wasn’t doing any harm and it certainly was no reason for him to be bullied.”
Molly tweeted about the bullying and caught the attention of Blue Peter presenter Adam B.
“The tweet has gone viral with huge support from other content creators like myself,” explained Adam.
“However, what Stewart didn’t know is that I would be surprising him on his birthday with a video message.”
As Stewart chatted to his YouTube idol on FaceTime he was told to look outside where Adam was waiting with the tech package of gifts.
“I gave Stewart a laptop, cameras, mics, speakers, GoPros, tripods, a segway, airpods, smart watch, headphones, computer mouse, a camera gimbal plus a few other gadgets to help him on his YouTube journey,” said Adam.
“I wanted to give him these gadgets so that he could have a kickstart on YouTube and something to show the bullies that he doesn’t need to listen to them.”
And, Stewart is now even more determined to keep making content.
“There are no words for me to say what I want to Adam. He’ll never know what he’s done for me,” he said.
“He’s given me back my confidence and I know now that I can pursue – and fulfil – my dream.”
However, he also had a word for his bullies.
“I’d like to thank the people who bullied me,” said Stewart.
“I’d like to say to them, ‘Thank you’, because, without them, I would never have been able to meet my idol, Adam B.
“I’d also like to tell them that bullying someone for doing what they love to do doesn’t make you a better person.”
That same determination was what spurred Adam on when he was the victim of bullying at school.
“I started doing YouTube in 2012 periodically until 2015 when I devoted a lot of my time to it.
“Being in an all-boy school, back when there were no big Northern Irish YouTubers to look up to – it was very difficult to stay on that path.
“It was difficult to keep believing when everyone else was talking about you, making fun, calling you names as you walked past them in school corridors. It was horrible and I wish it on no one. Therefore, Stewart’s case hit a nerve. I know exactly what he is going through.”
It got so bad that Adam was close to quitting YouTube.
“I was very close to giving up so many times when I was at school,” he said.
“Being told by both pupils and even teachers to stop YouTube – it was a very stressful environment.
“It was an environment where I asked myself multiple times, ‘is it even worth it?’, ‘is it worth the hassle?’
“But I am very glad I didn’t give them the satisfaction because I wouldn’t be where I am today if I had listened to them.”
Since then Adam has been garnering more and more YouTube subscribers, as well as more than 500,000 followers on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok with his witty pranks and sketches, yet he still remembers the acts of the bullies.
“Sometimes they text me,” he said.
“I often got random texts from people who relentlessly ashamed me for doing YouTube – and now they’re the ones texting me, congratulating me.
“Anyone who made fun of me or made me feel insecure for doing something I loved, I would say to them ‘why”, ‘what did they get from it’, ‘Are you happy’.
“I would ask these questions because I am still baffled as to why people feel the need to mentally/physically/emotionally attack others for something that doesn’t even affect them. It boggles my brain and it’s a thing that needs stamped out. No one should ever tolerate bullying. No one.”
And, he has a message for the people bullying Stewart.
“Don’t underestimate anyone,” he said. “The people you bully could very well be the people you need a job from in the future.”
He went on with a message for everyone who has a dream.
“Believe in yourself. If I can do it, then you can do it. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” For those who have a dream of becoming a YouTube star he said support from friends and family can make a huge difference.
“Encourage them. Encourage, encourage, encourage! It massively helps when the only thing they’re used to is negativity.”
If you or someone you know is being bullied don’t be afraid to talk to an adult or contact Childline.org.uk on 0800 1111. For more information about how you can tackle bullying adults can go to endbullying.org.uk
Transformational coach and blogger Deborah King at NVTV filming her interview for the Northern Ireland Festival of Writing 2020 Photo: Grace Parry – Excalibur Press
The Northern Ireland Festival of Writing will be broadcasting over six hours of content throughout the day and night on NVTV this Friday, November 28.
Following on from the successful inaugural event in 2019 the festival has launched an online programme of content that will once again encourage and support writers who want to start or develop their skills.
Over the next 3 weeks the free online content will include interviews with local writers and content creators, panel events, workshops and masterclasses.
As well as that the festival will be broadcasting a series of interviews with local writers from a wide variety of writing genres on NVTV and across via a range of Facebook and YouTube channels.
Director of the festival, James Murphy, said that the festival intends to become even more successful in encouraging local talent.
“While we cannot repeat last year we have worked hard to make sure we have a rich programme that aims to help develop participant’s confidence,” he said.
“We hope that what we have planned will educate, empower and improve literacy and communications skills.”
The 2020 programme will include in-depth interviews with local, national and international writers; a range of practical writing and creative writing workshops, online book club and reading recommendations; panel discussions; and, an online writing retreat.
Festival directors publicist and journalist Tina Calder and author James Murphy will be interviewing a range of well known Northern Ireland writers including comedians Tim McGarry and Nuala McKeever, musicians Janet Devlin and Ciaran McElhinney, performance poets Elizabeth McGeown and Michael Wilson, authors William Clegg and Bernie Allen, transformation coach Deborah King, journalist and author Malachi O’Doherty and journalist and blogger Alan Meban to name a few.
From Zoom to in-studio interviews Tina said they wanted to show the breadth of talent throughout Northern Ireland.
She added: “What we wanted to achieve with these interviews was to inspire other writers by hearing stories from those who have achieved a range of success in their chosen writing field. It was important to us that we were able to show that the writing industry was more than just writing novels and poetry.
“There are some really incredible stories of people’s journey to success and I love the fact that each person has a different one to tell.”
Local community television channel NVTV joined forces with the festival in order to make it more accessible to people across the country.
Simon Wood, Chairperson at NVTV said: “Northern Visions is excited to be a partner in the Northern Ireland Festival of Writing this year. One of the pleasures for many of us during these challenging times, especially during lockdown, has been being able to get lost in a book and become acquainted with books we have forgotten we actually own.
“What’s so interesting about the Festival of Writing is that it is writing in all its forms so this is a real voyage of discovery.”
Fans of the festival can see the main NVTV broadcast on Friday November 27 broadcasting on Freeview 7 (greater Belfast) and Virgin Media 159 (across Northern Ireland).
The festival will also be streaming sessions on Facebook and running a series of online workshop sessions as well as a range of other interactive events over the coming weeks.
“With the support of all including our festival partners NVTV, Oranga Creative, BAM magazine, The Secret Bookshelf and my own company Excalibur Press we will make this year’s festival a roaring success and look forward to having a further programme planned for the time when safer social gatherings can take place” said festival co-founder Tina Calder.
