The well known SOMA Festival will be returning to Castlewellan, County Down later this month with a whole host of musical performances, exciting activities and holistic experiences.
Running from July 19-21, the ever-popular SOMA Festival will feature a variety of performances, offering audiences the chance to embrace the alternative festival vibe that can’t be found anywhere else.
The three-day event has been specially curated by the SOMA volunteer team to ensure that the best artists from across the island of Ireland and beyond will be in attendance.
Tíona McSherry, SOMA Festival Director, said she was delighted to develop another fantastic line-up for this year’s event along with the wider team.
She said: “Our team has come up with another stellar programme for festival goers to enjoy this year.
“We’re so excited for the incredible acts we have coming to perform. We hope Castlewellan is as buzzing for it as we are.”
With funding from Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Foras na Gaeilge, and sponsors and partners Whitewater Brewing Co., Glór Uachtar Tíre, Excalibur Press, Dolmes Climate Action Network, and Cumann Phobail Garbhdhoire, SOMA Festival 2024 tickets are already available and can be purchased for individual events or as a weekend access pass to all concerts.
With a full line-up set to be released in due course there will be a number of festival hubs scattered around the town with SOMA on the Square, Little Gems and Mind, Body & Soul also making a return.
Tíona added: “It takes a dedicated group of people to attempt to pull any festival off, not to mention doing it for the love alone.
“A big thank you to all of our funders and sponsors, in particular Whitewater Brewing Co. and Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, and the wonderful volunteers who help make the SOMA Festival a reality.”
SOMA Festival 2024 is set to offer a welcome space for everyone regardless of what they’re interested in, including everything from live music and family entertainment to nature walks and meditation sessions.
The SOMA Festival runs between 19th-21st July and full details including tickets can be found at www.linktr.ee/thesomafestival
Jonathan Walker, Ravenhill Road Volunteers LOL 580 and Leah Magill, Pride of the Raven Flute Band
A whole host of family fun activities is planned to take place at Belfast’s City Hall in conjunction with the annual parades to commemorate The Twelfth.
Created to complement the July 12 parades, Orangefest 2024 will take place from 10am-4pm at both Belfast City Hall and surrounding areas in Royal Avenue.
Established in 2007, Orangefest was created to enhance the well-known yearly parades with a variety of inclusive and entertaining activities.
The 2024 festival boasts an impressive line-up from an international food market in the grounds of City Hall organised by Food NI and Taste of Ulster offering up a range of local and international cuisines as well as live cooking demonstrations.
Circusful street entertainers will be bringing their award-winning street theatre to the grounds of City Hall where stilt walkers, drumming workshop from community tribal drummers, drop in circus skills and circus shows provided free and suitable for all ages.
County Grand Master, Rt. Wor. Bro. Spencer Beattie said the organising committee are delighted “to be bringing together a variety of activities to encourage people to remain in the city centre throughout the morning.”
He said: “Our message this year is that Belfast is very much going to be open for business during the 12th July celebrations.
“Many retailers throughout the city centre have committed to remaining opening during the festivities from 1pm to 5pm and we want to encourage people to enjoy their time in the city centre responsibly and safely.”
As well as the programme of events in the grounds of City Hall there will also be a range of Belfast City Hall guided tours available throughout the morning allowing people to experience the city’s rich history.
Mr Beattie said he looks forward to welcoming people from all across the city to Orangefest this year: “It is our mission to enhance the well-known 12th of July celebrations by providing additional activities that are educational, entertaining, and accessible to all, fostering a sense of community and togetherness in Belfast.
“As we enjoy the spectacle of the 334th annual demonstration of the Battle of the Boyne, we are looking forward to a feast of activity at Belfast City Hall.
“We aspire to make the Belfast 12th a globally recognised event that not only highlights the cultural significance of the day but also promotes unity and economic growth.
“Through our efforts, we aim to remove barriers, foster mutual respect, and create a positive and inclusive environment for all citizens and visitors.”
The events will also be complemented by a range of eye-catching street dressings and display banners, adding to the festive atmosphere by Image Zoo.
The inaugural Remarkable Marketing Awards recognised 20 experts across the industry recently at a glittering awards ceremony at the Europa Hotel.
Sponsored by Card Group Research, the awards were created by the team behind the hugely popular annual Big Marketing Meet Up conference.
Hosted by communicator and presenter, Emer Maguire, the RMA’s gave marketers and their teams the chance to blow their own trumpets to be recognised for their creativity, innovation and marketing successes.
Winners on the night included Catherine McKernan from Galgorm Collective (Hospitality), Stephanie Watson from Lusso Tan (Market Research and Lifestyle & Wellness) and Leonie Bond from Trifecta Studios (independent consultant) plus many more.
Speaking of the awards, Treena Clarke, founder, said: “The Remarkable Marketing Awards are a celebration of the people behind groundbreaking initiatives. These awards are not about brands, channels or tactics, they’re about the people, the visionary marketers.”
This year’s theme was about encouraging marketers to blow their own trumpets and celebrate the people in Northern Ireland behind some of the most impactful campaigns promoting brands, helping clients hit targets and turning remarkable ideas into reality.
Winner Charlotte McAteer of Jack Murphy Jewellers said: “Winning the prestigious award for Most Remarkable Marketing in Retail and eCommerce is an immense honour and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the entire team at Jack Murphy Jewellers, and each and every customer that has and continues to support our Welded Forever Bracelets experience.”
The event also featured a special keynote address from lead judge Walter Campbell, one of the most awarded creative thinkers and inspirational ECD’s in advertising.
When asked what stood out to him most during the judging of the awards, Walter Campbell highlighted his admiration for the dedication and resilience displayed in the submissions.
He said: “I was highly impressed by the commitment to ideas and the physical tenacity evident in some of the work. The determination to extend or unlock aspects of the ideas over
Melissa Devlin of GCD Technologies who won the Digital & ICT award said: “I’m really proud to have won!
“Marketing isn’t always about the big shiny campaigns but also the hard work that goes on in the background, particularly in small and medium-sized companies, so it feels great to have been recognised amongst my peers.”
And Ellen White of the MarTech Laboratory at Ulster University who won Future Marketing Leader added: “I am incredibly encouraged by being awarded this accolade and it has empowered me as I hope to progress my career post-graduation within the Northern Ireland marketing sphere.”
The RMA’s are sponsored by headline sponsors Card Group Research and Insight, along with category sponsors Excalibur Press, Horrible Brands, Mrktsearch, Belfast Academy of Marketing, Thought Boxes, Creating Retail Magic and CO3.
For more information or to see a full winners list go to >> remarkableawards.com
An internationally acclaimed, award-winning interactive VR adventure that transports you into the heart of the Acid House movement is heading for Belfast early next year.
In Pursuit Of Repetitive Beats, produced by East City Films and created by Darren Emerson, has added Belfast to its eight-city UK tour.
In partnership with Belfast XR Festival the experience will take audiences back in time to the beginning of the Acid House movement and the creation of UK rave culture telling a multicultural story of collaboration and unity that celebrates music, friendship, and the joy of youth.
Belfast XR Festival, entering its fourth year, specialises in curating worldclass immersive technology content that takes the art of storytelling to a new level.
Extended Reality or ‘XR’ is the collective name for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). VR is a computer-generated artificial environment with scenes that appear to be real, while AR is a digital overlay onto the real world, which is viewed through your phone or an iPad.
Deepa Mann-Kler, director and curator for Belfast XR Festival which is an annual gathering for the XR arts – storytelling, visual arts, music, drama, dance, literature and theatre, said she is delighted to be showcasing In Pursuit Of Repetitive Beats at the forthcoming 2025 festival.
She said: “Northern Ireland has an incredible track record when it comes to music which is internationally recognised.
“It made sense to bring this work to Belfast as it also features music by a leading Northern Irish artist Max Cooper. Belfast also holds the prestigious UNESCO City of Music title.
“This marks a debut and premiere for the work on the island of Ireland. We are looking forward to this exciting collaboration with East City Films.”
The experience, which is jointly supported by Arts Council England and BFI, will take audiences on ‘a multi-sensory joyride into the heart of a working-class revolution in dance’.
Viewers of the experience will witness the joy of tracking down and arriving at an all-night illegal warehouse party at the height of the rave scene in Coventry, 1989 by stepping into the shoes of rave culture pioneers.
“Bringing to life the stories of the promoters, police officers, pirate radio stations, and secret warehouse rave-goers, whose rivalries and relationships drove a revolution in music and society, the film features euphoric rave anthems such as Chime by Orbital and Energy Flash by Joey Beltram.
Beats uses Virtual Reality (VR) technology to fully immerse audiences in a one-hour multi-sensory interactive experience that is awash with meticulous period detail. It surrounds participants with the sounds, senses, and the thrill of being young (again).
Director Darren Emerson, East City Films said: “With In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats I wanted to take audiences back to a moment where a community formed from their passion for music, dance and freedom of expression.
“In a modern society where we are constantly monitored, and tracked by devices, this experience, although using technology, seeks to reunite audiences with the thrill of freedom and those important, crazy nights where we not only find our friends, but truly find ourselves.
“The response to Beats has been overwhelming; seeing people emerge from VR moved and excited and wanting to connect with each other has been so rewarding.
“After success touring Internationally, I’m delighted we are now bringing Beats back to the UK, to connect with the audiences that were shaped in some way by the cultural revolution that was Acid House.”
The creative team behind Beats spent time making the experience fully accessible to all audiences, accessible to wheelchair users with a seated version and d/Deaf audiences with subtitles, Haptics (vibration), Access Packs, VR Explainer and scene descriptions and Touch Tour.
To further enhance the experience, East City Films has partnered with Woojer. Woojer’s innovative haptic vests will add to the multi-sensory journey, immersing users in a vibrant auditory landscape and enhancing accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This collaboration aims to deliver an inclusive experience that resonates deeply with all audiences.
The inaugural Remarkable Marketing Awards is set to recognise 20 experts across the industry this Friday night at a glittering awards ceremony at the Europa Hotel.
The awards, sponsored by Card Group Research have been created by the team behind the hugely popular annual Big Marketing Meet Up conference, and will be held on Friday 31st May at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.
Hosted by communicator and presenter, Emer Maguire, the RMA’s are giving marketers and their teams the chance to blow their own trumpets to be recognised for their creativity, innovation and marketing successes.
Speaking of the awards, Treena Clarke, founder, said: “The Remarkable Marketing Awards are a celebration of the people behind groundbreaking initiatives. These awards are not about brands, channels or tactics, they’re about you – the visionary marketer.”
This year’s theme is about encouraging marketers to blow their own trumpets and celebrating the people in Northern Ireland behind some of the most impactful campaigns promoting brands, helping clients hit targets and turning remarkable ideas into reality.
Also taking place on the night is a keynote address from lead judge Walter Campbell, one of the most awarded creative thinkers and inspirational ECD’s in advertising.
Perhaps best known for his TV work creating iconic brand campaigns with brands as diverse as Apple, Adidas, Sony, ASOS and Instagram, Walter will be taking to the stage to discuss his remarkable career with Strategy Sessions Podcast host, Andi Jarvis.
He said: “I’ll be discussing the importance of ‘Storytelling’ and maybe touch on how we unlock the core human component in selling a product. We might delve into the fact that something different and pertinent in the conversation with our audience is what actually makes all the difference.”
As for what he hopes people will take away from his address, he said: “If the marketers and all the players in the process reconnect in a real way with why they love doing what they do, or in some way reengage with the pleasure of doing the work we are lucky enough to do, and get into the mood to make work unlike the twenty pieces of work that went before their work (and the twenty that follow it), then I’ll consider my talk a success.”
With a shortlist spanning 20 categories across the awards including Business Solutions, Finance & Professional Services, Healthcare & Pharma and Technology & Innovation among others the judges praised the high quality of entries across the categories.
When asked what stood out to him most during the judging of the awards, Walter highlighted his admiration for the dedication and resilience displayed in the submissions.
He said: “I was highly impressed by the commitment to ideas and the physical tenacity evident in some of the work. The determination to extend or unlock aspects of the ideas over time or through various challenges. Succeeding against the odds is always compelling.”
Expected to be a night of fun and excitement, the night begins at 6pm for pre-event drinks before the ceremony begins at 7pm. After the event, guests are more than welcome to stay for some entertainment and music from The String Ninjas until midnight.
As well as the nominees, the awards night is open to all marketers across Northern Ireland.
The RMA’s are sponsored by headline sponsors Card Group Research and Insight, along with category sponsors Excalibur Press, Horrible Brands, Mrktsearch, Belfast Academy of Marketing, Thought Boxes, Creating Retail Magic and CO3.
Hundreds of manufacturing companies and supply chain experts from Northern Ireland are set to travel to Dublin this week for the 2024 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin.
Following this major event, the same organisation will bring the Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition to the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in September 2024.
Incorporating a comprehensive conference programme and an extensive exhibition area displaying the latest technological solutions and business services available, the 2024 National Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will be held over two days on May 28 and 29.
The largest event of its kind in Ireland, the National Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition serves as a national forum for manufacturers and operators involved throughout the associated supply chains from across Ireland to gather to discuss pressing issues facing Irish industry.
As such, the Event successfully connects key stakeholders across the full spectrum of Irish manufacturing, including the food, drink, pharmaceutical, medical, chemical, life sciences and electronics sectors.
Accounting for almost a third of Ireland’s GDP and employing over 270,000 people, the manufacturing industry is crucial to the Irish economy and also helps to redress regional imbalances as more than 80% of operations are based outside of Dublin.
However, Irish and international manufacturers are currently facing serious challenges due to disruption to supply chains and markets caused by Brexit, the war in Ukraine, the situation in Gaza and the Red Sea region, and soaring energy, transport and raw materials costs.
The Irish manufacturing industry and its associated supply chain are also trying to adapt to the disruptive changes generated by the digital revolution and the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (Industry 4.0).
A new wave of advanced technologies is transforming the manufacturing landscape. These technologies include AI (Artificial Intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things), Cloud Computing, Digital Fabrication (including 3D printing), Big Data Capture, Advanced Automated and Autonomous Systems and Collaborative Robotics.
The 2024 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will highlight the key trends and challenges facing the industry, while also offering practical solutions, as well as showcasing the latest innovations, developments in best practice and new technological advances.
The organiser of 2024 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition, Dublin-based Premier Publishing & Events, is assembling an impressive line-up of manufacturing leaders, academics and government agencies who will engage in a stimulating blend of keynote addresses and debates.
Visitors interested in improving the performance of their business can listen to case studies and technical presentations from leading global and local manufacturing experts, whilst also meeting with providers of cutting edge technology.
For instance, Professor Henrik Von Scheel, the originator of the fourth industrial revolution (industry 4.0) will examine the future of manufacturing in his presentation titled ‘Factory 4.0: Megatrends that shape the next decade’. Carlos Garcia Santiago, Head of AI Strategy at Irish Manufacturing Research, will discuss the changing interaction between humans and AI in the field of manufacturing during his presentation titled ‘Beyond automation: Human Wisdom in the AI Revolution’. Dr. Yasmine Daher, Project Manager CE at Irish Manufacturing Research, will aim to aims to demystify AI adoption for Irish manufacturers during his talk titled ‘AI-Driven Circularity: Insights & Opportunities for Irish Enterprise’.
Tristan McCallum, Technologist for Engineering and the Green Economy at IDA Ireland, will look at ‘How the Digital Transformation is benefiting Irish Industry’.
Anne Bannon, Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences at AIB, will provide an overview of the manufacturing sector and the changing landscape around sustainability while explaining how AIB can assist customers in this area in her presentation –‘Supporting the decarbonisation of the Irish Manufacturing Sector’. Diana Vaz, Renewable Research Technologist at Irish Manufacturing Research, will consider ‘The Role of Renewable Energy Systems (RES) in the decarbonisation of industry’.
Adam Fox, Ireland & UK Business Development Manager at Swisslog, and Brian Cooney, Managing Director of KUKA Ireland, will deliver a comprehensive insight into the future of robotics in the logistics and supply chain industries and wider manufacturing circles during their chat titled ‘What is possible in the realm of autonomous systems? The answer, anything’.
Brendan McAuley, Director at the International Trade Institute, will look at ‘Changes in international trade and what they will mean for your supply chain’.
Engineering Industries Ireland (EII), the Ibec group representing the engineering manufacturing and services sector in Ireland, is the headline Sponsor of the annual Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition.
As the industry membership body for engineering and manufacturing, Engineering Industries Ireland connects its members to expert knowledge, advice, and supply chain opportunities, supporting a thriving and sustainable sector to compete effectively on both national and world stages.
The National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition incorporates several complementary events – all under one roof. The co-located events include: the Automation and Robotics Event; the IOT & Industry 4.0 Expo; the Sustainability Summit; the Supply Chain & Logistics Expo; the High Tech Manufacturing & Precision Engineering Expo; the Digital Transformation in Manufacturing Event; the Pharma and MedTech Expo; and the Lean Productivity and Continuous Improvement Summit. The co-located events within the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition are designed to show visitors how to harness new technology to improve their own business performance.
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 NorthernIreland 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.
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.
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.
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.
