Author: Tina Calder

The 2020 OnlyJustMedia Summit will see 11 national and international speakers reveal the secrets of success on social media in today’s increasingly crowded online marketplace.

On February 29 at Belfast’s Odyssey delegates will hear inspirational content professionals from England, Ireland, Northern Ireland and the USA on how to accomplish more across the many platforms now available.

Lucy McMullan, owner of OnlyJustMedia, who organises the conference alongside event co-founder Alan Walace said this was the biggest summit they have staged and promises to provide more than just an educational day.

“In 2018 we not only sold out the event in a few weeks, but created a huge buzz from local attendees and our international speakers,” she said. 

“This year is not only 10x bigger but will have more opportunities to learn, be inspired and have fun.”

“Delegates will hear how to build a social media community, influencing and impacting your audience, the secrets of making more of Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn content, as well as storytelling, brand building, visual marketing and more.”

Headline sponsor Pete Lonton of the Fire In The Belly podcast series says “I had to back the OnlyJustMedia Summit. The event showcases everything I stand for.” Pete is an entrepreneur, mentor, coach and property investor whose mission it is to help others find their potential and become the mightiest version of themselves. Pete’s podcast launches on spotify, itunes and other platforms on Monday 24th February.

From New York, Adrian Vasquez, Creative Director for Million Dollar Listing star Ryan Serhant will explain How to Build a Brand that stands out and thrives, while influencer Gabriel Desanti will outline how to find happiness in your chosen field.

Also from the Big Apple Tyler Babin of Adobe will be speaking about storytelling, community and culture, as well as protecting your mental health online.

Dublin best selling author and YouTube sensation Melanie Murphy has 800,000 followers and her YouTube views top 60m. She will be sharing her insights into influencer marketing.

“From keynote addresses to intimate conversations the OnlyJustMedia Summit 2020 has been designed so that delegates have access to so many creative and talented people,” said Alan Wallace.

 “This is an essential day for everyone who wants to develop their online presence, as well as all the networking opportunities a day like this presents.”

Among the other speakers will be YouTuber Cody Wanner from Pennsylvania who will talk about creating vlog-style video for business, while content creator Mike Winnet from Warrington will be covering Fast, Easy and non-Sleazy LinkedIn marketing.

Northern Ireland’s Niamh McAuley of Purple Dot Media will outline tips and tricks of video marketing and illusionist and Mentalist Joel M will explain how to make an impact on TikTok as an individual or a business.

The event is sponsored by amazing international and local brands- from Coca Cola, The Body Shop and Estee Lauder, to Tayto, Irish Black Butter and Bullitt Hotel.

Tickets for the OnlyJustMedia Summit which will be hosted by Cool FM presenter and influencer Rebecca McKinney include lunch, snacks and a jam-packed goodie bag, are priced at £100 and available from www.onlyjustmedia.com.

Burger Burger – so good they named it twice

A new gourmet burger bar has opened on Belfast’s Stranmillis Road following an investment of £60,000.

Burger Burger, the brain child of food lover Gavin Rennick, is set to create up to seven new jobs with plans to expand into a further two more restaurants later this year.

Located on the former El Chapo site according to Gavin the restaurant is offering diners a “laid-back atmosphere, delicious food choices and premium retro cocktails”

Gavin, who is the project manager for Burger Burger, said the food venue is more than just another re-treading of the traditional patty and bun options.

“We have worked to create a menu that focuses on taste, originality and fun,” he said.

“Burger will use local produce as much as possible, and we will offer vegetarian and vegan options across what is on offer.”

Gavin explained that the experience at the new restaurant has been carefully thought through.

“The concept of Burger Burger is just good grub where you can relax, chill out and meet with friends to go for a coffee during the day or a sweet treat or something more filling,” he explained. 

“We’re delighted to be able to create seven new jobs and are already beginning plans for our expansion later this year.”

According to Gavin the company will announce the opening of a Burger Burger express in the summer and another sit in restaurant in the autumn.

For Gavin the opening of Burger Burger marks an important step in his own personal journey with food.

“I had an unhealthy relationship with food when I was younger,” he explained.

“However, after re-adjusting and becoming more healthy I lost over four stone in weight and I wanted to show people that you don’t always have to lose your passion for food when you struggle with weight.”

The now fit and healthy Gavin said the Burger Burger menu has been a labour of love.

He added: “I used my passion for cooking in order to create a menu that matches my love of food, fitness and nutrition.

“Every item has been specially selected and the sauces have been named to specifically compliment every burger and every item and they’re just delicious to bite into.”

From the traditional burger, matched with a range of toppings and sauces, through to the vegetarian and vegan options Burger Burger will also offer wings, loaded nachos and the intriguingly named ‘Mega-Zord Fries’. Gavin is, however, keen to emphasise that they also do hot dogs!

Burger Burger is open now, ready for you to bite down a flavour experience that you won’t forget.

Contact Burger Burger, Stranmillis Road, Belfast for more information 028 9543 3131 or find them on social media.

Leading healthy mind practitioner, Sam Barr, has urged people not to delay seeking help in dealing with the mental crises the modern world and relationships deliver.

Through his Healthy Mind Coaching and Training practice Sam has seen that too often people delay getting the support and help that can help them turn the corner.

“People come to us mostly because of anxiety,” he said. “There are so many different situations that cause anxiety and when we meet them it can have a lot of different factors.

“It could be because of relationships, finances, addictions, or as a result of issues in the workplace and there are the associated fears, worry and even shame that come along with that anxiety.”

Sam says that social connections and environment leads to exacerbating the anxiety, and It developing into more serious issues.

Healthy Mind Coaching and Training offer a range of services for individuals and workplaces, but often the free 30-minute one-to-one is when the issues affecting a person can be identified and assess whether further sessions are required.

“Whether it is someone who is a senior manager, or an individual who is facing a life-changing decision often we can help identify issues and recommend changes in behaviour,” Sam said.

However, it is often delaying seeking help that can be a barrier for people – and organisations.

“Most people know that they have an issue with their mental health and wellbeing,” he explained. “Too often they come up with excuses, such as they don’t have the time. They have the time to get their car fixed or their boiler repaired when they are broken, and I would encourage them to change their mindset from ‘can I’ to ‘will I’. By asking ‘will I’ they are more likely not to seek excuses and get the help we can provide.”

Healthy Mind Coaching and Training is a provider of life & emotional wellbeing, therapeutic coaching and professional training courses in personal, professional development & workplace wellbeing.

“There are so many labels around mind wellbeing but we focus on enabling people to grow, flourish, excel and realise their potential, achieving outstanding results in their lives through a positive change mindset,” said Sam. “But the key thing is to take the first step. No matter what your reason is, whatever has prompted you to get help, you can change.”Learn more about Healthy Mind Coaching and Training at healthymindcoaching.co.uk

Northern Ireland specialist recruitment company, Tyson Wilson Recruitment is expanding on its success, by opening a dedicated temp employment division service for employers and job seekers.

Building on almost five years in business the locally owned and run company will be making a £100,000 investment over the next two years, creating up to four new jobs as well as a further £50,000 in developing a recruitment app due for completion within the next 18 months.

Michelle Tyson, CEO, said that the recruitment market has expanded and evolved in Northern Ireland, and that it was the right time to expand services.

“When I set up the business it was because I spotted a gap in the market to become the first call centre specialist,” she explained. “While we created a unique service in that sector we were quickly approached by other sectors.

“From the growing number of requests from call centre clients for temporary staff through to other industries such as warehousing and hospitality it was clear that the market was growing.

“I always had plans to open a temp division as a I ran a temp division desk for my previous employer and loved the buzz and the fast pace of helping clients with their needs”.

Established in 2015 Tyson Wilson Recruitment Consultancy has developed its services for prospective employees and those with staffing requirements, including not charging a fee until appointment of successful candidates.

With offices in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and Bangor the company offers a value-added temp service with dedicated consultants that are dedicated to meeting your staffing requirements over and above the core full-time workforce.

“It is clear that Belfast is becoming a central hub for new and existing businesses expanding in Northern Ireland,” said Michelle. “Research and expert analysis shows that there is a greater need for temporary staff, especially within the growing sectors of call centres, warehouses, hospitality, administrative, customer service, sales and other sectors”

With that in mind each Tyson Wilson client has a dedicated local consultant to take on and understand the brief, to make sure that the right people are placed in the needed posts.

Furthermore, they can help with the induction process by completing background checks, health and safety training, assessments and aptitude testing.

She is clear that the advantages of temporary work are for both candidates and employees.

“For those who are considering ‘temping’ there are a series of benefits,” Michelle explained.

“It can help improve your CV, filling in a gap and offers the opportunity to learn new skills as well as gain much needed experience in an area that may be lacking.

“It can also lead to being hired much quicker. When the right position opens you can be placed within a day.

“It also means that you can look at a new career direction as you learn new skills and consider what path to take. That’s not to mention the financial rewards and flexibility of temping.”

But Michelle is clear that the benefits for employers are just as important.

“We have seen that more and more need to scale up their workforce quickly, whether that be for a large new project or to urgently fill a post as a result of in-house sickness or maternity leave,” she said. “Our service means there is fast-track hiring, cover while recruiting permanent staff, bringing in fresh skills, meet peak work periods, control of costs, ‘try-before-you-buy’ and the potential to discover future leaders.

“For us recruitment isn’t a transactional process, but a service that is dedicated to looking after both sides throughout the process.”

Tyson Wilson operates ‘24/7 for 52 weeks of the year as Michelle’s experience shows that businesses do not sit and wait when they need cover. In addition, they operate full report management information including agreed key performance indicators at approved intervals.

Michelle said: Our aim over the next three years is to have the largest pool of call centre, warehouse candidates and other sectors in Northern Ireland registered and waiting.

“We are planning on investing £50,000 into research and development of a new app to help our clients and candidates register. We want to lower our carbon footprint and be one of the first agencies in Belfast to go paperless to make sure we fulfil our corporate responsibility to measure how environmentally friendly we are.”

For more information log onto tysonwilsonrecruitment.co.uk

The popular Lunchtime Learning programme is back with a bang with a new three-month programme to support businesses in an ever-evolving marketing landscape.

The Destination CQ (Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District) initiative focuses on the challenging digital environment with free 45-minute events are designed for all businesses in the Cathedral Quarter and are held in the Black Box.

CQ BID manager, Gareth Neill, said that these sessions have been designed to help all to enhance their online marketing profile particularly around positive engagement with new and existing customers.

“After the fantastic success of our first season of Lunchtime Learning, we are back again with a new batch,” he said. “evaluation after our last series, merited further sessions based on marketing and digital media and we are delighted to have curated a range of industry leaders from across the Cathedral Quarter to take part.

“This is part of the BID’s commitment to provide additional training and business support to businesses operating in Cathedral Quarter & Smithfield; we have an energetic and enthusiastic business community who are keen to learn, upskill, and share best practice amongst each other in the area.”

Most sessions in the past have been sold out; with an average rating of 4.5/5 across all our speakers and content choices. It’s a great opportunity to escape the office, learn something new and network with neighbouring businesses.

Organised by Andi Jarvis of Eximo Marketing the upcoming sessions include: How to Write a Marketing Plan, marketing on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, Facebook and Instagram Ads, an introduction to Google Analytics.

In addition to the Lunchtime Learning series there will be bespoke ticketed three-hour workshops for advanced social media learning.

There will also be a series of bespoke three-hour workshops on marketing plans, Facebook and Instagram ads, Google Analytics and how to use WordPress.

Full details and how to sign up are here: https://www.cathedralquarterbelfast.com/lunchtime-learning/

The inaugural conference from the Young Entrepreneurs Network Northern Ireland (YENNI) will take place on Friday, January 31st at Riddel Hall, Belfast, bringing together inspiring speakers and aiming to help drive development of young people’s businesses. 

Entitled ‘Level Up!’ the YENNI conference will see the voluntary organisation take the next stage in its support for 18-30-year-olds interested in business, entrepreneurship, leadership and professional development. 

YENNI founder, Katie Matthews, was FSB NI Young Entrepreneur 2018 and was included in the NI 40 Under 40 List last year. “I set up YENNI to support other young entrepreneurs and professionals who have a wealth of potential, but perhaps not the means to pursue their dreams and explore their capabilities,” she said. 

“Our inaugural conference will support the vision to provide a safe space, platform and hub for sharing ideas, connecting, supporting, developing and mentoring the amazingly talented young people of Northern Ireland. I’m delighted that so many inspiring speakers have agreed to take part.” 

Keynote speakers will include FSB Chair, Tina McKenzie, CEO of Grafton Recruitment, Claire Stewart, Chartered Accountant and NI Young Leader of the Year 2019, and Dave Linton, founder of Madlug CIC and the UK’s Entrepreneur for Good 2019. 

“What all of the speakers have shown is determination to succeed, and the desire to take businesses to the next level,” said Katie. 

“Together with the other speakers, leaders and ‘Masterclass’ workshops this is an excellent opportunity to not only learn, but to take the next step in your own development and your business’ growth. 

“Level UP! Aims to educate, evolve, empower and elevate everyone involved. It will bring together like-minded, driven young people who are current or future entrepreneurs, leaders, professionals, leaders, innovators and disruptors for what I am sure will be a day that will change many people’s lives and outlooks.” 

Sponsors for the event include GetPrint, along with Grafton Recruitment, O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors, The Mind Tribe UK, Mourne Management Systems, Ruthless Media, Oranga and Excalibur Press.

The conference will last from 9:30 to 4:30, with tickets priced at £15 via Eventbrite – just search Level Up!

Omagh Library will host an inspirational event on Wednesday, January 29th to help aspirational bloggers get ready to share life, experiences, and expertise as well as learning more about managing health and wellbeing.

The event by TrainingMatchmaker.com for Libraries NI is designed to encourage potential bloggers to get started, receive hints, tips and tricks towards success – and share the enjoyment of being a blogger.

The Tyrone Blogging Inspiration event will see transformational speaker, Deborah King talk about her own journey into blogging, as well as a panel of experts who will help you get online to tell your own story.

As part of the Libraries NI ‘New Year New You’ campaign the theme of the January event is health and wellness both online and offline.

Chartered Marketer Christine Watson of TrainingMatchmaker.com, said the event is for both existing bloggers and those that want to dabble for the first time.

She said: “Health literacy and digital skills are now necessary life skills and these continue to grow in importance as more and more everyday activities and sources of information and inspiration move online. 

“Most of us know when we are mentally and physically well, but sometimes we need a little extra support to keep well and guidance in terms of being aware of when we need to take more action.

“The Blogging Inspiration events aim to provide library users with the opportunity to stay informed, tap into the expertise of others ‘on the day’, to encourage socialising with peers on an ongoing basis, and to inspire audiences with real life stories and examples.”

The panel chosen for Omagh library are active local bloggers that specialise in health and wellbeing as their core subject.

Speaker Deborah King began her blogging journey after attending a Get Blogging course by Libraries NI in 2018 and has since spoken at a Get Blogging for Wellness showcase.

“I am thrilled to have been asked to speak again at yet another great #GetBloggingNI session,” she said. “I have just moved to the Tyrone area in the last year and I’m delighted that the Blogging Inspiration Sessions are happening in Omagh.”

After attending her first #GetBloggingNI event Deborah wanted to start her blog right away.

“The start of the library course by Training Matchmaker coincided with me attending a speaking and writing conference in Orlando, Florida. I figured I would talk about my adventures in Orlando but I got writers block and I realised that I had to tell my story and talk about how I got to where I am first.”

She was soon on her way to blogging, publishing her first blog on November 27^th, 2018.

“The words that flowed out of my mind, through my pen and onto the page turned out to be a list of things I remember doing which showed the journey I had taken from being someone with depression to now being someone who felt empowered and in control of their life.

“If  one of my blogs helps even one person in any way than that is what I call a successful blog.

“For anyone who is even remotely considering blogging, especially in relation to Health and Wellbeing, I would urge them to do so.” 

Julie Reid, Libraries NI Service Development Manager, added: “Libraries NI is all about promoting an inclusive society, introducing people to new experiences, ideas and reliable information. Libraries give people the opportunity to access a range of free services, health resources and events which can help improve a person’s health and wellbeing.

“The shift to online services, in particular, has changed the way in which we live, work and socialise. It is hoped attendees will come away from the workshop equipped with the knowledge and confidence to engage with the 5 steps to Wellbeing in their daily lives both online and offline.”

The host for the event is Tina Calder, of Content Club and Excalibur Press.

The 90-minute free event runs from 6pm and can be booked through Eventbrite at trainingmatchmaker.eventbrite.com 

The acclaimed production Under The Hawthorn Tree is returning to Belfast in a presentation by the award-winning children’s theatre company, Cahoots NI and the MAC, featuring a star-studded cast of exceptional performers including Frankie McCafferty and Julia Dearden.

Based on the internationally acclaimed book by award-winning author Marita Conlon-McKenna and published by The O’Brien Press, Under the Hawthorn Tree follows the journey of three brave siblings as they fight for survival during the Potato Famine in Ireland, 1845.

Running in Belfast from January 30th until February 9th before touring Ireland, there are already limited tickets for some shows.

The story is told alongside compelling music and song and is suitable for children from seven years and up.

It is the tale of three children, Eily, Michael and Peggy. When their father goes to find work and their mother leaves to find him, the trio, starving and faced with the workhouse, embark on a treacherous journey to find the great aunts they have heard of only in stories.

Directed by Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney of Cahoots NI this remarkable story of endurance, in a defining moment of Irish experience, is told like never before in the play by Charles Way, with a stirring live original score from Garth McConaghie.

Paul said that the response to Under the Hawthorn Tree has been phenomenal.

“We knew that this was a special show,” he said. “That we received such a great response the first time it was performed was overwhelming. That so many tickets have been sold ahead of this run is an outstanding tribute to Marita’s story, Charles’ adaptation and all involved in bringing it to the MAC.”

Frankie McCafferty, who plays Mr O’Driscoll, will be familiar to TV and film audiences with appearances including BBC One’s ‘Death and Nightingales’, ‘Ripper Street’ (S2), ‘Vikings’ and ‘Middletown’.

“Under The Hawthorn Tree is such a compelling piece,” he said. “The adaptation brings the story from the pages to the stage in a work that is sure to entertain and educate.”

With Frankie the cast includes Julia Dearden, Adam dDougal, Colette Lennon Dougal, Conor O’Donnell, Philippa O’Hara and Maeve Smith.

Julia has appeared extensively on stage, with TV credits including ‘After Life’, ‘The Fall’ and ‘Line of Duty’.

The three siblings are played by Adam Dougal (Michael), Maeve Smith (Eily), and Philippa O’Hara (Peggy). 

Author Marita Conlon-McKenna said the production of her award-winning book delighted her.

“Cahoots NI and Director Paul Mc Eneaney have done a marvellous job with this truly innovative production which combines music, song and story to help tell the story of The Great Irish Famine,” she said.

“The play surpassed all my hopes and expectations and I was overwhelmed by the reaction of kids, families and lovers of the book, to the show. The hard work and effort of the cast and crew have resulted in a very memorable stage production which I promise is different from anything else most of us have seen.”

This dramatisation of Under The Hawthorn Tree is based on the book Under The Hawthorn Tree © text 1990 Marita Conlon-McKenna, published by The O’Brien Press, Dublin.

Under The Hawthorn Tree runs at The MAC from January 30 – February 9 before touring Ireland.

Tickets are available from themaclive.com or for more information go to cahootsni.com

With the new year’s resolutions pending Belfast pole fitness expert El Fegan has already had an influx of people ready to get in shape at her city centre studio in 2020.

Despite being around for over a decade there’s no sign of pole fitness losing its appeal according to El.

El has been offering pole dancing, pole athletics and other fun activities from her Polercise premises in Belfast’s Donegall Street for almost fifteen years. The studio is located in the former premises of Clark’s Dance Studio and El admits that when she first opened, she expected a bit of opposition.

“Looking back now, I think I was just a bit nervous,” she said. “Given the reputation of the US ‘pole dancing’, I expected to see banners and protests right outside the door, but there was nothing and it all worked out well. I think Northern Ireland – and Belfast in particular – has moved on now.

“We’ve had great interest in the classes for the new year with people coming for a variety of reasons from confidence building and self esteem reasons to exercise, fitness and even core strengthening and more.

“I definitely feel that the popularity of pole certainly hasn’t waned and, in fact, there’s been a little resurgence recently since Belfast hosted the World Pole Sports and Fitness Championships.”

For those who don’t know, pole exercise has remained a popular exercise trend in recent years, with participants able to have fun and get healthy at the same time. 

El first came across pole fitness during a trip to Australia.

“I saw this article in a magazine and I was really intrigued,” she explained. “I immediately thought ‘hey, I could do that. I remember going and asking about the classes. For about three weeks I sneaked off to classes but didn’t tell my boyfriend at the time.”

El quickly got the pole ‘bug’ and decided to pursue a career in the activity. But first she had to overcome a bit of a blip!

“When I came home in October 2004,” she added, “I set up a pole in my brother’s house because I didn’t want to speak to my parents about it. I didn’t think they would understand because, at that time, pole still had a seedy sort of image, so I sneaked over to my brother’s house for a while to practise. Pole was, however, becoming more prominent in England and was getting press coverage, so I would leave magazines open for my mum to pick up on it so that she would understand it wasn’t seedy, but a great way of getting stronger, both physically and mentally.”

Since those early days El has pioneered the benefits of pole for all ages – particularly for girls and is encouraging people to consider signing up to the new term next month.

“We’ve actually had girls come in and tell us that pole has changed their lives,” she said. “Through pole, they develop their body confidence and self-confidence, and this can help them in their relationships. Some have come from an abusive relationship and they are able to get the strength to just go and move on from there. And, that, for me, is probably the best, the biggest thing that we get out of it.”

El’s classes are now a major attraction for all types of people. From mothers and daughters to younger children, her classes are a mix of people who are there for fun and for the health benefits.

There’s even a growing number of men joining in.

“Oh, absolutely,” she said. “This year has been good for stag parties and we’ve had a couple of stags who have come in to do pole and had a really great time.”

With taster sessions on the first Friday of every month starting January 3 the one hour long class is perfect for people looking to try before they commit.

And no one should feel it’s not for them. Those who take part in the Polercise classes come in all shapes and sizes.

“We get small girls who have absolutely no upper body strength, and they’re not able to lift their own body,” she explained. “And then, we’ll get stronger, bigger, girls who can just climb up that pole, no bother. It’s just all about being able to lift your own bodyweight, and work from there.

“We have people who are gymnastic, people who come from absolutely no background and love the sexy side of it, and love putting the hands on. We’re not a school that’s going to go ‘No, you’re not allowed to wear high heels, you’re not allowed to do that’.”

In addition to classes, Polercise also offers fun events for parties.

“We offer any kind of themed dance party, like the whole Burlesque, cheerleading, Grease, Dirty Dancing and the like,” El said. “This year is going to be the hustlers, so we’re going to be offering strip tease workshops. We’ve already run a few of those, and they went down a storm. While the classes involve a full-on body workout, the parties are a bit more fun. Everyone comes in and we play a few party games, followed by a champagne reception.”

If you’re intrigued about pole fitness, but not sure whether it’s for you, El suggests a beginners’ class where you learn the basics.

“Everyone starts out as a beginner,” she explained. “Initially we focus on the basics like technique and building your strength. Come and try it and see if it’s for you.”

Taster sessions for Polercise start on Friday January 3 with the 4-week beginners class starting on Monday January 6.

For more information go to https://www.polerciseni.com/

Northern Ireland charity Brain Injury Matters (NI) has been awarded nearly £200,000 for their Family First Service from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

The Family First Service – a Northern Ireland wide service – is a collaborative venture, led by Brain Injury Matters (NI), in partnership with the Psychology Services at the Belfast Health and Social Trust supporting families whose child has an acquired brain injury (ABI).  The project launched in 2015 and has been funded to the tune of £199,959 by the National Lottery Community fund since its commencement. 

Joe Mc Vey, CEO of Brain Injury Matters, said: “This new fund further enhances our capability to deliver the Family First Service.  By developing what we offer within this service, we are confident that this new fund will help us continue to meet family’s needs, offer additional support to siblings and deliver additional online services. We are delighted to have the continued support from the Lottery and to strengthen our partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.”

The Family First Service project provides specific interventions to support and empower families to meet the challenges of supporting their child with an acquired brain injury (ABI). Overall the family first project has enabled families to live beyond acquired brain injury and enabled them not to be solely defined by their child’s injury. 

Thanks to the funding from National Lottery, Brain Injury Matters (NI) Family First project will be able to continue their home based work, more work with siblings, continued Partnership with the Belfast Trust and develop their on-line portal. This will ensure that families with a child who has ABI will have continued access to tailored services, more access to the Family First team, to information and to each other.

Bridget Smyth, Children’s Services Manager of the Family first Service, said: “This new National Lottery funding is fantastic and will help us to continue to make a difference in the lives of families whose children have an acquired brain injury (ABI). In the 5 years since its commencement, we have worked with over 70 families. Feedback from families has identified not only a positive impact for the child in terms of their overall wellbeing but the positive impact on the family as a whole.”

Mary Peoples, whose son Peadar Pio, has been receiving support from the Family First service for the last year.  She said: “In July 2018 our lives changed when our 10 year old son, Peadar Pio, fell from a trampoline and required life-saving brain surgery. The following few months were lonely and frustrating for the family. Peadar Pio’s OT contacted Brain Injury Matters and we have been so lucky to be receiving support from Catherine since January 2019. 

“Catherine provides a safe environment for Peadar Pio and us to discuss our worries and fears and she helps us understand the effects of an Acquired Brain Injury. She has given Peadar Pio coping mechanisms which will benefit him throughout his life.  

“The positive impact that BIM has had on our lives is immeasurable and we are so grateful to everyone involved; so much so that we have organised a number of fundraising events in our local area to support the work of Brain Injury Matters; including a cinema night and most recently the male staff of Gaelcholáiste Dhore took part in Movember and raised just under £1,000.”

For more information on the Family First Service contact Bridget Smyth at bridget@braininjurymatters.org.uk or 02890705125 or visit www.braininjurymatters.org.uk