Castlereagh Hills Golf Course welcomes The Hills Bar & Restaurant

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A new restaurant and bar has opened at Castlereagh Hills Golf Course. 

The Hills Bar & Restaurant, founded by entrepreneur and owner of Dished Up Deli catering company Philip Davison, has created 10 new jobs for the venue with plans to add to the team throughout the summer.

The menu consists of a variety of classic homemade dishes focused on supporting local producers. 

From Sunday lunch and breakfast frys to burgers, fish dishes and a range of delicious desserts the bar and restaurant is open seven days a week for both members of the golf club and the public.

Philip said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to manage the hospitality services here at Castlereagh Hills Golf Course and I’m delighted to bring the Hills Bar & Restaurant brand to our patrons.

“Not only are there breathtaking views across the green but we have the ability to host up to 150 people for private functions such as weddings, funerals, christenings, birthdays, engagements and much more.”

Based at the stunning location of Castlereagh Hills Golf Course, the aptly named The Hills Bar & Restaurant boasts scenic views of the magnificent Castlereagh countryside.  

Located less than five miles from Belfast city centre, the family-run restaurant has an impressive menu of local cuisine and is the ideal location for those after a quick scone and coffee, lunch or an evening meal and beverage in the fully licenced bar. 

Attending the official opening of The Hills Bar & Restaurant, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Thomas Beckett said: “I was pleased to attend the launch of the newly opened The Hills Bar & Restaurant at Castlereagh Hills Golf Course. Having gained a merited reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s best hidden gem courses, The Hills is a welcomed addition to the popular 18-hole golf course in the Lisburn Castlereagh area.  

“The menu has a varied offering coupled with the remarkable views from the balcony overlooking the course, this is sure to be a popular eatery with golfers and members of the public alike.”

Catering for all types of functions including birthdays, weddings and other family gatherings in our stunning, modern and bright setting, The Hills Bar & Restaurant is open daily from 10am.

Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Andrew Gowan said: “It is encouraging to see this new venture in the Lisburn Castlereagh area, offering a local option for families, individuals and couples to enjoy an eating out experience. 

“The family-run restaurant prides themselves on excellent customer service so I would encourage locals and those further afield to come down and enjoy The Hills experience.”

Mr Davison added: “We are thrilled to open here at the scenic Castlereagh Hills Golf Course and to be able to welcome members of the public and golfers to our fully licensed bar and restaurant. 

“You can expect excellent customer service, a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and good wholesome cuisine. We also have an express menu for golfers to enjoy before or after their round plus our popular, traditional Sunday lunch.”

 

To make a booking or to find out more, telephone 028 9013 4508 or email info@hillsbarandrestaurant.com

Discover a treasure trove of family fun at Belfast Maritime Festival

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Belfast’s rich maritime history and spirit of innovation will take centre stage with a host of free family activities on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September.

The Belfast Maritime Festival will take place along the city’s Maritime Mile, with activities stretching across Queen’s Quay to HMS Caroline in the Titanic Quarter.

Visitors can enjoy nautical-themed fun from 11am each day, including live music and pop-up performances, street entertainers and the colourful Belfast Bazaar, featuring the very best local produce and crafts.

The first ever ‘Science Street’ on Titanic Slipways will host an array of fun interactive activities, demonstrations and live shows exploring topics such as navigation, marine biology, climate change and biodiversity. Whether you’re a seasoned science enthusiast or a curious learner, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The youngest crew members will love the hands-on activities delivered by Wee Critters and Mini Explorers over at the Kids’ Zone at Queen’s Quay, while a flotilla of vessels and ships will dock at Queen’s Quay and Belfast Harbour Marina, where visitors can hop on board to meet the crew and experience life at sea.

The visiting ships will include Granuaile (Irish Lights), Leader, Brian Boru and La Malouine.

A diverse music programme, featuring over 40 leading musicians from across NI, will take place in outdoor venues across the Maritime Mile, celebrating homegrown talent and marking Belfast’s status as a UNESCO City of Music.

Featuring Americana, trad, jazz, opera, bluegrass, classical, indie and folk artists, highlights will include the Maritime Festival Showcase on Saturday 9 September, with four leading singer-songwriters and NI Music Prize winners, premieres especially commissioned for the festival, new collaborations and a 30-piece brass band. Then, on Sunday 10 September, come and experience the power of 25 opera voices performing much-loved classic works together, presented by the award-winning Northern Ireland Opera.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: “I’m really excited by what’s on offer at this year’s Belfast Maritime Festival – always a very popular event with local families, as well as visitors travelling into Belfast to enjoy the festival.

“The diverse line-up of free events and activities really brings our maritime and industrial heritage to life, while the sight of ships docking along the spectacular Maritime Mile is always something to be enjoyed.

“The addition of ‘Science Street’ offers visitors the chance to celebrate Belfast’s spirit of innovation and will inspire future generations to explore more, while there’s so many opportunities to enjoy the very best of our local talent, through live music and street theatre performances, great food and handcrafted products at the Belfast Bazaar.

“I’d encourage everyone to put Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September in their diaries and get on board for a weekend of fun!”

The Belfast Maritime Festival has been organised by Belfast City Council and is supported by Tourism NI, delivered in partnership with Maritime Belfast Trust, Belfast Harbour, Odyssey Trust, the Department for Communities and Titanic Quarter Ltd.

Aine Kearney, Director of Events at Tourism NI, said: “Tourism NI is delighted to support the return of the Belfast Maritime Festival, a much-needed post-pandemic boost to the wider tourism and hospitality industry with a projected economic benefit of circa £1.5 million.

“The event is a great opportunity to showcase this key Titanic and Maritime Belfast heritage destination and its wealth of visitor experiences. This immersive event will further awaken the giant spirit in our visitors, igniting their sense of discovery and demonstrating the warm welcome Northern Ireland offers to all.”

Visitors attending the Belfast Maritime Festival are encouraged to walk, cycle or take public transport to reach the event activities.

Walk or cycle along the quaysides all the way to HMS Caroline. Cycle parking is available outside Titanic Belfast and there are also Belfast Bike docks at the SSE Arena and SS Nomadic.

You can also hop on the Glider from Belfast city centre directly to the Titanic Quarter or travel by train to Titanic Quarter Halt.

For more event information, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/maritime

 

Fun For Little Ones This Summer At The Market Place

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The Market Place Theatre in Armagh has plenty lined up to keep the youngsters entertained this summer.

On Saturday 5 August, Banyan Puppet Theatre returns with their production of ‘Little Red Riding Hood’. A playful and imaginative re-telling of the timeless Brother Grimm’s story, this is the tale of a curious young girl who weaves her way through the wintery woods to her grandma’s house in a journey full of surprises. A blend of live performance, puppet operation and visual invention, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ is suitable for 3-11 year olds, with tickets only £26 for a family of 4.

For those kids who are a little more hands-on, there will be plenty of workshop fun to be had. On Saturday 12 August, 5-12 year olds can join the ‘Oh We Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside’ workshop which will allow youngsters to create a quirky colourful beach scene featuring cute summer-ready characters, using air drying clay.

Then on Saturday 19 August, children aged 7-12 can make a splash creating your own Merpeople. Let’s start by making them a magical underwater world to live in. It will be a mixed media extravaganza, using a wide variety of materials to create a three-dimensional nautical artwork. There will be painting and designing, with lots of decorations available to add that extra touch to your piece [sequins anyone?]. Perfect opportunities to free their imaginations!

Tickets for all performances and workshops can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre, or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Classic Bikes Set for Armoy Road Races

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ALTHOUGH most road racing fans love to watch the big Superbike and Supersport Races at the Armoy Road Races there are also a fair number of fans who love the sound and smell of a Classic bike.

Armoy Road Races have another good entry of modern and pre 73 classic bikes. Pictured with rider, Barry Davidson, is William Munnis, Clerk of the Course and Chairman of the Club and Fay Stewart who is sponsoring the Senior Classics.

This year at the Armoy Road Race there is another good entry of modern and pre 73 classic bikes. None more so than the exotic MV3 350cc ridden by English rider Andy Hornby. The last one raced in Ireland was likely to be by multiple world champion, Giacomo Agostini, in the late 60s.

There are also the modern classics like the Davis Motorsport Yamahas ridden by Dominic Herbertson and Paul Jordan, plus Dave Suddes on the Harris Yamaha to name but a few.

There has also been a lot of interest for the Steadplan Sales Classic Superbike race with some memorable bikes from the 80s and 90s where Phillip Crowe from Market Rasen is on a Suzuki XR69 and Whitby’s John Cliffe is on a Harris Suzuki F1.

This year Fay Stewart is sponsoring the Senior Classics and will see many riders including Ian Lougher on the Chapman Racing MV Augusta and local Ballymena man Barry Davidson who recently celebrated the milestone of his 100th Irish national road racing success riding Team Gimbert Honda 500.

Barry will also be riding a Team Gimbert Honda 350 in the MJF Builders Junior Classics and Ballymoney man Darryl Tweed on a Neil Vickers 350.

William Munnis Clerk of the Course and Club Chairman, said, “The grid at Armoy Road Races has bikes and competitors to cater for all ages and enthusiast of the sport. The sound will be something else particularly for the younger generation who may never have had the opportunity to hear and see such great racing bikes of the past. Both Friday and Saturday will see a great spectacle indeed. I’m looking forward to seeing the races begin and a safe two days of racing.”

This year, Bike Week runs from Sunday 23rd July until Saturday 29th July with the races taking place on Friday 28th July and Saturday 29th July 2023. The Armoy Road Races are part funded by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and culminates in the Bayview Hotel Races of Legends.

For more information on Armoy Road Races, visit armoyroadraces.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook or follow on twitter @ArmoyRoadRaces.

Please support the Armoy Road Races by buying a programme or a package. They are available from the Armoy office or on the website but need to be collected from the office in Armoy.

DALI, WARHOL AND BANKSY SET TO BRING THE ART AND SOUL TO CULLODEN ESTATE

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Ireland’s biggest art and sculpture event, featuring works by Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Patrick O’Reilly, and Keith Haring, is set to return to the Culloden Estate and Spa in Belfast this summer.

 

Art and Soul will be hosted by Gormleys at the five-star estate from August 19 – Sept 10, showcasing over £6 million worth of works by some of the biggest names in international and Irish art.

€7million worth of works by some of the biggest names in international and Irish art will feature at Ireland’s biggest art and sculpture event, Art and Soul, hosted by Gormleys at the Culloden Estate and Spa in Belfast from August 19 – Sept 10. Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 30th June 2021
Photograph by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

The free event will feature a major outdoor sculpture exhibition of 80 large sculptures and installations set throughout the 12 acres of landscaped grounds, which stretch down towards the shores of Belfast Lough.

With over 280 works on display, the fair will feature international artists alongside leading Irish sculptors Patrick O’Reilly, Ian Pollock, Bob Quinn, Sandra Bell, Eamonn Ceannt, John Fitzgerald, Anthony Scott and Orla De Brí.

The hotel’s interior will display 100 artworks by some of the world’s best-known artists, including Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Robert Indiana, Damien Hirst, Salvador Dali and Banksy.

Art and Soul will also include exhibitions by a host of artists from Northern Ireland including Stephen Johnston, Jane Rainey, Stephen Forbes and Ian Cumberland.

All of the artworks will be for sale, with prices ranging from £1,000 up to £400,000.

This will be the fourth time the major art and sculpture event has been hosted in the grounds of the five-star Culloden Estate with Gormleys.

Chairman of Hastings Hotels, Howard Hastings said: “We look forward to welcoming Art & Soul back to the Culloden Estate & Spa. We have worked closely with Gormleys in preparation for this spectacular event and once again we are thrilled to be exhibiting some of art’s most exciting pieces from world-renowned artists as well as a host of local talent.”

Oliver Gormley of Gormleys added: “Building on the success of previous events, we are delighted to return this fair, which has toured the country, to the Culloden where it first began. Art and Soul gives art lovers a unique opportunity to view these incredible works of art in the beautiful surroundings of the estate.”

To celebrate the event, the Culloden Estate & Spa has launched a selection of luxury packages including an Art and Soul ‘Sip and See’ from £360 per night for two giving guests the opportunity to enjoy overnight accommodation, breakfast, Bollinger champagne and canapés in Culloden’s summer champagne garden.

Attendees can also take advantage of the Culloden’s Fine Dining with Fine Art package, which pairs a luxurious tasting menu surrounded by original Warhol prints, a Champagne reception, an exclusive guided tour of the fair as well as a talk with Oliver Gormley on the unique works in the collection.

An afternoon tea among the artwork, Fancies with Fine Art, is also offered by the five star estate.

During the event, there will be a programme of artists’ talks and daily guided tours.

Art and Soul is Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and will be open to the public daily from 11am–7pm.

More information and accommodation offers can be found on www.cullodenestateandspa.com/art-and-soul

 

Izon Pioneering Asset Management Solutions Reducing Energy Costs

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Izon’s Sales Manager, Stuart Lunn

As companies struggle to manage their energy costs data solution experts Izon has developed unique systems to better understand how to reduce costs and improve returns on investment.

The Belfast-based tech firm has software that helps monitor, manage, and control assets that support businesses in turning information into knowledge which is actionable to produce real time asset management.

Izon’s Sales Manager, Stuart Lunn, explained that the use of energy is inevitable in the modern economy, but the impact it has on costs and the environment.

“Energy consumption is something businesses and organisations are mindful of,” he said. “In fact, any business that seriously wants to achieve a reduction in their carbon footprint needs to dedicate themselves to an energy management plan.

“A company can vow to reduce its carbon footprint, but if it doesn’t know where it’s wasting electricity or fuel, how can meaningful changes be made? It’s as the saying goes: you cannot improve what you do not measure.”

However, the amount of data can overwhelm, resulting in meaningless numbers and facts that are difficult to interpret.

“You need helpful, actionable data,” said Mr Lunn. “This is something Izon recognised, and we’ve built an energy management platform that does all the hard work for businesses. We turn live data into information that actually helps you make quick decisions.”

The Izon asset management platform provides users with useful, real-time data at a glance. Data from all assets is localised on one platform, on a single screen, making asset monitoring and energy management easier than it’s ever been.

The Izon asset management platform doesn’t discriminate. No matter how big or small the assets, whether it’s an office’s HVAC system or an entire farm of wind turbines, Izon gathers all the data in one place.

“The beauty of the Izon platform is that it’s completely customisable — making it a tool that can be used by any business, no matter the industry or sector,” explained Mr Lunn. “Izon users can build a dashboard that works for them, a centralised location that showcases data tailored to business needs.”

“It is an asset management solution that caters to their specific business needs. Izon works to understand its clients. We learn what businesses do and how they operate in order to build them a platform that shows them the information they actually need.” 

Izon believes that the driver for using actionable information is driven by results and the fact that the Izon platform makes immediate action possible, enabling businesses to be at the forefront of the battle against climate change, leading the pack.

“Insight provides the foundations for action, helping businesses and organisations to drive change in their respective industries,” said Mr Lunn. “You can’t change what you don’t know.

It’s time to take that first step towards knowing where your business is unsustainable, limiting energy waste, and reducing your organisation’s carbon footprint.

“We know the sustainability journey can seem daunting, and how you traverse this is far from clear. We are always open to help advise, and show the possibilities that are open to you, which extend far beyond simple regulatory compliance.”

For more information about Izon or to request a demo of what can be achieved go to www.getizon.com

Jacqueline from whatsonni shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

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Antrim

Come, take a walk in the country at one of Northern Ireland’s best known one-day regional agricultural shows. Antrim Show, 22nd July.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Meet new friends at our fun packed Action Grasshopper Summer Scheme at the Palace Stables, Armagh. Suitable for 5-12 year olds.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Máirtín O’Connor Band | Maeve O’Donnell, Catríona Ní Ghribín & Ciara Maguire, live at the Empire Music Hall.

Find out more HERE

Down

The annual Ards and North Down Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships will be located at N’Ards Airfield this year.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Throughout July 2023, Share Discovery Village is offering teens the opportunity to join our Multi-Activity Adventure Summer Camps in Fermanagh.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Hoobity Festival is back this year and it’s going to be even better than before!

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Belvoir Players present a hilarious evening of the comedy and mayhem from the pen of Sam Cree. Muriel and Herbie, a pigeon keeper, enjoy life in Belfast.  Strule Arts Centre, Omagh.

Find out more HERE

 

10 Things to do this Week Across NI

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10 things to do in Northern Ireland

Here are ten exciting things to do 24 – 30 July

  1. The Super Cup, County Antrim & County Londonderry, 24-30 July. Grab some football boots and help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the youth tournament which was the launchpad for footballing greats like Marcus Rashford and David Beckham. Formerly The Milk Cup, the event will see 64 teams from across the world compete at 19 venues in Coleraine, Ballymena, and Newtownabbey. There’ll be three age groups for boys: U13, 14 and 16 and for girls there two groups U14 and 16. The Elite Challenge will host four Premier League teams, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Valencia, and Hertha Berlin.
  2. Family Ceili, Belfast, County Antrim 30 July. A free ceili on the Titanic Slipway with performances by The Blackwater Ceili Band, and Niall Hanna and a five-hour music session on the deck of The SS Nomadic.
  3. Paddle and Pizza, Strangford Lough, County Down, 30 July. Visit To celebrate “National Friendship Day” when you book two places on this experience the third is free! After learning the basics of staying afloat on a Stand-Up Paddleboard, Joe your instructor will guide you around Ballymorran Bay and the little Islands of this enchanting lough. Then it’s back to Tracy’s kitchen for homemade pizza.
  4. Whiskey Week, Belfast, County Antrim, 24-30 In its 5th year enjoy exclusive dining and drink collaborations with well-known bars and restaurants. As well as whiskey tastings and cocktails enjoy an eclectic mix of live music, comedy, food collaborations, heritage walking tours, theatrical experiences, Irish dancing, distillery days and much more. The events are in 18 venues city wide representing over 30 brands and distilleries.
  5. Fiddler’s Green Festival , Rostrevor, County Down, 26-30 July. Prepare to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere of the village which helped inspire CS Lewis’s Narnia. Starting out in the 1980’s the festival is now engrained in the fabric of this beautiful spot, attracting talented musicians from across the globe as well as showcasing local talent. There’s something for all the family including workshops, ceili dancing and a lunchtime folk club.
  6. FRS GAA World Games 2023, Dungiven, County Londonderry, 24-27 July. The free event celebrates Gaelic games across the world. 97 teams from countries as far flung as South Africa and the Middle East will descend on the northwest to play football, hurling and camogie. As well as all the sporting action there’ll be live music, a family fun zone packed with activities, guest speakers, delicious food experiences, and of course the chance to enjoy Derry’s world-famous hospitality during your visit. Don’t miss the thrilling final which takes place in the city’s Celtic Park on July 28th.
  7. Beaghmore Stones, Cookstown, County Tyrone, see website for availability. Explore this atmospheric early bronze age site which translates as “big place of birch trees” reflecting the woods that would have been cleared by neolithic farmers. Stoll among its seven stones circles and mystical cairns which were uncovered accidently by a peat cutter eighty years ago. Immerse yourself in history in the shadow of the majestic Sperrin mountains.
  8. Gosford Go Karting, Markethill, County Armagh, see website for availability. Family Fun for those who feel a need for speed this summer! Experience the powerful thrill of racing on an outdoor tarmac track near Gosford Forest Park. There are practice sessions for children aged eight years upwards on junior karts and intermediate and Grand Prix karts geared for the more competitive adults out there.
  9. Clogher Valley Show, Augher, County Tyrone, 26 July. Whether it’s the farm animals, the food, or the funfair, there’s plenty to entertain the whole family. It’s a fantastic showcase for hundreds of cattle, sheep, and horses with plenty of rare breeds on show too! Enjoy the vintage displays and craft among the judging rings.
  10. Yoga on the Lake, Aghnablaney, County Fermanagh 30 July. Join Have a morning of mindfulness overlooking the fabulous waters of Lough Erne, then experience the giant embrace of a cooling dip and sauna followed by a well-earned lunch at The Bay, Lough Finn. This location is all about instilling quiet calm with sustainability at its core.

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

Companies Must Begin To Embrace The Circular Economy In Quest For Net Zero

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Leading Northern Ireland renewables experts, Everun, are calling on businesses to embrace the circular economy to recycle, reuse and repair in efforts to reach net zero carbon impact and work towards a sustainable ethos to benefit all.

The company has already seen the benefits of the circular economy, with decommissioned wind turbines being turned into bridges and children’s climbing frames.

Everun Sales and Business Development Director, Ross Moffett, said as a company specialising in renewable energy including wind and solar, taking on board the principles of the circular economy matched their business model, but can be applied to all businesses.

“The world is working on the old economic model of ‘take, make, waste’ and we are all seeing the damage that it is causing,” he said. 

“The values of the circular economy are that business can reduce that damage and create new opportunities for development and employment.

“What we have seen from our projects is that it is not only possible but practical to apply them. We at Everun believe that it is possible for all businesses to begin their journey to adapt to the circular economy.

“For us, it’s not just the transaction of creating renewable energy, it’s about being sustainable throughout that process, and continuing to be sustainable within ourselves.”

To date, blades from decommissioned wind turbines have been used to create bridges on Cork’s Greenway, climbing frames in play parks and selling magnets from gearboxes to be repurposed for future use.

“As a renewable energy specialist, it was incumbent on Everun to examine what we can do to reduce waste in all that we do. Our journey began almost three years ago and it has been transformative for ourselves as well as our customers,” said Mr Moffett. 

“From large projects right through to our employees’ idea to take coffee grounds from our coffee machine and put them into the food caddies for our staff to take and use for adding nutrients to their soil and grass.”

Mr Moffett said even the smallest initiatives can start a business’ journey towards becoming part of the circular economy.

“We have worked with our suppliers to make sure that their packaging is environmentally friendly and recyclable,” he explained. 

“That simple step ripples throughout the supply chain as that supplier can now offer that same packaging to other clients and understand that it is now possible to look at other ways that they can become greener.

“In a similar way, how we transport products can have a real impact. “Moving from the just in time model of ordering to building up stock and partnering with others to share shipping can reduce not only costs but the carbon footprint of each part.”

Whilst advocating for embracing sustainability and the circular economy, Mr Moffett recognises that it can be easier for some companies than others. 

“All businesses can start small in their journey to net zero. Look at your waste, packaging and other key elements of the business and ask what small changes can be made that will have a longer term impact” he said. 

Although it can be challenging to get getting leadership buy in, it’s a challenge that can be overcome with the right mindset, partners and resources. As a renewables company installing wind turbines, solar PV, EV chargers and smart motors it is important for Everun to show its clients that they too can walk the walk.

“It’s important to take time, really consider your sustainability strategy and ensure you have a robust plan of action and buy in at every level within the business.”

“This is why we are proud to be sponsors of the All Ireland Sustainability Awards later this year. This is a great opportunity for businesses who don’t quite know how they can contribute to see some fantastic case studies. And for businesses who are working hard at putting climate change on their priority list, it’s the place to be recognised and congratulated for your work.

“The circular economy is not just words, or papers from COP, policies from Europe, or our own Net Zero targets. It is common sense actions that will make a difference to your business.”

Find out more about the All Ireland Sustainability Awards and how to enter at https://www.allirelandsustainability.com 

Getting Help With Anxiety Shouldn’t Make You Anxious

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Sam Barr, Healthy Mind Coaching, Belfast
Pic by Kaja Choma | Excalibur Press
For more information contact Tina Calder or Hannah Chambers on 07305354209 / tina@excaliburpress.co.uk / publicity@excaliburpress.co.uk

One of the biggest issues facing people who are suffering from anxiety and stress is taking that first step towards getting help.

According to Sam Barr of Healthy Mind Coaching and Training too often people delay and procrastinate, yet as soon as they start on their journey, they realise they could have been addressing their issues much earlier.

“In the work of my colleagues and myself we often hear ‘I should have been here a year ago’ or ‘I wish I’d admitted I needed help sooner’,” he explained. 

“This isn’t an issue for them when they start to receive help, and the help to modify their thoughts, feelings, behaviours and focus on solutions rather than problems, which comes through our willingness to engage.”

The main issues that are creating problems for people’s mental health and wellbeing comes from anxious thoughts-overthinking, stress-feeling under pressure or overwhelmed and low self-esteem which can lead to procrastination, frustration or even low mood.

“There are so many different situations that cause anxiety and stress when we meet our clients it can have a lot of different situational factors involved,” Sam said. “It could be because of relationships, breakdowns in communication, finances, addictions, worries, or as a result of issues in the workplace and there are the associated fears, guilt and even shame that also come along with anxiety.”

With anxiety comes stress and worry, whether that is because of a range of situations connected with their relationships, age, work, money or addictions, the list is quite frankly endless.

Healthy Mind Coaching and Training offer a range of services for individuals and workplaces, but often the free 20-minute one-to-one introduction consultation is when the issues affecting a person can be identified and assessed to see whether further sessions are required and that we are the right help for that individual or workplace.

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

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

“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 or resources. 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 ‘I can’t’ to ‘I have to’. By asking themselves ‘What if I don’t get help?’ then they would be more likely not to make excuses, procrastinate and get the help they need and we can provide.”

Healthy Mind Coaching and Training is a provider of Mental & emotional wellbeing, Positive Psychology-Mindset coaching & CBT, Professional training workshops and courses in personal, professional development & Workplace mental wellbeing.

“There are so many labels around mental wellbeing but we focus on enabling people to grow, flourish, excel and realise their potentials, empowering themselves and 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 reasons are, or whatever has prompted you to get help, you can change your situation.”

Amongst the tools and CBT mindset coaching methods used by Healthy Mind Coaching and Training is asking the person what they are going through, or putting up with?

“We want to know what it’s like when you’re being anxious or stressed, what is it you’re thinking about, what are your feelings at that time, what is your normal kind of reaction and behaviour in a situation where you’re under strain, stress or pressure,” he said. Once we get down a lot of the information, we can now bring them through for our four, six week sessions, and at the end of those sessions through a review. We then can move on to ‘okay, so here’s what you need to do from now on moving forward’. 

“When we have dealt with issues or closed all the doors to the problems as we went along, it is solution-focused based resilience behaviour we can then talk about.”

Sam is keen to emphasise that different people have different reasons for seeking professional help, and whether it is through self-realisation or a prompt from a family member or friend, the journey can begin with Healthy Mind Coaching.

“We offer and provide a free 20 minute one to one introduction session to discuss your issues and concerns, we then work out a way and a plan to overcome and address the difficulties and get the clients life back on track,” he said. “We have seen that this can be the first step – often a difficult step – towards that much needed change.”

The types and range of people who come along to get help is across a complete spectrum, from senior managers, solicitors, civil servants, directors, self-employed, computer engineers through to people coming to terms with their life changing circumstances, often what they need is a mindset change of how they are looking at things (perspective/perception shift), and learn how to overcome their challenging circumstances.

“People tend to focus on the problems. We tend to look at the solutions,” said Sam. “The trouble is, they can’t see a solution, and that’s where we come in.” Often it is just about helping people understand their perceptions or perspectives through our professional help.

“For example someone might say ‘I always make mistakes’ we ask them ‘so, tell me the last mistake you made?,’ he said. Their answer might be ‘well two weeks ago I went down to such and such and I dropped this and it was terrible’ and we might then ask what was the one before that, and they will say it was last year, we then would say “so it’s not always?”  

“They then can understand that while the mistakes stick in their mind the rest of the time they are fine, and that everyone makes mistakes, just like them, from time to time and it is perfectly normal.”

As well as the 1-to-1 work at Healthy Mind Coaching and Training they also undertake support for companies and organisations to improve staff mental wellbeing, through group sessions and workshops, a review of workplace mental health strategies, and providing individual support plans when necessary.

“Mental health support should be standard in any workplace wellbeing strategies or health plans,” he said.

“However, it is important that organisations have the right environment in order that mental wellbeing issues are prevented, before it is needed. Making the right changes can make sure that employee and management stress and anxieties are reduced and managed with reasonable accommodations that match the business objectives, goals and the individual roles.”

Mental health and wellbeing are now being recognised at governmental level as a key issue going forward, which individuals can now address, through Healthy Mind Coaching and Training, including their own needs and move to the solution that suits and works best for  them.

Learn more about Healthy Mind Coaching and Training at healthymindcoaching.co.uk

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