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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

Brick Wonders, an internationally acclaimed exhibition, featuring recreations in LEGO® bricks of amazing sights from around the world, is coming to the new Gateway Visitor Centre, on the banks of Lough Shore Antrim, from Saturday 7 March until Sunday 14 June.

Curated by artist Warren Elsmore this unique exhibition begins with the seven wonders of the ancient world, also taking in modern, natural and historic wonders from all seven continents. Brick Wonders will take you on a journey from an Egyptian pyramid to the natural pyramid of the Matterhorn, the bustle of Old London Bridge to the awesome natural display of the Aurora Australis and those everyday marvels we forget to wonder at, such as electricity and the Internet.

At the heart of the Brick Wonders display is the giant Great Barrier Reef attraction, complete with underwater lighting and sound effects. This centrepiece has LEGO recreations of everything from corals and sponges to turtles and reef-dwelling fish such as blue tangs, angel fish and a ray.

In all, over sixty LEGO models are included, from tiny models to inspire building at home, to large mosaics and dioramas using a grand total of half a million LEGO bricks.

LEGO bricks are unique in their appeal, having been a top-selling toy for over fifty years.  This exhibition will appeal to all ages, so if you love LEGO you will love Brick Wonders! This exhibition has visited art galleries, museums and exhibition centres from Italy to England and is returning to Northern Ireland for the first time since 2015.

Don’t miss your chance to see this amazing display at the stunning new Gateway Visitor Centre Antrim.

For full details and bookings visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey/events or call T: 028 9448 1338.

Have you ever thought about tracing your family tree and discovering more about local history, but aren’t sure where to begin?

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council are delighted to be joining forces once again with Lough Neagh Partnership and the Ulster Historical Society to bring you a free four week course, Family Home and Place beginning Monday 24 February which will help you gain some of the tools and resources for researching your family and local history.

Facilitated by Dr William Roulston, Research Director, Ulster Historical Foundation, you will cover exciting research during these informal classes including Maps; Archives; Census returns; Civil records of births, deaths and marriages; Church records; Valuation records – Griffith’s Valuation; Tithe Valuation; Valuation revision books; Landed estate papers; Wills and testamentary papers and School records. This course will conclude with a visit to the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland.

Dr William Roulston holds a PhD in Archaeology from Queen’s University Belfast and has written a number of books, including Fermanagh: History and Society (edited with Eileen Murphy, Dublin, 2004), Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors (Belfast, 2005), Restoration Strabane, 1660-1714 (Dublin, 2007), Three centuries of life in a Tyrone parish: a history of Donagheady from 1600 to 1900 (Strabane, 2010) and Abercorn: The Hamilton’s of Barons Court (Belfast, 2014).

Come along and join us at The Gateway, our stunning new venue on the banks of Antrim Lough Shore Park on Monday 24 February from 7.30pm and find out more about your blood line and the home-grown history of Antrim and beyond. This project is funded as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

For more details and to secure your place on this free course please contact Clotworthy House T: 028 9448 1338 or visit our website www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events

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

Belfast Zoo’s new Scottish wildcat couple and native species, Oscar and Ossian, provide the zoo with an excellent opportunity to support the conservation of a national species, and they have arrived just in time for Valentine’s!

Ossian, Belfast Zoo’s new Scottish wildcat female, came from the Highlands Wildlife Park in Scotland and was born in May 2019. Oscar, the zoo’s new male, came from Alladale Wilderness Reserve in Scotland and was born in April 2019. Scottish wildcats face intense pressure with numbers continuing to drop rapidly each year, and it is hoped the zoo will be able to play a role in conserving this native species, fight the threat of extinction through breeding and help Scottish wildcat numbers grow.

The main threats affecting Scottish wildcats are hybridisation, disease and accidental persecution. Hybridisation is a term used to describe the cross breeding of pure Scottish wildcats with domesticated tabby or feral cat. Crossbreeding has led to a huge decline in pure Scottish Wildcat numbers in the wild. Disease can be transferred between feral cats and the Scottish wildcats when they cross breed and can cause huge health issues, even death to the Scottish wildcat. Scottish wildcats face intense pressure from farmers, bird keepers, game keepers and other parties due to accidental persecution as they are misidentified as feral cats. The latest addition to Belfast Zoo will provide the zoo with the opportunity to educate all our visitors about Scottish Wildcats and the threats they face. 

Alyn Cairns, Zoo Manager, said ‘It is a pleasure and fantastic opportunity for us to home such an iconic, native species, at Belfast Zoo. The Scottish wildcats face the threat of extinction as numbers diminish to record lows. Belfast Zoo continues to develop native species conservation efforts and with the arrival of the Scottish wildcats we hope that we can support the recovery of this iconic species. We have hopes of taking part in a new breeding programme with wildlife reserve partners in Scotland. It is hoped that the thirdgeneration of kittens from the new Scottish wildcat couple at Belfast Zoo will be released back into the wild. We would like to thank P&O ferries for sponsoring the travel of the Scottish wildcats to Belfast Zoo and look forward to hopefully seeing some adorable Scottish wildcat kittens soon!’’

For a chance to see love blossom between Oscar and Ossian, visit the zoo for a ‘purrfect’ Valentine’s Day out with your ‘otter’ half on 14 and 15 February and avail of the 2-for-1admissions offer, follow the love trail and grab a memento with zoo love bird photography offers, or if you’re single and ready to ‘Flamingle’ check out the zoo singles offer on 16 February.

For more information on the zoo’s events and Valentines weekend please visit: http://www.belfastzoo.co.uk/news-and-events/events/Events-5583.aspx.

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/

Theatre lovers are in for a treat this month when I, Elizabeth, a stunning performance from Dyad Productions, the award-winning creators of Orlando, Jane Eye and Christmas Gothic comes to Space Theatre, SERC, Bangor on Tuesday 25 February.

Elizabeth I: Queen at 25, political phoenix and famously unmarried, she was the most educated woman of her Age – but who was he woman beneath the crown?

Using only Elizabeth’s words – adapted from letters, speeches and writings – I Elizabeth illuminates a fascinating moment of decision in the young monarch’s reign. Defying the establishment by choosing to lead her country alone, Elizabeth forsakes her own dreams and desires in order to steer England towards national and spiritual security. I, Elizabeth explores the struggle to reconcile the desires of womanhood with the duties of sovereignty to expose the royal heart of an iconic historical figure.

I Elizabeth, is written and performed by Rebecca Vaughan (writer/performer: Female Gothic, Christmas Gothic, Austen’s Women, performer: Orlando, Jane Eyre, Dalloway, The Diaries of Adam and Eve) and directed by Guy Masterson (Austen’s Women, Female Gothic, Oliver Award-Winning director of Morecambe).

‘Riveting… a breath-taking creation.’ (Edinburgh Evening News)

‘A truly breath-taking experience.’ (Fringe Review)

‘A performance worthy of an Academy Award.’ (The Carrick)

I Elizabeth, Space Theatre, SERC, Bangor, Tuesday 25 February, 8pm.

Tickets cost £12 and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown.

Tickets can also be purchased from North Down Museum, Ards Arts Centre or any of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Visitor Information Centres.

LOVE is in the air at Hastings Hotels this Valentine’s Day with a selection of luxurious overnight stays, romantic dinners and gifts that even cupid would fall in love with!

With the choice of seven luxurious hotels across Northern Ireland, there is something for everyone and all guests will receive one of the famous Hastings Love Ducks to take home.

Couples can choose from the following romantic overnight breaks from Thursday 13^th February until Sunday 16^th February:

• ‘Romance in the City’ at the Everglades Hotel in Derry~Londonderry from £140 per couple* includes a romantic meal for two in The Grill Restaurant and a glass of wine.

• ‘Room for Romance’ at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast from £160 per couple* includes a complimentary room upgrade to an Executive Room and romantic meal for two with a glass of Pink Fizz in La Scala Restaurant.

•  ‘From the Heart’ at Ballygally Castle in Co Antrim from £180 per couple* includes a glass of Prosecco and romantic dinner for two in the Garden Restaurant.

• ‘Sweetheart Stays’ at the Europa Hotel in Belfast from £200 per couple* includes a complimentary room upgrade, Pink Fizz Cocktail on arrival and romantic meal for two in the Causerie Restaurant.

• ‘A Valentine’s Wish’ at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle from £250 per couple* includes meal for two and a glass of Prosecco in the Oak Restaurant.

• ‘Lovin’ You – Seahorse Package’ at the Grand Central Hotel includes romantic 4-course evening meal and a glass of Pink Fizz in the Seahorse Restaurant or the

‘Higher Love – Observatory Package’ includes a complimentary room upgrade with                guaranteed views, a reserved table in the stunning Observatory with a bottle of Bollinger and chocolate covered treats. Both packages are priced from £270 per couple*.

• ‘For My ‘Suite’ Heart’ at the Culloden Estate & Spa in Belfast from £350 per couple* includes an upgrade to a stunning suite and a romantic meal for two in Vespers with a glass of Champagne

Luxury extras are available at each hotel including Champagne and chocolates in your room on arrival or why not surprise your other half with a relaxing treatment in The Spa at Culloden or The Spa at Slieve Donard.

Delectable 4-course dinners are available at each of the hotels and for the perfect gift to show how much you love your other half, treat them to a Hastings Hotels Gift Card which can be used at any of the seven hotels and redeemed against an indulgent Spa treatment, a romantic dinner, a delightful afternoon tea or a relaxing break away. There’s something to suit everyone and every budget this Valentine’s day.

To book a romantic Valentine’s with Hastings Hotels simply contact 028 9047 1066 or visit www.hastingshotels.com

*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. Based on two people sharing.

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