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Final Line-Up Of Exhibitors Announced As Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair Takes Place Tomorrow

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With the Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair taking place tomorrow in Belfast, Charity Jobs NI has announced the final line-up of exhibitors set to offer more than 500 paid and voluntary opportunities across Northern Ireland’s third sector.

Organised by Charity Jobs NI, the Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair will take place on Tuesday 24 March 2026 from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast. Free to attend, the event brings together charities, community organisations and social enterprises with people interested in meaningful careers, volunteering opportunities and purpose-led work.

The final exhibitor line-up reflects the breadth of the sector, with organisations working across mental health, disability support, housing, youth services, family support, education, fundraising, heritage, faith-based work, community rescue and the environment.

Among the organisations attending are Inspire Wellbeing, Autism Initiatives, HarmonI, Triangle Housing Association Ltd, Cedar Foundation, Crossroads Care NI, Epilepsy Action and Nexus, giving visitors the chance to explore a wide range of health, disability support and social care opportunities on the day.

Sam Humphries, Chief Executive of HarmonI, said: “If you’re driven by your values and want to find a career in a sector which does so much more than provide employment, this is the place to start.”

The event will also feature organisations focused on children, young people and families, including Action for Children, Start360, MACS and Caring Breaks Limited. Together, they reflect the range of support being delivered across Northern Ireland, from early intervention and family services to youth homelessness and community-based care.

Joanna Malone, Digital Executive at MACS, said: “Whether you’re looking for a paid role, a volunteering opportunity, or simply want to find out more about the sector, it’s a fantastic space to explore what’s out there. At MACS, we’re always keen to meet people who care deeply about young people, who are kind, and who want to be part of something that genuinely changes lives.”

The fair will also bring together organisations involved in community development, learning, advocacy and sector support, including NIACRO, OCN NI, Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Northern Ireland. Their presence adds to a line-up that reflects the wide range of roles, organisations and causes across the third sector.

Chris Bunce, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said: “Tomorrow’s fair is a chance for people to see just how varied and vibrant Northern Ireland’s third sector really is. With so many organisations coming together under one roof, attendees can explore opportunities they may not have considered before and speak directly to the people behind them.”

The final line-up also highlights the diversity of the event beyond traditional recruitment sectors, with exhibitors including Cruse Bereavement Support, Girls Brigade Northern Ireland, The Conservation Volunteers, Festival of Fools, Community Rescue Service, Think Design Engineer Foundation, Railway Preservation Society of Ireland/Whitehead Railway Museum and Living Water Adopt-A-Child UK/Ireland.

Also taking part is The Conservation Volunteers, which will be encouraging attendees to find out more about opportunities to get involved in environmental and community-based activity.

Ciara Diamond, Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement Officer at The Conservation Volunteers, said the fair is “a fun and engaging afternoon out, a chance to learn about opportunities on your doorstep.”

The fair is aimed at anyone interested in finding out more about careers and volunteering in the third sector, whether they are actively job-hunting, considering a career change, returning to work or simply exploring what opportunities may suit their skills and interests. 

People are encouraged to book a free ticket in advance, although attendees will also be welcome to drop in on the day.

To book a free ticket or find out more, visit charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair.

They Said I Would Never Walk, I Took To The Skies Instead

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Belfast Man Releases Biography After Making History

A man who was once told he would likely never walk has launched a memoir after becoming the first disabled pilot to land a plane solo at Belfast International Airport.

Matthew Monaghan, from Newtownabbey, has released The Weight of Progress, a deeply personal account of life with a rare neuromuscular condition, the barriers he faced growing up, the devastating consequences of a medical procedure that left him fighting for his independence all over again, and the extraordinary journey that eventually saw him take to the skies.

The book charts a life shaped by physical limitation but never defined by it. From childhood, Matthew, 36, found himself battling assumptions that disability also meant lack of intelligence. 

He writes about having to fight for the right to be educated fairly and for the chance to prove that his ambitions were not unrealistic, just inconvenient to systems that were not built with him in mind.

That experience becomes one of the strongest threads in the memoir. In the book he remembers one particular comment his mum made that has always stuck with him: “Matthew, you may not understand yet, but you are being discriminated against.”

It was an early lesson in how easily disabled people can be underestimated, sidelined or made to feel like a problem to be solved rather than a person to be supported. 

In his book, Matthew writes candidly about the more subtle humiliations of growing up visibly different, including one sports day moment that stayed with him for years. 

“I was very young when it happened, probably about six or seven. I remember winning the egg and spoon race and, for a child of that age, it should have been one of the happiest, most proud moments.

“Not for me, a teacher had glued the egg to my spoon. The memory of feeling so awfully bad that I had cheated will never leave me. I desperately wanted to play fairly, even if that meant losing the race.

“The victory wasn’t mine. It belonged to the glue.”

But The Weight of Progress doesn’t rest on one chapter of Matthew’s life. The memoir moves through adolescence, friendships, work, sexuality and independence, showing how prejudice often follows disabled people into every part of life, not just school or healthcare. 

The most dramatic section of the book centres on 2015, when Matthew’s life changed suddenly and brutally. Just as adulthood was beginning to feel stable, a routine Botox injection designed to improve his joint flexibility and mobility, which was expected to ultimately improve his balance and walking.

In the book Matthew explains how the treatment ironically did the complete opposite and triggered a devastating decline in his health. 

Within days, Matthew was clinging on to the life he once knew, he was struggling to walk, breathe and swallow. The collapse left him terrified and desperate for answers.

“This wasn’t burnout. This wasn’t just ‘fatigue’. Something had gone catastrophically wrong” he explained.

What followed was not only physical trauma but a prolonged fight to be believed. Matthew was faced with months of fear, hospital visits and dismissal, as well as the anger of his family as his condition worsened. 

In the book Matthew recounts one particularly confrontational moment when his mother tells a consultant: “He’s not coping. He can barely walk. He can’t breathe properly. You put this poison in him. What are you going to do about it?”

Eventually, a specialist confirmed what Matthew had known in his own body all along. “This isn’t the natural course of your condition,” he said. “This looks like a reaction.”

That validation mattered because The Weight of Progress is as much about the damage caused by disbelief as it is about physical suffering. For Matthew, talking about the psychological toll of losing the life he had built, the humiliation of dependence, and the slow erosion of confidence that comes when a person is repeatedly told their lived reality is not real was an important part of the story.

“I knew my own body, and I knew this wasn’t what I had spent the last 26 years living with, this was new.  

“It’s difficult when you are up against medical experts who are not only under pressure themselves, but sometimes consumed and restrained by textbooks, forgetting that sometimes there are exceptions.

“The disbelief in my symptoms and reaction was rigid because no one was willing to accept that what was meant to help had harmed.  It sounds grim but medicine can harm and everyone makes mistakes, the problem is, I paid the price.”

Despite this, Matthew’s book is not a story of surrender. He believes that out of that collapse came a new and unexpected direction. He went on to apply for a flying scholarship for disabled people, a decision that would alter the course of his life. Flying became more than a hobby or challenge. It became a route back to himself.

And, in the book he describes the moment the shift became real: “I was going to learn to fly.”

From there, readers can follow his progress through training, self-doubt and determination to a point that once seemed impossible. In one of the book’s most powerful reflections, he said: “Flying wasn’t just something I wanted to do anymore. It was who I was meant to be.”

That sense of purpose would carry Matthew to one of the defining milestones of his life. In 2025, after years of persistence, adaptation and training, he became the first disabled pilot to land a plane solo at Belfast International Airport. It was a landmark moment, not only for him personally, but for what it represented in terms of access, visibility and ambition.

“From being told I’d never walk, to walking unaided. From being told life would be small, to becoming a pilot”, said Matthew: “If this book has done anything, I hope it shows that progress is possible, not just for me, but for anyone staring down their own can’t.’”

Now a pilot, motivational speaker and growing social media commentator, Matthew is using his story to challenge the assumptions that still shape public attitudes to disability. 

The Weight of Progress isn’t written as a tidy tale of triumph. It’s a memoir about pain, frustration, identity, exclusion, reinvention and the hard reality that progress often comes at a cost. It’s also a reminder that people are capable of far more than the limits others place on them.

Matthew’s book offers readers a rare combination of emotional honesty and hard-won perspective. He hopes it will resonate not only with those living with disability or chronic illness, but with anyone who has had to rebuild after loss, fight to be believed, or find a new way forward when life veers violently off course.

The Weight of Progress, published by Excalibur Press, is available now on Amazon.

Less Than A Week To Go Until Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair Returns To Belfast

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With less than a week to go until the Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair takes place in Belfast, Charity Jobs NI is encouraging jobseekers, career changers and prospective volunteers to come along and explore the wide range of over 500 paid and volunteer opportunities that will be on offer across Northern Ireland’s third sector.

Organised by Charity Jobs NI, the Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair will take place on Tuesday 24 March 2026 from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast. Free to attend, the event brings together charities, community organisations and social enterprises with people interested in meaningful careers, volunteering opportunities and purpose-led work.

Now in its third year since launching in 2024, the fair has become a key date in the third sector calendar, giving attendees the chance to explore opportunities in one place and speak directly with organisations about roles, career pathways and volunteering options. At the most recent fair, more than 270 employment opportunities and 335 volunteer roles were showcased, generating over 465 applications on the day and leading to hires and volunteer placements across Northern Ireland.

Among the organisations recently confirmed to take part are Inspire Wellbeing, MACS, Triangle Housing Association, Cedar Foundation, Crossroads Care NI, NIACRO, Cruse Bereavement Support, Autism Initiatives, Epilepsy Action, Community Rescue Service, OCN NI and Railway Preservation Society of Ireland and Whitehead Railway Museum.

Together with the organisations already announced, the line-up reflects the breadth of the sector, with exhibitors working across children and families, disability support, housing, mental health, community inclusion, youth services, rehabilitation, bereavement support, environmental action and heritage.

Richard Cherry, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said: “There are a lot of people who want work that feels meaningful, or who are curious about what a career in the third sector could look like, but are not always sure where to begin. This fair is designed to make that easier by bringing a wide range of organisations together in one place and giving people the chance to have real conversations about the opportunities available.

“If you are job-hunting, thinking about a career change or interested in volunteering, we would encourage you to come along, explore what is on offer and see where it might lead.”

Among the organisations taking part this year is Action for Children Northern Ireland, which supports children and young people by providing practical and emotional care, ensuring their voices are heard and campaigning for lasting improvements to their lives. In Northern Ireland, its work includes family support, early intervention services, fostering and youth homelessness.

 

To anyone considering attending the fair, Lorna Ballard, National Director at Action for Children Northern Ireland, said: “Please come and chat to us and see what a wide range of roles we have that will make a difference to local children, young people and families.”

Also set to attend the event is Positive Futures.The organisation supports children and adults with a learning disability, acquired brain injury and autism through person-centred services and will be among those speaking to attendees on the day about opportunities in the sector.

Anne Magee, Operations Manager at Positive Futures, said: “Roles in the charity sector are hugely rewarding and the people who do them are proud of the difference they make but the roles can be the beginning of a great career path to senior jobs in the sector and related sectors, so if you are interested in developing your career further it provides great opportunities.

The fair is aimed at anyone interested in finding out more about careers and volunteering in the third sector, whether they are actively looking for a new role, considering a move into the sector, returning to work or simply exploring what opportunities may suit their skills and interests.

People are encouraged to book a free ticket in advance, although attendees will also be welcome to drop in on the day.

To book a free ticket or find out more about exhibiting, visit charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair.

 

The Fray Autumn Light Tour

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The Fray

Autumn Light Tour

National Stadium, Dublin – 12 November

Ulster Hall, Belfast – 13 November

Tickets on sale Friday 20th March

 

Following a triumphant, sold-out Telegraph Building show after a decade-long hiatus, The Fray have announced their return to play The National Stadium, Dublin on 12 November and Ulster Hall, Belfast on 13 November 2026.

Tickets on sale Friday 20th March at 10am from Ticketmaster.ie & www.ulsterhall.co.uk

The Fray had previously visited last November for the final dates of their How to Save a Life: 20th Anniversary Tour, which celebrated two decades of their iconic debut album. The multi-Platinum-selling band – composed of lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter Joe King, guitarist Dave Welsh, and drummer Ben Wysocki – continues to captivate audiences with the emotional depth and cinematic sweep of their music.

Originally rising to prominence in the early 2000s, the Colorado-bred group introduced a uniquely soul-searching alt-rock sound—timeless yet inventive, arena-sized yet profoundly intimate. Over the years, The Fray has earned four GRAMMY Award nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, multiple Billboard Top 10 hits, and a deeply devoted global fanbase. Their breakout single, “How To Save A Life,” spent 58 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a defining anthem of ABC’s Emmy-winning series “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Praised by Rolling Stone for their “stick-in-your-head hooks and eloquent narratives” and by the Los Angeles Times for their “melodically rich” songwriting, The Fray’s 2005 debut album How to Save a Life is certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA and remains one of the best-selling digital debuts of all time. The band is currently working on new music, with additional releases planned in the coming months, following the recent launch of their latest single, “A Light That Waits.”

Connect with The Fray

Instagram / X / Website / Spotify

Local Support Highlighted for Debt Awareness Week in Causeway Coast and Glens

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Debt can affect anyone. Yet the shame people feel around it often prevents them from getting the support they need.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has partnered with Community Advice Causeway (CAC) during Debt Awareness Week (16–22 March 2026) to highlight the free, confidential support available through CAC’s Money and Debt Service. Funded by the Department for Communities and delivered in partnership with Advice NI, the Specialist Debt Team offers expert guidance to help people address and manage debt concerns.
Northern Ireland continues to face high levels of financial vulnerability, with many households affected by low wages, insecure work, rising energy and food costs, and limited access to savings. As a result, more people are turning to credit to make ends meet, often leading to unmanageable debt.
Encouraging anyone struggling financially to seek help, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said:
“Many families and individuals across our Council area are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and financial worries can affect anyone at any stage of life.
“I would strongly encourage anyone concerned about debt or falling behind on bills to reach out to Community Advice Causeway. Their team offers free, confidential advice and guidance, helping people understand their options and take positive steps towards regaining control of their finances with confidence and reassurance.”
Samantha Boswell, Chief Officer of Community Advice Causeway, said:
“Debt can affect anyone, and too often people struggle in silence because they feel embarrassed or overwhelmed. Our message is simple: you are not alone, and help is available. Seeking advice at an early stage is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress, protect your wellbeing, and achieve a positive outcome.
“Clients can self-refer easily by calling or visiting our website. Once a referral is made, our qualified specialist debt adviser will take time to understand their situation and work with them to find the best possible solution.
Advisers can help clients explore a range of options, including budgeting support, negotiating with creditors, arranging affordable repayment plans, or, where appropriate, assisting with formal debt solutions such as a Debt Relief Order (DRO) or Bankruptcy.”
To self-refer or find out more about the Money and Debt Advice Service, contact Community Advice Causeway by phone on 028 703 44817 or visit their website at https://advicecauseway.com.
Information about other UK Debt Charities and online help can be found at
www.moneyhelper.org.uk

More organisations join line-Up as Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair nears

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Jobseekers and volunteers across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to attend the Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair in Belfast later this month, as more organisations confirm they will be taking part.

The Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair, organised by Charity Jobs NI, will take place on Tuesday 24 March 2026 from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast. Free to attend, the event brings together charities, community organisations and social enterprises with people interested in meaningful careers and volunteer opportunities across Northern Ireland’s third sector.

Among the organisations now confirmed to take part are Presbyterian Church in Ireland, HarmonI, Start360, The Conservation Volunteers, Caring Breaks and Living Water Adopt-A-Child UK & Ireland, with the growing exhibitor line-up giving attendees the chance to explore a broad range of organisations and opportunities under one roof.

Now in its third year since launching in 2024, the Fair has become a key date in the third sector calendar, giving attendees the chance to meet organisations face to face, learn more about the work they do and explore both paid and volunteer roles in a supportive setting. At the most recent Fair, more than 270 employment opportunities and 335 volunteer roles were showcased, generating over 465 applications on the day and leading to real hires and volunteer placements across Northern Ireland.

Chris Bunce, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said: “With the event now just around the corner, what really stands out is the range of organisations that will be in the room on the day. For anyone thinking about a career in the third sector, or looking for a way to get involved through volunteering, that means more opportunities to ask questions, make connections and get a feel for where their skills and interests might fit.

“It is not just about turning up and picking up information. It is about having real conversations with organisations, hearing about the work they do and discovering opportunities they may not have considered before. That is what makes the Fair so valuable, and why we would encourage anyone with an interest in the sector to come along.”

Among those joining the event this year is first-time exhibitor Living Water Adopt-A-Child UK & Ireland, which supports children, vulnerable adults and families in Guatemala and Albania.

Esther Teggart, Area Coordinator at Living Water Adopt-A-Child UK/Ireland, said: “The Fair is an opportunity to raise awareness of the work happening in Guatemala and Albania for those in need, and to show how we can help even from a distance with a new group of people. 

“We hope it will encourage some to get involved in supporting us in whatever way feels right and doable for them, while also helping us make new connections with attendees and other charities that could lead to partnership and collaboration through shared resources, knowledge and other connections. We have not been to the Fair before, so we are looking forward to being part of the day.”

Also looking forward to be taking part on the day is returning exhibitor HarmonI, which provides compassionate support and care for people living with disability and those experiencing societal disadvantage. For the organisation, the Fair offers an opportunity to connect with values-driven people who are looking to use employment or volunteering to make a difference.

Sam Humphries, Chief Executive of HarmonI, said: “If you’re driven by your values and want to find a career in a sector which does so much more than provide employment, this is the place to start.”

There is still time for charities, community organisations and social enterprises interested in taking part to sign up as exhibitors. 

The event is open exclusively to organisations within the third sector and offers a valuable platform to meet motivated candidates, promote live opportunities and raise awareness of the work they do.

To book a free ticket or find out more about exhibiting, visit charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair.

TITANIC BELFAST TO DISPLAY LIFEJACKET OF SURVIVOR AS PART OF NEW EXHIBITION

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TITANIC Belfast has welcomed an original lifejacket worn by a female survivor which will be on public display for a limited time.

The rare artefact is on loan from Wiltshire auction house Henry Aldridge and Sons, the world’s leading Titanic memorabilia auctioneers, until Sunday 5th April, before going to auction on 18th April. It was worn by Laura Mabel Francatelli, who survived the tragic sinking of RMS Titanic alongside 11 other passengers in Lifeboat 1. A First-Class passenger, Laura Mabel was the secretary to fashion designer, Lady Lucy Duff Gordon. They were journeying to Chicago for business, accompanied by Lady Lucy’s husband, Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon.

The lifejacket bears the signature of Francatelli along with other survivors including leading fireman Charles Hendrickson, fireman George Taylor and able seaman James Horswill and is one of very few remaining original lifejackets that are identifiable to the person who wore it.

The artefact will form part of a wider free exhibition ‘Women of Titanic: Survival, Influence & Legacy’, located on Level 1 Apex of the world-leading visitor attraction and will explore the stories of the women who travelled onboard Titanic including Helen Churchill Candee, Marjorie Anne Newell and Annie Clemmer Funk.

Eimear Kearney, Commercial Director of Titanic Belfast said: “We are honoured to display the lifejacket worn by Laura Mabel Francatelli, a survivor of RMS Titanic and celebrate the women who travelled onboard through our ‘Women of Titanic: Survival, Influence & Legacy’ exhibition. It offers a deeply personal connection to the story of Titanic and to one of its passengers, whose life was spared in the tragedy but irrevocably changed and shaped forever.

Displaying an artefact worn and signed by Laura Mabel allows us to tell a powerful story of survival, memory and legacy. We are thrilled to be able to give guests from around the world this added experience to view yet another rare piece of Titanic history.”

Andrew Aldridge, Managing Director of Henry Aldridge and Sons, said: “We are delighted to be able to place such a significant artefact on public display at Titanic Belfast ahead of its forthcoming auction. Exhibiting Laura Mabel Francatelli’s lifejacket in the city where Titanic was built offers visitors a unique opportunity to view this object of historical importance and find out more about the human story behind it.”

For further information on the ‘Women of Titanic: Survival, Influence & Legacy’ exhibition or to book tickets for the Titanic Experience, visit titanicbelfast.com

Antrim and Newtownabbey welcomes Walking for All Launch to Inspire Health, Inclusion and Community

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Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has welcomed the announcement of a brand new ‘Walking for All’ programme. A major cross-border initiative supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and led by Outscape, launched on Friday 27 February 2026 at The Junction, Dungannon.

Supported by €7.5 million from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), ‘Walking for All’ will aim to engage over 14,000 people across rural areas in Northern Ireland and the border counties to engage in accessible, led walking activities.

Designed to improve health and well-being in rural communities by making walking more accessible, enjoyable, and social for everyone to explore and participate in, Walking for All, will deliver short, regular walks in local community spaces.

The programme is open to adults, regardless of age, background, or ability. By fostering a focus on connection, inclusion, and well-being, Walking for All will seek to build sustainable, healthy communities and address issues such as social isolation, wellbeing and inactivity.

The programme is being delivered by Outscape in partnership with 15 partner organisations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including 8 local authorities, the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and 6 Local Sports Partnerships. Sport Ireland, Mountaineering Ireland (Get Ireland Walking), and the Public Health Agency are associate partners. Locally this project is being led by Bridie Kelly, the newly appointed Walking for All Officer for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, who will support the development of these walking groups across the council area, working closely with local communities.

16 dedicated Walking for All Officers have already been recruited and will lead the programme as well as train Walk Leaders, supporting the creation of nearly 600 walking groups and engaging thousands in regular, social walks over the next three years.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA said: ‘I’m delighted that my Department, working in partnership with DRCDG and SEUPB, is providing funding under the PEACEPLUS programme to the Walking for All (WFA) project. WFA is not just about walking – it is about inspiring people to come together through shared, volunteer led experiences, strengthening bonds within our rural communities while enjoying the beauty of our countryside at its very best.

This project will create a lasting legacy of healthier, happier and more connected rural communities, demonstrating the remarkable impact of community-led initiatives to inspire long-term positive change and helping rural areas to thrive as places where people can live, work and prosper.’

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, welcomed the announcement.

Minister Calleary said: “I would like to express my gratitude to all those who contributed to the Walking for All initiative. I am pleased that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will continue to support this outstanding project in collaboration with the Special EU Programmes Body and the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. The area will reap long-term benefits from this project”.

Minister Buttimer added: “This significant funding will support social interaction, reduce isolation and encourage active lifestyles. The planned investment will enable communities to reach their full potential in terms of the economy, society, and environment.”

Welcoming the announcement, Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), said: “Walking for All reflects the purpose of PEACEPLUS by creating opportunities for people to come together in ways that strengthen health, confidence and connection. Many rural communities may not have easy access to sports facilities, and this programme offers a simple and inclusive way to address those challenges. By providing trained support, accessible routes and a welcoming structure, it will help thousands of people build new routines and deepen their sense of belonging together. We are pleased to support an initiative that encourages shared enjoyment of the outdoors and contributes to long-term wellbeing across our region.”‑term wellbeing across our region.”

Gareth Moore, Head of Participation at Outscape added: “Walking for All will enable people of all ages and abilities across NI and the border counties to ‘step out’ in supported, inclusive and welcoming walking groups. Rooted in rural communities, this landmark participation programme seeks to increase levels of physical activity, while addressing social isolation and loneliness amongst some members of our community. 

The funding from PEACEPLUS will bring communities to the heart of their local landscapes, enabling them to explore, create friendships and support each other through walking and in shared appreciation of the outdoors.

Trained Walk Leaders will deliver local walks within their communities, supported by Officers engaged by local authorities and sports partnerships. This network of Walk Leaders will be responsible for delivering life-enhancing support to their communities in a fun and fulfilling role, leading a short, regular weekly walk near their home. Together with our partners, we’re excited to offer everyone the opportunity to walk together, make new friends and improve their health through Walking for All.”

Walking for All is a key priority for both governments across the island, supporting public health, community wellbeing, and preventative action.  Research shows that structured walking is one of the most cost-effective and inclusive ways to increase physical activity, improve mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and deepen people’s connection with nature, whilst strengthening community participation and cross-sector collaboration.

Dawson Stelfox, Chair of Outscape and the first Irishman to summit Mount Everest speaking on the programme potential added;  “Walking for All is a vital investment in community health and wellbeing across NI and the border counties of Ireland, rooted in the evidence that simple, locally led walking programmes can deliver lasting benefits which improve physical and mental wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen community ties.

Outscape is proud to be the lead delivery partner for Walking for All working in partnership with Councils, LSPs, health bodies and community organisations. The programme has the potential to reach people who might otherwise be left behind, as well as create sustainable, positive change in community wellbeing and social cohesion across the region.”

Welcoming the launch announcement, the Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Julie Gilmour said; “This initiative shows what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared purpose. Walking for All will bring lasting benefits to our rural communities, helping people feel more connected, supported and active as they enjoy the outdoors. We are delighted that Antrim and Newtownabbey will be at the heart of this important work. I would encourage people in our community to visit the Council’s website to find out more, antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/walking-for-all.”

Visit www.walkingforall.com for more information on becoming a Walk Leader or to find local walks.

AI Reshaping Startup Landscape as WeBuild Reopens for Women Founders Across Island

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Artificial intelligence is reshaping how tech startups are created, dramatically reducing build time and lowering traditional technical hurdles. 

As building a scalable digital product becomes faster, cheaper and less dependent on deep coding expertise and major funding, more women are seizing the opportunity to lead and build in tech.

In response, applications have reopened for the second cohort of WeBuild, the all-island programme delivered by TechFoundHer empowering women to innovate and to build tech-led solutions. The programme, which supports women founders across the island of Ireland, returns after strong demand for its inaugural intake in January.

Founded in Dublin in 2024 and launched in Belfast the same year, TechFoundHer provides training, community and cross-border networks for women building technology ventures. The first WeBuild cohort attracted more than 90 applications.

Now midway through the programme, participants are developing AI-enabled products aimed at international markets, moving from early concept to validated, revenue-focused ventures within months.

WeBuild is led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland as part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland through the Shared Island Fund, with TechFoundHer as delivery partner.

The four month programme is designed for ambitious women founders developing innovation-led, tech-enabled businesses with global potential supporting those who are beyond the idea stage and already prototyping, testing or building products where technology is central.

WeBuild combines a 16-week core schedule delivered primarily online with in person labs across the island and an intensive two day Residential Build Lab. 

Founders focus on product development, AI integration, customer traction and funding, using GenAI and no code tools to accelerate validation and iteration. An Investor Readiness Clinic supports participants to refine their pitch and funding strategy and connect with investors across the island.

Women taking part in WeBuild are from across the island from Cork, Dublin and Galway to Belfast and L’Derry with ventures across digital health and medtech, education technology, creative and cultural tech, AI driven B2B platforms and social impact technologies. 

Entrepreneur Deirdre McCarthy, founder of FLIT.ie, is one of the entrepreneurs who took part in the programme.

She said all women in tech with a great idea should: “Please please do yourself a favour and apply for this. It’s a place of safety where you can access really good humans with strong tech brains. You will learn from the other participants, who may be further along in some ways, as well as from the formal education sessions. Extremely accessible and welcoming environment, unique in Ireland.”

According to some participants the programme has been instrumental in accelerating product development, highlighting the strength of the peer network and access to experienced technical mentors.

Gemma Kingston, founder of The Family Edit explained: “The programme has been invaluable in the development of my business and brought it to stages that I could only have dreamed of in such a short space of time. The access to experts is unmatched.”

Programme creator Máirín Murray said the pace of technological change across the ecosystem means founders can no longer afford to wait

“AI and no-code tools are lowering barriers, but access to the right frameworks and expertise remains uneven” she said, adding: “The strength of the first cohort demonstrated the depth of talent that exists across the island. The question is not whether women can build scalable technology ventures, but whether the ecosystem creates the right conditions for them to do so.

“The demand we’ve had for WeBuild reflects a generation of women founders ready to build serious tech companies. What they often lack is early access to technical support that strengthens credibility with investors and the wider ecosystem. 

“That is what WeBuild is designed to provide.”

To support prospective applicants in the application process the TechFoundHer team will be hosting an information session on Wednesday, March 11 at 4pm. The free session will be hosted by Máirín Murray and will provide a detailed overview of the programme, including the support, structure and outcomes founders can expect.

During the webinar, attendees will hear how WeBuild supports founders who want to harness the power of data and GenAI to bootstrap faster, automate smarter and build scalable tech ventures. The session will also include a step by step walkthrough of the application process and an opportunity for participants to ask questions and assess whether the programme is the right next step for their business.

WeBuild is open to women-led or women founded businesses based on the island of Ireland that are developing innovative products, services, systems or processes with clear commercial potential. Applicants must be at an early or growth stage and demonstrate market validation or proof of concept, along with ambition for significant growth including export and investment potential.

Applications for WeBuild are now open and will close on Monday, March 23 at 12pm. 

Women founders can find full programme information and submit applications at intertradeireland.com/entrepreneurship/womens-entrepreneurship/webuild 

Mayor’s Charity Concert to Bring an Unmissable Night of Music, Community and Belonging

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Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce the Mayor’s Charity Concert, taking place on Saturday 28 March 2026 at 7.30pm in Bangor Elim Church.

This uplifting evening promises a vibrant celebration of local talent, community spirit and the Borough’s shared commitment to inclusivity and belonging. Audiences will enjoy an inspiring night of performances from some of the area’s most loved musical groups and musicians.

A Showcase of Local Talent

The concert brings together a wonderful line‑up of performers, including:

Ards Comhaltas | Bangor Ladies Choir | Jackie Rainey and Emma D Drummer | Bangor Ukes | Donaghadee Male Voice Choir | Bangor Grammar School Jazz Band | Orchardville Band and Makaton Choir

From traditional melodies to jazz arrangements, and from choral harmonies to uplifting community ensembles, the evening offers something for everyone.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum said:

“This concert is a celebration of who we are as a community — diverse, welcoming and stronger together. The theme of Belonging is especially important to me in my Mayoral year, and I can think of no better way to express that than through music that brings people of all backgrounds together. I am deeply grateful to every performer taking part, and to everyone purchasing a ticket – we’re really looking forward to welcoming you.”

Every ticket purchased directly supports life‑changing work right here in our community, with all proceeds supporting the Mayor’s three chosen charities, each carrying out essential work across the Borough:

Orchardville – empowering individuals with learning disabilities and autism
St Vincent de Paul – supporting local families experiencing hardship
Women’s Aid North Down and Ards – providing safety and refuge for women and children

The Mayor’s Charity Concert is set to be a joyful night of harmony, celebration and connection. Whether attending with friends, family or as part of a local group, everyone is warmly invited to be part of this special evening.

 

Event Details

Saturday 28 March 2026
Doors 7:00pm | Concert begins 7:30pm
Bangor Elim Church, BT19 7WP
Tickets: £12 (booking fee applies)
Available now via Mayor’s Charity Concert! Sat 28th March 7.30pm Bangor Elim at Bangor Elim Church event tickets from TicketSource

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