09/08/2022
Other News In Brief
Hargey Welcomes Northern Cricket Union Free Summer Scheme
Communities Minister Deidre Hargey has welcomed a summer scheme being delivered by Northern Cricket Union and commended the organisation for offering the event free of charge.
The NCU is focusing delivery of the five-day Smash It Summer Camp to ethnic minority groups, particularly those from South East Asia. In recent years there has been an increase in participation from these communities at senior level - especially from inner city clubs.
Minister Hargey said: "I believe it is important that sport promotes inclusion for all sections of our society and it is encouraging to see NCU working with minority communities to encourage participation.
"I must commend NCU for this positive engagement, especially some of the inner-city teams such as Belfast International Sports Club, Belfast and Dunmurry clubs as they seek to continue to grow the sport of cricket and sustain continued future participation.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to state my appreciation for the current funding made available by Belfast City Council. This has ensured that this important development programme is offered free to young children at a time families are struggling with the impact of this cost of living crisis."
In 2019/20, Department for Communities provided resource funding of £42,500 to the Northern Cricket Union to increase participation opportunities for under-represented groups. The event today builds on the work taken forward at that time.
Vital Community Organisations At Risk – Durkan
A range of vital community organisations across Northern Ireland are at risk with the continued uncertainty around a replacement scheme to the European Social Fund (ESF) Programme, SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has warned.
Funding provided through the initiative is set to end in March 2023.
Mr Durkan said the absence of clarity around the proposed Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), threatens the future delivery of support services which will impact some 10,000 service users. He has written to relevant ministers asking for urgent engagement with the British government.
The Foyle MLA said: "These services are a vital resource, supporting some of the most vulnerable individuals within our communities. From developing social inclusion initiatives to assisting young people entering employment, the acute need for such projects has never been more evident. Their impact to date in transforming lives and improving opportunities for countless people across the North cannot be underestimated.
"These groups must be given assurances that their services will not be impacted. I’ve written to the Communities, Economy and Finance Ministers asking them to engage with the British government as a matter of urgency to release details around the Shared Prosperity Fund; how it will work and whether the available funding is an adequate substitute. Ministers must make this issue a priority, they cannot stand idly by when so much is at risk."
Alliance Restate Support For Maternity Strategy
Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has restated her party's support for a Maternity Strategy, including raised awareness of safety issues and improved Northern Ireland-wide data collection.
Speaking after a meeting with Karen Murray, Northern Ireland Director of the Royal College of Midwives, the South Belfast MLA said: "I am happy to endorse the Royal College of Midwives' blueprint for better maternity care in Northern Ireland, and to join it in further calling for a Maternity Strategy.
"We discussed the need for a comprehensive maternity network, including improved data and a consistent, regional approach to safety issues.
"We also need to broaden public awareness of the vital role played by midwives, not least since there are no earlier interventions than the ones they provide. They play an essential part in the overall healthcare system, which is why a comprehensive Maternity Strategy in line with the blueprint already proposed by the College is so vital."
Communities Minister Deidre Hargey has welcomed a summer scheme being delivered by Northern Cricket Union and commended the organisation for offering the event free of charge.
The NCU is focusing delivery of the five-day Smash It Summer Camp to ethnic minority groups, particularly those from South East Asia. In recent years there has been an increase in participation from these communities at senior level - especially from inner city clubs.
Minister Hargey said: "I believe it is important that sport promotes inclusion for all sections of our society and it is encouraging to see NCU working with minority communities to encourage participation.
"I must commend NCU for this positive engagement, especially some of the inner-city teams such as Belfast International Sports Club, Belfast and Dunmurry clubs as they seek to continue to grow the sport of cricket and sustain continued future participation.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to state my appreciation for the current funding made available by Belfast City Council. This has ensured that this important development programme is offered free to young children at a time families are struggling with the impact of this cost of living crisis."
In 2019/20, Department for Communities provided resource funding of £42,500 to the Northern Cricket Union to increase participation opportunities for under-represented groups. The event today builds on the work taken forward at that time.
Vital Community Organisations At Risk – Durkan
A range of vital community organisations across Northern Ireland are at risk with the continued uncertainty around a replacement scheme to the European Social Fund (ESF) Programme, SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has warned.
Funding provided through the initiative is set to end in March 2023.
Mr Durkan said the absence of clarity around the proposed Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), threatens the future delivery of support services which will impact some 10,000 service users. He has written to relevant ministers asking for urgent engagement with the British government.
The Foyle MLA said: "These services are a vital resource, supporting some of the most vulnerable individuals within our communities. From developing social inclusion initiatives to assisting young people entering employment, the acute need for such projects has never been more evident. Their impact to date in transforming lives and improving opportunities for countless people across the North cannot be underestimated.
"These groups must be given assurances that their services will not be impacted. I’ve written to the Communities, Economy and Finance Ministers asking them to engage with the British government as a matter of urgency to release details around the Shared Prosperity Fund; how it will work and whether the available funding is an adequate substitute. Ministers must make this issue a priority, they cannot stand idly by when so much is at risk."
Alliance Restate Support For Maternity Strategy
Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has restated her party's support for a Maternity Strategy, including raised awareness of safety issues and improved Northern Ireland-wide data collection.
Speaking after a meeting with Karen Murray, Northern Ireland Director of the Royal College of Midwives, the South Belfast MLA said: "I am happy to endorse the Royal College of Midwives' blueprint for better maternity care in Northern Ireland, and to join it in further calling for a Maternity Strategy.
"We discussed the need for a comprehensive maternity network, including improved data and a consistent, regional approach to safety issues.
"We also need to broaden public awareness of the vital role played by midwives, not least since there are no earlier interventions than the ones they provide. They play an essential part in the overall healthcare system, which is why a comprehensive Maternity Strategy in line with the blueprint already proposed by the College is so vital."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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18 February 2022
£1.5m Investment In Employment And Education Projects
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that her Department will provide match funding for 2022/23 to European Social Fund (ESF) for employment and education projects. The ESF projects aim to help and support people most removed from the labour market to overcome major barriers to social inclusion and entering employment.
£1.5m Investment In Employment And Education Projects
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that her Department will provide match funding for 2022/23 to European Social Fund (ESF) for employment and education projects. The ESF projects aim to help and support people most removed from the labour market to overcome major barriers to social inclusion and entering employment.
16 August 2022
SDLP Calls For Overhaul Of Maternity Benefits
The SDLP has called for an overhaul of the provision of maternity benefits available in Northern Ireland. Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has raised specific concerns around the different policies applied to Maternity Allowance and Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for Universal Credit (UC) claimants.
SDLP Calls For Overhaul Of Maternity Benefits
The SDLP has called for an overhaul of the provision of maternity benefits available in Northern Ireland. Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has raised specific concerns around the different policies applied to Maternity Allowance and Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) for Universal Credit (UC) claimants.
21 July 2003
New regional maternity hospital to be complete by 2010
The new regional maternity hospital is not expected to be up and running until the end of the decade, DUP Health Spokesperson, Iris Robinson has said. Mrs Robinson said news of the new unit was confirmed to her after questioning local Health Minister Angela Smith in the House of Commons.
New regional maternity hospital to be complete by 2010
The new regional maternity hospital is not expected to be up and running until the end of the decade, DUP Health Spokesperson, Iris Robinson has said. Mrs Robinson said news of the new unit was confirmed to her after questioning local Health Minister Angela Smith in the House of Commons.
29 June 2023
PHA Launch Funding Scheme For Mental Health Projects
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has called on community and voluntary groups to apply to a new funding programme for projects designed to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing. The PHA scheme opens to applications today and aims to address health and wellbeing needs in local communities.
PHA Launch Funding Scheme For Mental Health Projects
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has called on community and voluntary groups to apply to a new funding programme for projects designed to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing. The PHA scheme opens to applications today and aims to address health and wellbeing needs in local communities.
18 October 2012
Poots Emphasises Importance Of Midwifery
Edwin Poots has told an all-Ireland midwifery conference he is committed to "ensuring the provision of safe, sustainable, high quality maternity services." The Health Minister was speaking at the Conference; "Every Pregnant Woman Needs a Midwife and Some Need a Doctor Too".
Poots Emphasises Importance Of Midwifery
Edwin Poots has told an all-Ireland midwifery conference he is committed to "ensuring the provision of safe, sustainable, high quality maternity services." The Health Minister was speaking at the Conference; "Every Pregnant Woman Needs a Midwife and Some Need a Doctor Too".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.