27/03/2026
New Academy To Boost Skills And Job Prospects For People With Disabilities
A five-day initiative to build confidence, strengthen employability and offer practical vocational experience for people with disabilities will run from 27 April to 1 May 2026, 9.30am–12.30pm each day.
Led by the Antrim and Newtownabbey Labour Market Partnership, the Enable Futures Academy is designed to help participants develop real-world skills and consider pathways into work.
Backed by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create tailored employment action plans for council areas, fostering collaboration at local and regional levels to support people towards and into jobs.
The programme will bring together individuals with disabilities for a structured week of personal development, practical learning and employability preparation. It begins with welcome sessions, introductions and ice-breaker activities to build confidence, encourage engagement and create a positive group environment.
Across the week, attendees will complete food hygiene training and explore budgeting basics and healthy lifestyle choices through practical discussions and activities. Vocational sampling will provide insights into different career routes, with options including catering, joinery, motor vehicle, painting and decorating, childcare and business administration.
The final day centres on employability, featuring workshops, mock interviews and conversations about next steps after the programme. The week concludes with a Celebrating Success event, where participants will receive certificates recognising their achievements.
Anyone interested in taking part can apply by contacting Workforce Training Services at info@workforceonline.org or 028 9024 7016. Places are limited and early registration is encouraged. More details are available at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/employment-academies.
Led by the Antrim and Newtownabbey Labour Market Partnership, the Enable Futures Academy is designed to help participants develop real-world skills and consider pathways into work.
Backed by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create tailored employment action plans for council areas, fostering collaboration at local and regional levels to support people towards and into jobs.
The programme will bring together individuals with disabilities for a structured week of personal development, practical learning and employability preparation. It begins with welcome sessions, introductions and ice-breaker activities to build confidence, encourage engagement and create a positive group environment.
The final day centres on employability, featuring workshops, mock interviews and conversations about next steps after the programme. The week concludes with a Celebrating Success event, where participants will receive certificates recognising their achievements.
Anyone interested in taking part can apply by contacting Workforce Training Services at info@workforceonline.org or 028 9024 7016. Places are limited and early registration is encouraged. More details are available at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/employment-academies.
Latest Northern Ireland News
27 March 2026
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Ombudsman Clears Armed Response Officers After Toy Gun Incident
A Police Ombudsman investigation has determined that officers did not use excessive force during an incident involving a toy water pistol that was initially reported as a credible firearm. The event took place in September 2025 in Belfast. Armed Response Officers were deployed following reports that a gun had been sighted inside a moving vehicle.
27 March 2026
Alliance Submits Recall Petition Over Special School Summer Schemes
The Alliance Party has officially tabled a petition to recall the Assembly in an effort to protect summer schemes at special schools. The move follows an announcement by the Education Authority that the schemes are being cancelled. The Authority cited concerns regarding the availability of healthcare provision for the children involved.
Alliance Submits Recall Petition Over Special School Summer Schemes
The Alliance Party has officially tabled a petition to recall the Assembly in an effort to protect summer schemes at special schools. The move follows an announcement by the Education Authority that the schemes are being cancelled. The Authority cited concerns regarding the availability of healthcare provision for the children involved.
27 March 2026
Applications Open for Seventh Year of IGNITE Programme
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27 March 2026
Northern Trust Makes Body-Worn Cameras Permanent In Antrim ED
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has approved the permanent use of body‑worn cameras for staff in Antrim Area Hospital's Emergency Department (ED) and will extend the scheme to Causeway Hospital's ED, following a 12‑week pilot completed last year.
Northern Trust Makes Body-Worn Cameras Permanent In Antrim ED
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has approved the permanent use of body‑worn cameras for staff in Antrim Area Hospital's Emergency Department (ED) and will extend the scheme to Causeway Hospital's ED, following a 12‑week pilot completed last year.
27 March 2026
Mason Slams Education Minister's Failure To Provide Special School Summer Schemes
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has criticised the DUP Education Minister for failing to put summer schemes in place for children in special schools this summer, describing the situation as unacceptable.
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27 March 2026
Murray's Call For Pilot Drug Testing At Belfast Events Clears First Hurdle
An Alliance Party motion from Balmoral councillor Micky Murray to trial drug and pill testing facilities at major events and festivals across Belfast has passed its initial stage at Belfast City Council.
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27 March 2026
Two Arrested After Reported Stabbing In North Belfast
Police received a report of a stabbing in the Bentinck Street area of north Belfast shortly after 2.05pm on Thursday, 26 March. Two men, aged 33 and 35, were arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and possessing an offensive weapon with intent. Both men remain in police custody at this time.
Two Arrested After Reported Stabbing In North Belfast
Police received a report of a stabbing in the Bentinck Street area of north Belfast shortly after 2.05pm on Thursday, 26 March. Two men, aged 33 and 35, were arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and possessing an offensive weapon with intent. Both men remain in police custody at this time.
27 March 2026
Police Appeal After Aggravated Burglary In Newtownards
Detectives are appealing for information after an aggravated burglary in Newtownards on Thursday morning, 26 March. Detective Sergeant Westbury said: "It was reported to police that a male had been assaulted in the Killard Heights area of the town.
Police Appeal After Aggravated Burglary In Newtownards
Detectives are appealing for information after an aggravated burglary in Newtownards on Thursday morning, 26 March. Detective Sergeant Westbury said: "It was reported to police that a male had been assaulted in the Killard Heights area of the town.
27 March 2026
NI Water Highlights Infrastructure Pressures To Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
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NI Water Highlights Infrastructure Pressures To Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
NI Water has detailed the scale of the investment challenge facing water and wastewater services in the Lisburn & Castlereagh area, during a briefing to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council. The utility set out pressures across an ageing network and the funding constraints that are limiting the pace of much‑needed upgrades.
27 March 2026
New Academy To Boost Skills And Job Prospects For People With Disabilities
A five-day initiative to build confidence, strengthen employability and offer practical vocational experience for people with disabilities will run from 27 April to 1 May 2026, 9.30am–12.30pm each day.
New Academy To Boost Skills And Job Prospects For People With Disabilities
A five-day initiative to build confidence, strengthen employability and offer practical vocational experience for people with disabilities will run from 27 April to 1 May 2026, 9.30am–12.30pm each day.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.