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Lord Mayor Announces Four Charities For His Year In Office

Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 by admin

Each year, the Lord Mayor of Belfast selects charities to support during their year in office. Lord Mayor, Councillor Micky Murray, has announced his four official charities – DePaul, Inspire, Show Some Love Ltd and Oh Yeah Music Centre.

Meeting with representatives from each organisation at Belfast City Hall, Councillor Murray said his personal experience of supporting those coping with homelessness and addiction while working in the voluntary sector was a driving force behind his choices.

Representatives from Show Some Love Ltd, Inspire, Oh Yeah Music Centre and DePaul meet with Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, outside City Hall as they were announced as his official charities for his year in office. Councillor Murray has selected the four organisations for their work to deliver aid to those experiencing hardship (Show Some Love Ltd), support those coping with homelessness and addiction (De Paul and Inspire) and projects to empower young people and develop their skills (Oh Yeah Music Centre).
From left to right – Becky Bellamy, Show Some Love Ltd, Jackie McBurney, Inspire, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, Connor Kerr, Show Some Love Ltd, Tim McQuade, DePaul and Paul Kane, Oh Yeah Music Centre

“Both DePaul and Inspire do fantastic work here in Belfast – most of which goes unseen,” he said. “Whether it’s counselling, family support or accommodation, without them, many individuals and their families would be struggling even more.”

Tim McQuade, DePaul stated, “We can’t wait to have the Lord Mayor get involved in some of the projects that we have coming up in the year ahead, not least our 20^th anniversary of operations in Northern Ireland.” http://depaulcharity.org/

Inspire representative, Jackie McBurney expressed the charity was “very much looking forward to welcoming the Lord Mayor to our premises in the coming year.” She also stated her charity has “been delivering a service for over 45 years to the people of Belfast and beyond.” http://inspirewellbeing.org/

“As Lord Mayor, I want to highlight the many valuable services they offer and give them the opportunity to put forward what they need to be able to do their job more effectively and continue to deliver this vital support.”

With inclusion and diversity also a key theme for the Lord Mayor’s term in office, Show Some Love Ltd was another natural choice for Councillor Murray.

The charity provides projects, events and spaces to bring people together and offer aid for those experiencing hardship. They work closely with refugees, asylum seekers, the LGBTQIA+ community and those in financial difficulty. Their projects include free packs of toiletries and underwear to those in need, a clothing bank and workshops focusing on textile recycling.

“This organisation has a real ethos of inclusion that runs through all their work, and are strongly focused on reducing loneliness and isolation and improving empathy and understanding of those who are marginalised,” said Councillor Murray.

“Their projects are so diverse and I love their resourcefulness and hustle to take unwanted items and use creativity to turn them into something current, useful and beautiful. By getting together to share skills, they’re also supporting better mental health and doing something good for the environment too.”

Becky Bellamy and Connor Kerr from Show Some Love Ltd stated their community “are over the moon that Councillor Murray is our first gay Lord Mayor of Belfast. The fact that he has chosen us, at this time, whenever we’re a growing organisation with loads of potential, it’s really going to make a huge difference to us and our work.” http://anotherworldbelfast.com/

The final charity chosen by the Lord Mayor, Oh Yeah Music Centre, also has a strong track record in bringing people together, this time through music.

The venue, based in the Cathedral Quarter, runs a wide range of outreach and education initiatives with young people, including work with schools and youth groups from across the city.

“I’ve always been impressed by the events and activities hosted by Oh Yeah and what they bring to our city,” said Councillor Murray. “They work hard to develop the next generation of talent, not just on the stage, but off it too – their programmes and workshops are focused on developing the skills young people need for the world of work and empowering them to be themselves, fulfil their potential, and follow their dreams.

Finally, Paul Kane from Oh Yeah Music Centre expressed how “it’s a real thrill to say thank you for the support the Lord Mayor is giving to us at Oh Yeah Music Centre, from our youth projects like Elevate and our talent development programmes to our live music venue.” http://ohyeahbelfast.com/

“I’m excited to work with all four of my charities this year and provide them with a platform to showcase their work and demonstrate their value within our city.”

From left to right (back) – Becky Bellamy, Show Some Love Ltd, Jackie McBurney, Inspire, Connor Kerr, Show Some Love Ltd
From left to right (front) – Tim McQuade, DePaul, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, and Paul Kane, Oh Yeah Music Centre

http://depaulcharity.org/

http://inspirewellbeing.org/

http://anotherworldbelfast.com/

http://ohyeahbelfast.com/

Summer of Creativity Ahead as ‘Bank of Ideas’ Recipients are Announced

Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 by admin

Twenty nine schemes will share £50,000 from the “Bank of Ideas” to fund local creative projects across Belfast this summer and into the autumn, thanks to funding from Belfast City Council’s Belfast 2024 programme.

Belfast City Council is investing £5.9 million into Belfast 2024, which builds upon the council’s existing support for culture and arts and invites citizens to get creative, through a mix of new commissions and community-led programmes, all reflecting the city’s diversity and vibrancy.

A further £250,000 has also been secured from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for ‘Our Future Heritage’ which will enable people to explore Belfast’s tangible and intangible heritage and its impact on our identity through ten Belfast 2024 projects.

The aim of the Belfast 2024 programme is to support jobs in the creative sector, create new opportunities for residents to enjoy and participate in the arts, and showcase the city as a global destination for culture, through its three key themes of People, Place and Planet.

The projects secured the highest number of votes at a special ‘creative market’ held at City Hall on Sunday 2 June, where they showcased their concepts to visitors who had the final say in which schemes received funding and will be rolled out across the city between June and October. See full list below of chosen projects.

“We’ve had a great response to our invitation for communities to bring forward their own ideas for what they’d like to see, and deliver, in their neighbourhoods as part of Belfast 2024,” said Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray. “Their concepts are all unique, and show how creativity can bring people together, encourage them to try something different and provide opportunities for everyone to get involved, no matter what their ability or background. “It has also unearthed people and new groups who are passionate about where they live and the kind of place they want to create.”

Also coming up this summer as part of the Belfast 2024 programme is Midsummer at the Lyric, a new take on the Shakespeare classic from 4-7 July and the first open air production to be held in the Lyric Theatre’s outdoor amphitheatre space.
Tickets are now sold out, but a waiting list is currently open at lyrictheatre.co.uk

Wild Belfast are holding a number of outdoor workshops through their Safari in the City series, inviting residents to learn more about the butterflies, wildflowers, bats and other biodiversity on our doorstep, while Show Some Love Green House – located at 171-175 Victoria Street in Belfast city centre – is open daily 10am-6pm, with events and workshops.

Ahead of Water Works on Saturday 3 August, which will see thousands of boats of all shapes and sizes launched along the River Lagan, arts organisation are also inviting visitors to call into their pop-up shop in CastleCourt every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to get involved in making their own boat.

Keep updated on all upcoming Belfast 2024 events and projects – including ‘The Bank of Ideas’ – at belfast2024.co.uk or follow @belfast2024 on Instagram and Facebook.

Voting for The Bank of Ideas in the IOPD (International Observatory on Participatory Democracy) Awards is open until 12pm on 1 July at https://participate.oidp.net/

Antoinettte Campbell from Wonder Bubble Magic Show (left) and Hannah Goodall from Climate Craic Festival (right) – pictured with Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray – are among those to receive funding from Belfast City Council’s Bank of Ideas for creative projects in local communities this summer. 29 projects will share £50,000 of funding as part of Belfast 2024, the city’s celebration of culture and creativity. The grants will be used to support everything from children’s arts clubs and community libraries to craft workshops and fun days for those with special educational needs, with events taking place between now and October.

Creative projects meet with Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, to celebrate funding received through Belfast City Council’s Bank of Ideas for creative projects in local communities this summer. 29 projects will share £50,000 of funding as part of Belfast 2024, the city’s celebration of culture and creativity. The grants will be used to support everything from children’s arts clubs and community libraries to craft workshop and fun days for those with special educational needs, with events taking place between now and October.

The 29 ‘Bank of Ideas’ projects are:

ArtsFest – ArtsFest3: Engaging – June 2024
A festival bringing together Belfast creatives at Arts for All, with free inclusive workshops to co-create art and exhibitions for under-represented artists to showcase and sell their work.

Suicide Awareness and Support Group – Chill with Gill café and support for people with anxiety
A weekly support group for people with anxiety, run by a yoga teacher, with chats, deep relaxation, breathing techniques, and advice.

Antoinette Campbell – Wonder Bubble Magic Show – June-October
Experiential and immersive workshops in hostels and with assisted living residents, culminating in a wonder bubble magic show.

Tracey Tsang – Bee Wildflower workshops – July and August
Creative workshops for kids to make bee-shaped recycled paper and paper mache seed bombs, with a creative competition featuring an art exhibition and prizes.

Belfast Massage Project – July-September
Accredited aromatherapy health massage training for members of the asylum and refugee communities, promoting self-care, teamwork and mental health.

Sailortown Regeneration – A Brush with History – July-September
In collaboration with the local community, artists and the Belfast Archive Project, an initiative to re-animate areas of Sailortown with dynamic imagery of local heritage and culture from the area.

Chris Lowry – Community Garden Open Day – July-October
An alleyway garden open day for anyone near the Ormeau Road, with a barbecue, wildflower mural creation and a travelling bike-propelled art gallery!

Mark Cousins and Ross Anderson-Doherty – Disabled Cabaret performance – July
A disabled queer cabaret to raise awareness of the talent of disabled queer people in Belfast.

Meadow Ladies of Bog Meadows – The Meadow Heart Project – July-August
Creation of a large, heart-shaped public art mosaic in Bog Meadows’ new community Wilding Garden, with 15 small pieces to represent the elements of the nature reserve the ladies love the most.

Shannen McNeice – Between Galaxies (profound and multiple learning disabilities children’s show) – July
A multi-sensory theatre show for four young audience members with multiple and profound disabilities and three actors.

Janine Cousins – Community Craft – Give It a Go embroidery – July
Beginner workshops to teach embroidery stitches which can be used in mending or upcycling clothes/fabrics, empowering people and connecting them together.

Neurodiversity SPARK – Neurodiversity SPARK family fun day – August
A family fun day for neurodivergent parents and children, where parents and children can socialise with people like them, with arts stations, guitar lessons, creative writing sessions, quiet areas and food!

Shared Reading at the Duncairn – Stories from the Shadows – 9 August
A summer of pop-up flash fiction encounters on the theme of shadows, culminating in readings at a celebration of the Irish short story at the 10th annual Scribes at The Duncairn writers’ panel.

Black Moon DJ Collective – Mark Patty, Robert Whiteman, Steven Bradley & Deirdre McKenna – Pop-up Picnic Party – August
A music-filled, fun afternoon of creative community that is disabled-led, for all the family. Black Moon DJ will bring the music to get you dancing, with games and prizes. We invite you to join us and bring a picnic.

Corrina Askin for Grow Community Garden/Cave Hill Conservation Dreamer’s Space – expanding the trail – August
Training volunteers to expand on an inspiring art trail recently installed in Grow Community Garden and inspire creativity and wellness for children and young people.

SEN Reform Wellbeing Day for parents/Carers of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities – August
An initiative dedicated to amplifying the voices of neurodivergent youth. By showcasing personal stories through creative activities, it seeks to change attitudes and foster greater understanding of neurodivergence within society.

Spectrum Centre – Ausume Rascal’s Art Explosion – August-October
Art club for kids with an autism spectrum diagnosis to work with an artist to create colourful dinosaurs to be displayed in Shankill Road shop windows and public spaces.

Conway Education Centre – Threads of Empowerment: Transforming Lives through Sustainable Fashion – August-September
Sustainable fashion for refugee and asylum-seeking children, with a charity shop trip, upcycling training and guidance from a fashion designer and a professional photoshoot to showcase the outfits created.

Adele Huddleston – Lower Oldpark Community Association Children’s Community Library and Book Club – September- October
Children’s Community Library will allow children free access to borrow books, their own book club for discussing chosen books and take part in book-themed art and crafts.

Open Ormeau Community Collective – Ballynafest Community Fair – 7 September
Ballynafest will be a family-friendly event, showcasing local musical talent with circus performances, storytelling, community singing and family picnics where neighbours can meet and friendships can be forged at the heart of the community in Ormeau Park.

Climate Craic Festival – 14 September
An inclusive event in Belfast that uses creative arts to engage the community with climate action, promoting sustainability and fostering strong community connections through workshops, performances, and interactive activities.

Zara Birch – Belfast Women’s Circle – 21 September
A sharing circle for women and girls of all generations and cultures, coming together on World Gratitude Day to share stories, boost connections and mental health, with free yoga, meditation, mindfulness and writing workshops.

Roma Support Hub (Forward South Partnership) – Cosmopolitan Cooking Club – September
Bringing the local community together to prepare food and eat it together.

Meg Magill – The Wee Swap – September
A swap shop for children to swap and reuse clothing, toys and other items on the Newtownards Road with toy hospital, children makers’ space, embroidery station, rag mural and a clothes mender.

Community Together Belfast – Cregagh and Woodstock Diversity Carnival – September
A colourful, creative celebration of the many diverse cultures that exist on the Cregagh and Woodstock Roads, using dance, music, storytelling, visual art, food, and fun to bring people together.

Platform Arts – East Belfast Late Night Art – September
Creating a map of East Belfast arts locations for open gallery events on the first Thursday of the month, with a guided tour, talks and a shuttle bus.

Pitt Park Residents’ Association – Pitt Stop caravan – October
Turning a caravan into a creative community hub in Pitt Park as a drop-in for all ages for a cuppa and soup or for children’s games, crafts, and community fun days.

Ark Housing – Big Belfast Halal-o-ween Party – October
Inclusive celebration that re-imagines Halloween, making it more welcoming for Muslim families by blending cultural traditions, music and entertainment to create connections and showcase creativity and diversity.

Belfast Print Workshop – C’mon and print Belfast – October
Communal print-making on 10m rolls of paper with colourful ink, mark-marking with hands, wheels and flowers and more.

‘Guilt-Free’ Afternoon at The Avenue Cinema Belfast

Posted on March 6, 2024March 6, 2024 by admin

Over 50 cinema enthusiasts from across Northern Ireland indulged in a guilt-free afternoon at The Avenue Cinema in Belfast, courtesy of zero alcohol wine brand Not guilty.

Organised by Craigavon-based United Wines, the distributer of Not Guilty in Northern Ireland, lucky winners of a competition enjoyed an exclusive trip to The Avenue in CastleCourt Shopping Centre. They were treated to a screening of the movie ‘Wicked Little Letters,’ featuring Oscar-winner Olivia Colman, along with complimentary drinks, food, and parking.

Not Guilty offers a range of full-flavoured, full-bodied zero alcohol wines, allowing drinkers to savour a few glasses without worrying about the consequences the next day.

Gemma Herman, Brand Manager at United Wines, highlighted the competition’s success, noting the enthusiastic response from people seeking a guilt-free day out in Belfast.

“We ran this competition in January, a month when everyone wants to eat and drink healthier, and the response was fantastic from people wanting a ‘guilt-free’ day out in Belfast.”

She emphasised Not Guilty’s appeal to wine lovers who desire all the enjoyment without any drawbacks.

“Not Guilty is the perfect drink for wine lovers who want all the fun without the baggage” she added that the range “is so good you’ll think you’re drinking the real deal.”

Sarah Heath from marketing agency LBVG was on hand to make sure that guests didn’t go thirsty

Crafted with top-quality grapes, the Not Guilty range, including Rosé, Pino Grigio, and red variations, delivers authentic flavours that rival traditional wines.

The ‘Low and No Alcohol’ market is on the rise across the UK, with half of the population purchasing such products in 2022. Millennials, in particular, are leading the charge, with over a third of them buying Low & No alcohol products in the last six months.

Established in 1985, United Wines, a subsidiary of Heineken Ireland, has grown into one of the largest drinks distributors on the island of Ireland. With an 80,000 square foot warehouse in Craigavon and a staff of 55, United Wines supplies a wide range of beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks to over 1,000 establishments nationwide, including bars, restaurants, hotels, off-licenses, and more.

There is no better time than the present to try this leading company’s Not Guilty range, “and in the morning, your head will thank you for the guilt-free good times,” said Gemma.

By Natasha Nelson

‘CelebrateHer’ Conference hosts hundreds kicking off International Women’s Day!

Posted on March 5, 2024March 5, 2024 by admin

On Friday, March 1^st 2024, the vibrant spirit of International Women’s Day came alive as nearly 300 women gathered from across the North Coast community for the empowering ‘CelebrateHer Conference’ held at the Ulster University Coleraine.

Organised collaboratively by Enterprise Causeway & Ulster University and expertly hosted by Caroline O’Neill, founder of Digg Mama and the Digg Podcast, the event centred around the theme ‘Inspire Inclusion.’

Throughout the day, attendees were treated to an array of inspirational keynote speeches and panel discussions, where speakers from diverse backgrounds shared their personal stories and triumphs.

Networking took centre stage, providing attendees with invaluable opportunities to connect, exchange stories, and strengthen their collective power.

Additionally, the event featured a support and employers’ marketplace, offering insights into personal development, training opportunities, and career prospects.

Reflecting on the day’s success, Event Promoter Jane Taggart expressed immense pride in the event’s ability to bring together such a dynamic group of women. Ulster University Provost, Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the university’s commitment to celebrating female leadership and innovation.

Supported by Causeway Coast and Glens Labour Market Partnership and the Connecting Communities project, funded by the International Fund for Ireland, the ‘CelebrateHer Conference’ underscored the importance of unity, empowerment, and the collective pursuit of progress.

As plans for next year’s event take shape, organisers eagerly anticipate building upon this year’s success and continuing to champion women’s achievements across Northern Ireland.

By Natasha Nelson

Ulster University celebrates inspirational scholars

Posted on February 19, 2024February 19, 2024 by admin

Ulster University’s Development and Alumni Relations Office welcomed scholars, donors and University supporters for an evening of celebration to mark the incredible achievements of hundreds of students who have been awarded scholarships.

The annual Scholarship Celebration Event took place on the Ulster University Belfast campus last week. This was an evening of celebration, recognition and appreciation offering opportunities for scholars to celebrate with their loved ones as well as meeting and thanking donors who make Ulster University scholarships and awards possible. Guests enjoyed music while networking with donors and supporters before hearing from University Provost Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan and previous scholarship recipients about the powerful impact this support has on transforming the lives of students.

“The annual Scholarship Celebration Event is a valuable opportunity to thank our incredible donors who are supporting the development of hundreds of Ulster University students at present. Scholarships are a lifeline for some students, allowing them to continue their education at university, often in the face of challenging personal circumstances.” Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan.

Alongside a range of scholarships funded by the generosity of individual donors, trusts and foundations, corporate donors who attended the event included Action Renewables, Aflac NI, Allen & Overy, Allstate NI, Belfast Harbour, Choice Housing, FinTru, KPMG, Optum Ireland, the SHS Group, SSE Airtricity, and Subway Ireland.

“We are investing in future talent, rewarding academic excellence, and building the skills of top performing students from non-accounting backgrounds. We know scholarships make a real difference to the student experience and impact strongly on career outcomes”. Jonny Hannah, Partner in Charge, KPMG in Northern Ireland.

Meet the Scholars!

Among those awarded a scholarship is Saorla Boyle, a Paramedic Science student at Ulster University Derry~Londonderry, whose journey to Ulster has been defined by determination and resilience, despite her diagnosis of a long-term condition three years ago. Since her diagnosis, Saorla has continued to strive for excellence to achieve her place on the competitive Paramedic Science degree programme, balancing her studies alongside volunteering and being the sole carer for her young daughter. Saorla has remained resolute in her commitment to a career in Paramedicine despite financial hardships and setbacks in education and considers her scholarship as the key to stability and a brighter future, enabling her to fully focus on her education and support her young daughter.

“I feel hugely privileged to have been awarded this scholarship. It will allow me to focus solely on my studies and raising my daughter, while alleviating some of the pressure that comes with being a full-time student and single mum. I am grateful to have gained a place on the much sought-after Paramedic Science programme, and now, with this added support, I can give my all to reaching my potential and becoming part of our wonderful healthcare community.” Saorla Boyle Ulster University Student.

Ulster University Paramedic Science student Saorla Boyle (left) pictured with her daughter at the Scholarship Celebration Event.

Recognised at the celebratory event was Jonathan Weir, an undergraduate student who, after suffering a life-threatening spinal cord injury in his previous career as an electrical engineer, is re-skilling at Ulster University for a career in technology, a sector he has a keen interest in. Now a Year One Computer Systems student, Jonathan is using his bursary to fund his travel costs to the Ulster University Belfast campus and to purchase wheelchair equipment and other adaptive equipment for his computer.

“I have always had an interest in technology and fixing problems, so the Computer Systems course is allowing me to pursue a new career that I can work comfortably in following my accident. Travelling up to 100 miles per day for my studies is costly, however my scholarship is supporting with the purchase of a wheelchair accessible vehicle and other adaptive equipment.” Jonathan Weir Ulster University Student.

Ulster University Computer Systems student Jonathan Weir pictured at the Scholarship Celebration Event.

In 2023, the University saw a 28% increase in applications to the Student Opportunity Fund and a 59% increase in applications for Academic Opportunity Scholarships from full-time students, in comparison to the previous year, with more and more students under financial strain in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

Ulster University continues to prioritise fundraising for scholarships as a result, with donations from corporate donors, individual supporters, trusts and foundations helping the University to continue transforming Northern Ireland through sustainable regional economic and social development by harnessing the power of its people, place, and partnerships.

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