Health Minister Robin Swann welcomes confirmation that the Adoption and Children Bill can be introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly following summer recess. The Bill enhances and updates the legal framework for adoption in Northern Ireland and removes unnecessary delay and uncertainty for children. The Minister said: “I am firmlyRead More →
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will be offered to some children and young people aged 12 years and over with specific underlying health conditions that put them at risk of serious COVID-19. Following approval by MHRA for the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to be used in those aged 12 and over, the JCVIRead More →
Over one third of adults in Northern Ireland say they feel more adventurous than before the pandemic, a new survey has uncovered. With the ebb and flow of recent lockdowns impacting consumer behaviour across the board, new independent research commissioned by Tourism Northern Ireland has found that local peoples’ spiritRead More →
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has announced a special ‘Quiet Hour’ at the Mo Mowlam Playpark on the Stormont Estate, making the facilities more inclusive for all. The playpark, which is designed for children of all abilities and includes a dedicated sensory area, will now be opened one hour earlier eachRead More →
Marking the beginning of the summer holidays, Colin Glen has announced that the Forest Park’s newest, world class attractions are officially opening to the public on Wednesday 7 July. The two new experiences include the hotly anticipated Black Bull Run, Ireland’s first and only alpine coaster, where thrill-seekers can experience anRead More →
PlayBoard NI has joined with other organisations across the UK to call for children’s play to be prioritised this summer to repair some of the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic on children’s wellbeing. Summer of Play campaigners including charities, businesses and child development experts are asking organisations to pledgeRead More →
An emotional health and wellbeing programme which has been enjoyed by over 20,000 primary school-aged children in Northern Ireland is this year celebrating its tenth anniversary. The Roots of Empathy programme, which is funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and co-ordinated by local health trusts, has been delivered toRead More →
The First Minister, deputy First Minister and Health Minister have met with organ donation campaigners to mark significant progress in new soft opt-out organ donation legislation. Paul Givan, Michelle O’Neill and Robin Swann welcomed campaigners Dáithí, Maírtín and Seph Mac Gabhann to Stormont Castle after the Executive signed off theRead More →
Emergency departments across the UK are seeing very high numbers of young children for this time of the year because of a rise in infections usually seen in the winter. One emergency paediatrician described the situation as “winter in June”. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) hasRead More →
Cinemagic has launched its annual call for young film enthusiasts to take on the role of ‘film consultants’ this July in Belfast, to help programme a series of films for the annual Cinemagic Festival that takes place in October 2021. The Young Consultants’ Programme will take place in person in theRead More →
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has commented on the 2021 post primary transfer process. Addressing issues of concern for some pupils and parents the Minister said: “On Saturday 12 June almost 99% of our P7 children were notified that they were placed in a school of their preference and 85% wereRead More →
Thousands of schoolchildren are being encouraged to tell their own stories thanks to a new, colourful booklet that has been distributed free to schools across Northern Ireland. Staff from Education Charity Into Film have invented Story Builder, an exciting and interactive teaching resource that uses the building blocks of filmmakingRead More →