Nestled along the sun-kissed French Riviera, Monaco has long captivated the world with its blend of glamour, culture, and sophistication. From the roar of engines at the iconic Grand Prix to the sparkling yachts in its picturesque harbour, this tiny Principality exudes a luxury aura unlike anywhere else. Visitors are drawn not only to its events but also to Monaco’s cosmopolitan lifestyle and timeless elegance. Let’s delve deeper.
Monaco’s reputation as a playground for the world’s elite is unrivalled. The Principality’s calendar is packed with high-profile events, from the adrenaline-charged Monaco Grand Prix to prestigious yachting regattas that attract enthusiasts from across the globe. Beyond these spectacles, Monaco hosts glamorous social gatherings and cultural events that blend tradition with modern sophistication. Its cosmopolitan atmosphere, luxury boutiques, fine dining, and stunning coastal views create an irresistible appeal for travellers seeking both excitement and refinement. Whether visiting for a weekend or a more extended stay, Monaco offers a lifestyle and energy that few destinations can match, making it an actual magnet for international attention.
The Appeal of Luxury Residences and Exclusive Neighbourhoods
Monaco’s residential landscape is as striking as its events, offering a mix of contemporary apartments, historic townhouses, and private villas perched along the coastline. Iconic neighbourhoods such as Monte Carlo and Larvotto are renowned for their elegance, exclusivity, and panoramic sea views. Living here combines privacy with convenience, from luxury shopping and fine dining to cultural attractions and well-maintained public spaces. Safety and high-quality services add to the principality’s appeal, making it a desirable location for discerning residents and investors alike. With its unique blend of sophistication, security, and lifestyle benefits, Monaco remains a premier choice for those seeking the very best.
Discovering Monaco’s Property Opportunities
For those inspired by Monaco’s luxury lifestyle, exploring its real estate market can be equally exciting. From modern apartments in Monte Carlo to elegant villas along Larvotto, the Principality offers a range of exclusive options for discerning buyers and investors. Trusted platforms, such as https://www.icon-property.com/, provide valuable insight into available properties, helping enthusiasts navigate this competitive market with confidence. Whether seeking a permanent residence, a holiday home, or a long-term investment, Monaco’s property scene reflects the same sophistication and elegance that define the entire Riviera experience.
Embrace the Monaco Experience
Monaco offers more than stunning vistas and high-profile events – it embodies a lifestyle of elegance, culture, and cosmopolitan charm. Whether visiting for a weekend or considering a long-term investment, the Principality inspires with its unique blend of luxury and refinement. From its exclusive neighbourhoods to world-class dining and cultural attractions, every corner reflects sophistication. Experiencing Monaco allows travellers and property enthusiasts alike to glimpse a life defined by prestige and style, making it a destination that continues to captivate and inspire.
Health Minister publishes Cass Assessment report for Gender Identity Services
The Health Minister has published a report which assessed Northern Ireland’s Gender Identity Service’s compliance against the 2024 Cass Review.
Minister Nesbitt commissioned Dr Hilary Cass in September 2025 to assess whether changes to services for children and young people with gender incongruence and gender dysphoria in Northern Ireland are compliant with her recommendations in the review of services in England.
The report Cass Assessment report for Gender Identity Services | Department of Health concluded that the Department’s position now presents a crucial opportunity to develop a Regional Lifespan Gender Service, and to build the foundations for a collaborative relationship with the English under-18’s services.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has published a report on how the health service measures up to the Cass 2024 review on gender issues.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “In 2024 Dr Cass published her wide-ranging and landmark review into gender identity services for children and young people in the UK. There is simply no one better placed to provide an assessment of the gender identity service provision in Northern Ireland.
“Given the significant political and media commentary around the decision to proceed forward with a Regional Lifespan Gender Identity Service, I commissioned Dr Cass to conduct this assessment.
“It is vital that we get these services right, to ensure children and young people in Northern Ireland receive a high standard of care that meets their needs and is safe, holistic and effective.”
Dr Cass’ assessment of services in Northern Ireland commends the integration of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, clinical and social services within its current model of care.
Dr Hilary Cass said: “I commend Minister Nesbitt for the investment he has committed to the Lifespan Service, and in particular, for the benefits it will bring for children and young people with gender incongruence and gender dysphoria.
“These young people often have very complex needs and require holistic services that do not just focus on their gender, but on their broader well-being. The changes will support joint working and learning with teams in England, with a focus on helping young people thrive and achieve the best possible outcomes in adult life.”
Dr Cass and her team have made key recommendations, focusing on workforce development, supporting NI joining the UK National Provider Network and participating in the PATHWAYS research programme, with commitments already underway.
Department officials will now consider the recommendations and work alongside counterparts in England, and Health and Social Care (HSC) service providers in Northern Ireland to implement them.
Minister Nesbitt thanked Dr Cass and her team:“I want to acknowledge and thank Dr Cass and her team, for taking the time to conduct this assessment during their visit to Northern Ireland in November.
“I hope this report gives assurances that the new Lifespan Gender Service is compliant with Dr Cass’ 2024 review, and that the decision to invest in new and additional psychological and psychiatric support is the right approach.”
McGrath says flags removal must be backed up with action from PSNI
SDLP Policing Board member Colin McGrath MLA has said a change in approach by the PSNI on flags and emblems is welcome, but must now be backed up with decisive action by all relevant authorities.
The PSNI has confirmed that a new service instruction has been issued to officers.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath said: “The failure to deal with offensive flags, emblems and paramilitary displays has been a source of frustration for many years.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath is calling on the PSNI to follow through on flag and emblem removal from streets, walls and lamposts.
“While responsibility does not lie solely with the PSNI, it is genuinely offensive to many people that shared spaces such as lampposts, walls and housing areas are routinely used to display material glorifying paramilitaries, with little or no consequence.
“The PSNI’s shift in approach is welcome, but it must be matched by a clear commitment from the Department for Infrastructure and other statutory bodies.
“Doing nothing is no longer acceptable. Those responsible for erecting these displays must understand that there will finally be consequences for their actions.”
SDLP North Belfast Councillor Carl Whyte, who sat on the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition, said: “Any commitment from the PSNI to take a more proactive approach to illegal flags is welcome, but it is action on the ground that will determine whether this marks a real change.
“The public will judge progress by whether the widespread presence of illegal flags across Northern Ireland is finally addressed.
“The new service instruction provides important clarity that, in many cases, responsibility for removal lies with public authorities, including the Department for Infrastructure and the Housing Executive.
“Both have consistently failed to tackle illegal flags and paramilitary displays. With the PSNI now signalling greater urgency, these bodies no longer have any excuse for inaction.”
Glor Ár Linne to fund Irish language bands and artists for second year
Last year saw the launch of Glór Ár Linne (‘Voice of Our Generation’), an accelerator scheme for Irish language bands and artists. The initiative, run by Raidió Rí-Rá with support from Creative Ireland and Dublin City Council, aims to foster Irish language bands and artists with mentorship, performance opportunities, practical support, and creative spaces.
In its second year the scheme will provide:
Stiúideo Taifeadta.
Training, mentorship and support
workshops with industry professionals (in areas of songwriting, recording, live production, promotion and marketing)
PR and social media support
Songwriting sessions, studio opportunities and creative spaces
A series of live events starting March 2026 in Dublin City Centre, providing a platform for new Irish language music
Gig support and self-funding opportunities.
Glór Ár Linne will also act as an agency and curation service, building a database of musicians to present to festivals and events around the country. From this week Glór Ár Linne are asking artists – new and established – to register to become part of this network.
All artists can apply for the training scheme, while established artists can opt to be part of the roster that will be presented to festival and gig bookers during the year.
“All registered bands will be given opportunities to showcase their music in front of live audiences at festivals and exclusive gigs, including Féile na Gealaí and Electric Picnic, with the hopes of building on the momentum Irish language music and culture has gained in the past few years thanks to the likes of Kneecap, RÓIS, and Huartan.
Cara Dunne, formerly of Mongoose will be coordinating the mentorship element of the scheme: “The talent already exists, we want to offer direction and advice to artists who are serious about honing their craft, learning how to engage with the music industry, and bringing their music to audiences across the Irish festival circuit and international stages.”
Raidió Rí-Rá Station Manager Emma Ní Chearúil said: “The music industry can be difficult to navigate, especially for independent musicians.
“We hope to build a network that they can draw support and guidance from, and a space where they can connect with each other and with festivals, bookers, and other industry professionals. Raidió Rí-Rá always make Irish and Irish language a priority on air, and are excited to platform and play these new artists on both Raidió Rí-Rá and on Rí-Rá ar RnaG on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.”
“There has been a massive surge in artists creating as Gaeilge – and there has also been a huge increase in interest from listeners,” says Emma Ní Chearúil, “more and more festivals and venues are hoping to quench that thirst, and our aim is to be able to curate a roster of artists so that we can provide bookers with the best new Irish language acts in any genre.”
GLÓR ÁR LINNE: UASGHRÁDÚ TACAÍOCHTA DO CHEOLTÓIRÍ GAEILGE CEOLTÓIRÍ Á LORG AG PRÍOMHPHOINTE TEAGMHÁLA AGUS TACAÍOCHTA CHEOL NA nGAEL
Seoladh, Glór Ár Linne, scéim tacaíochta do cheoltóirí Gaeilge anuraidh atá á reáchtáil ag Raidió Rí-Rá le tacaíocht ó Éire Ildánach agus Comhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath. I mbliana tá sé mar aidhm ag an scéim tuilleadh tacaíochta a sholáthair.
Tá sé i gceist anois tógáil ar an mbunscéim, agus na seirbhísí seo a sholáthair:
Traenáil, meantóireacht agus tacaíocht phraiticiúil
Ceardlanna leo siúd atá ag obair san earnáil (scríbhneoireacht, taifead, léiriúchán ceoil, margaíocht, agus eile)
Tacaíocht preasa agus poiblíochta
Seisiúin scríbhneoireachta, deiseanna stiúideo, agus úsáid spásanna cruthaitheacha
Sraith ócáidí beo ó Mhárta 2026 i mBleá Cliath, a chruthóidh ardán nua do cheol na Gaeilge
Tacaíocht agus maoiniú do ghigeanna féin-eagraithe
Anuas air seo beidh bunachar á thógáil agus gníomhaireacht ar bun idir cheoltóirí Gaeilge agus féilte agus ócáidí náisiúnta.
Ón tseachtain seo tá ceoltóirí agus bannaí – nua agus fadbhunaithe – á lorg le clárú don bhunachar agus seirbhís sep. Cuirfear fáilte roimh cheoltóirí tabhairt faoin scéim oiliúna, agus roimh cheoltóirí reatha clárú don bhunachar a chuirfear os comhair dreamanna ar nós Festival Republic, Electric Picnic, Féile na Gealaí, MCD agus eile.
The Kings in action.
Beidh oiliúint na scéime á stiúradh ag Cara Dunne, ceoltóir leis an mbanna Mongoose, agus dar léi: “tá an tallann ann cheana féin, níl le déanamh ach ardán a thabhairt dó. Táimid ag lorg ceoltóirí atá dáiríre faoina gceird, a bhfuil uathu foghlaim conas dul i ngleic leis an earnáil ceoil, agus a gceol a chur os comhair na sluaite ag féilte na hÉireann agus ar ardáin idirnáisiúnta.”
Dar le Bainisteoir Raidió Rí-Rá Emma Ní Chearúil go bhfuil “ról lárnach ag an gceol, cultúr agus na healaíona sa bhfís úr atá ag daoine óga ar mhaith leo saol trí Ghaeilge a thógáil, agus ba mhaith linn a chinntiú go gcuirtear ar bhóthar a leasa an chéad Kneecap, RÓIS nó Huartan eile agus iad ag déanamh iarrachta dul i bhfeidhm ar an earnáil cheoil.
“Tá craos ar éisteoirí anois tuilleadh ceoil Gaeilge agus Gaelach a chloisteáil, agus tá spéis úr ag féilte agus ionaid ceoltóirí le Gaeilge a chur ar ardáin,” a deir Emma. “Tá sé mar aidhm againn freastal ar an éileamh sin agus ceoltóirí Gaeilge a nascadh leis na féilte agus luchtanna féachana seo. Tá sé mar aidhm againn bunachar ceoltóirí a thógáil le gur féidir leo siúd a eagraíonn féilte teacht isteach ar an gceol úr Gaelach is fearr in aon seánra. Tá ceol na hÉireann agus ceol Gaeilge mar príomhthosaíocht ag Raidió Rí-Rá i gcónaí agus táimid ag súil le hardán a thabhairt do na ceoltóirí seo ar Raidió Rí-Rá agus ar Rí-Rá ar RnaG ar RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.”
Specialist Trike Helps County Down Teen Enjoy Freedom and Fitness
A specialist trike has improved the quality of life for a 14-year old County Down boy who is now enjoying the thrill of cycling and getting much-needed exercise thanks to funding towards the trike from children’s disability charity, Children Today Charitable Trust.
Sam Stockdale has Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects the nervous system and causes severe physical and learning disabilities. He also has epilepsy and is visually impaired, meaning he is unable to ride a regular bike.
Having recently grown out of his previous trike, Sam’s family were keen to secure a new one, knowing the positive impact it had on his physical health and wellbeing.
Sam’s mum, Emma Stockdale, said: “Sam’s a very active boy who absolutely loves the outdoors and has a real sense of adventure, but he needs assistance with every aspect of day-to-day life.
Sam enjoying a trike ride with his siblings. He received the trike from the Children Today charity.
“It’s very important that Sam gets regular exercise to help build and maintain his muscle tone and he’s recently been diagnosed with scoliosis – curvature of the spine – so needs regular physiotherapy.
“The trike helps him get the regular movement he needs – it’s like physio without him knowing it!”
Emma reached out to Children Today for support towards securing a Tomcat Bullet trike, which has special adaptations to meet Sam’s needs, including a chest harness, callipers for his legs and a bespoke steering wheel.
Emma added: “It’s been amazing to see Sam enjoying his new trike. It brings him so much joy!
“We live on a farm and having the trike means he’s able to get around it safely. He loves hanging out with his dad, while he’s working on the farm, and visiting the cows and calves.
“The outdoors is Sam’s happy place – it’s the best therapy for him!”
The specialist adaptations also allow Sam to be more independent as he gets older.
“Sam’s never been able to steer using handlebars. We’ve always had to use the parent steering control at the back to keep him safe, but he’s doing really well handling the new trike, and he can pedal it so fast. I’m getting lots of exercise myself trying to keep up with him!” said Emma.
“It’s also very portable. The trike folds down so we can fit it in the boot of the car, which means we can take it with us on family days out.
Sam has Angelman syndrome, epilepsy and is visually impaired.
“Sam struggles to walk long distance, and we used to use a buggy, but as he gets older it’s nice to have something that feels more grown up and fun when he gets too tired to walk!”
The trike is designed to grow with Sam, meaning it will last for many years. It can also be attached to an adult bike, allowing his parents to take him on longer rides with his three younger siblings.
“Sam’s brothers and sister adore him, but growing up with a disabled sibling can be challenging. Sam needs a lot of our time and energy, so having something we can all enjoy together really matters.”
Emma Prescott, Charity Director at Children Today Charitable Trust, added: “Every child deserves the chance to enjoy movement, independence and the simple joy of being outdoors.
“Sam’s trike is a perfect example of how the right specialist equipment can transform a child’s quality of life – supporting their physical needs while also giving them confidence, freedom and fun.
“We’re delighted to have been able to support Sam and his family, and incredibly grateful to our donors who make moments like this possible.”
To find out more about applying to Children Today for support or to make a donation visit: www.childrentoday.org.uk.
About Children Today Charitable Trust
• Children Today Charitable Trust was founded in 1994 and helps provide disabled children and young adults (up to the age of 25) with support and specialised equipment such as individually adapted electric wheelchairs, walking aids, trikes, specially adapted car seats and more.
• The charity receives no statutory funding form government or the NHS, instead relying entirely on voluntary donations from individuals and organisations.
• The equipment and support provided by Children Today is often truly life-changing – leading to improved mental and physical health; better access to sport and exercise; reduced social isolation and better access to education and employment.
Newry Mourne and Down Museums Connecting People with the Past
Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s Museums (NMD Museums) are continuing to play vital roles helping people connect with the district’s rich history.
Programmes and activities organised by the Newry and Mourne and Down County Museums continue to prove very popular, attracting over 6,400 visitors between October and December last. One third of the visitors were schoolchildren.
The Museums in Newry and Downpatrick provide a window to the past and are a vital resource for many pupils studying their connection with the area.
At the Down County Museum, a collection of 25 artworks is on permanent display and includes a large painting of Constance Malleson (nee Annesley) by William Connor and 12 watercolours of Lecale by R D Perceval as well as notable scenes from Co Down towns.
Kris Reid, Down County Museum Curator; Brigid Molloy, Museum Collections Officer, and Michael Arlow, Education and Outreach Officer, pictured at the opening of the Downpatrick workhouse exhibition in June 2025.
The English Street Museum – which attracted 2,403 visitors in the last quarter – also received a donation of objects relating to Downpatrick’s medical history including signage from a local pharmacy, a bell from the old Downe Hospital and 20th century photographs for digitisation.
The Downpatrick Museum also acquired two paintings – one of Bowden’s Far, Tullybrannigan by Colin Middleton purchased by the Friends of Down County Museum and Across the Marshes of the Quoile by Jack Hill from the late Lord O’Neill’s collection.
Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: “Our Museums are a vital resource for everyone across the district and play a crucially important role helping us all contact with our past.
“The Museums are home to informative exhibitions, host a range of activities and are also popular with visitors, some of whom have family connections in the area dating back many, many years.”
Cllr Campbell said the Museums help local people learn about the district’s shared heritage and can especially inspire schoolchildren to find out more about their own areas.
The Chairperson added: “I commend our excellent museum staff for everything they do. T
“They make an invaluable contribution to help young people who are our future, learn about the past. Preserving local history is one of the most important things Newry, Mourne and Down District Council does.”
In the Newry and Mourne Museum, the Making Waves: Newry’s rise as a global trade centre exhibition in October celebrated the City’s maritime and commercial history and included many items that had not previously been on display.
Other displays included exploring local VJ celebrations and an Escape from the Grotto toy-themed display and family trail in December.
The Museum purchased a set of 19th century Newry glass goblets formerly belonging to the Earl of Kilmorey and items relating to local railway services from the late lord O’Neill’s collection, with donations including a significant selection of 19th and 20th century lace and linen embroidery from the Convent of Mercy needlework school and a receipt/order book from McCann’s bakery.
Work to conserve an Ages & Capabilities ledger dating back to 1824, an important document which includes records of custom service employees from Newry, Warrenpoint and other Co Down ports, is continuing.
The Newry and Mourne Museum – which attracted 4,015 visitors in the last quarter – was also awarded £95,000 over 30 months for an innovative community collection project, Collecting Together: Communities as Curators, that empowers communities to shape the museum’s collection through inclusive acquisition and commissioning.
To find out more and stay up to date with the latest exhibitions, events and activities across the district’s museums, follow us on social media at NMD Museums.
McGrath says 24/7 cross-border Thrombectomy Service would save lives
SDLP Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA has said a 24/7 cross-border thrombectomy service based in Northern Ireland could to save lives and reduce long-term disability following a stroke.
He was speaking ahead of the SDLP’s Opposition Day in the Assembly on Tuesday.
A thrombectomy can significantly improve outcomes for patients who suffer certain types of ischaemic stroke, but access to the service in Northern Ireland is currently limited to between 8am and 5pm.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath says a cross-border thrombectomy service could save lives after a stroke and prevent disability if implemented.
The SDLP is calling on the Health Minister to explore the possibility of establishing a co-funded 24/7 cross-border service in Belfast.
South Down MLA Colin McGrath said: “For years we have rightly been told that when someone has a stroke, every minute matters.
“The longer treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of permanent disability or death.
“For patients who are clinically eligible, thrombectomy can be life-changing and can dramatically improve recovery when delivered in time.
“In 2022 the then Executive and Health Minister committed to having a 24/7 thrombectomy service in place by the end of 2024.
“That deadline has now been missed.
“Our current service operates within limited hours, and when it is unavailable some patients who could benefit from thrombectomy are simply unable to access it. That is not acceptable.
“We are repeatedly told that the barrier is cost, but that argument ignores the long-term human and financial cost of failing to provide timely treatment.”
Colin McGrath added: “Delays in stroke care lead to higher levels of disability, greater pressure on families and significantly increased costs for the health and social care system.
“There is also an opportunity to explore whether these services could be funded and provided on a cross-border basis so that people in places like Sligo, Dundalk and Donegal do not have to travel to Dublin for this treatment.
“As part of our Opposition Day, the SDLP is calling on the Health Minister to honour the commitment that was made and to set out a clear, realistic timeline for the introduction of a full 24/7 thrombectomy service.
“It is not right that people here have a lower chance of recovery after stroke than patients elsewhere on these islands.
“Every effort must be made to give patients the best possible outcomes and save lives.”
Jim Shannon MP hosts Strangford headteacher event in partnership with Smartphone Free Childhood NI
Jim Shannon MP hosted an evening for Headteachers and Chairs of Boards of Governors based in the Strangford Constituency on the topic of smartphones and social media use for children and young people.
Presenters included Detective Inspector Nick Harris (PSNI Public Protection Branch), Eric Thompson (Headmaster, Glenlola Collegiate), Cathy Mannus (Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Smartphone Free Childhood NI Regional Co-Leader) alongside Rosalind McClean from Smartphone Free Childhood Northern Ireland.
District Police Officers from Ards and North Down PSNI were also in attendance. Speakers outlined the growing evidence of the harms of smartphone and social media use for young people and the steps that are being taken to address these challenges.
Ofcom 2025 data shows one third of 6-7 years olds in the UK have their own smartphones and this rises to 90% by age 12.
Whilst polling data from Parentkind, it indicates 94% of parents of primary school children believe smartphones are harmful, almost all children have a smartphone by the time they leave primary school.
Officers from Ards and North Down PSNI Team photographed alongside Jim Shannon MP, second right, and the presenters.
Smartphone Free Childhood Northern Ireland says that parents feel they’ve been put in an impossible position – they either give their child a smartphone or risk alienating their child from their peers at a crucial stage of their development.
Jim Shannon MP said “It was an honour to host this event and to bring the conversation to the people of Strangford. The issue of the harms of Smart Phones is something that, as a grandfather, I am very aware of.
“As with most modern conveniences, they are incredibly useful but must be used correctly and age appropriately and this event with the PSNI and Smartphone free childhoods bringing together local teachers and principals was an important step in helping to get the balance that is needed.
“It was a well-attended evening which showed the depth of concern that there is.
“It is hoped that in working with schools and parents, we can help to protect our children from the dangers of exposure to social media at too young an age and maturity level.”
MP Jim Shannon MP hosted a meeting with Strangford school heads to examine the issues around the use of mobile phones in primary schools.
Parents Come Together
The group therefore encourages parents to come together to form voluntary pacts to delay giving smartphones to children until at least age 14, with no social media access until age 16.
To date parents of over 4,000 children at over 440 schools in Northern Ireland, many of whom are in Strangford area, have signed the pact.
In January 2026, the Department of Education NI wrote to all principals in Northern Ireland to make them aware of the Parent Pact, an initiative by Smartphone Free Childhood which provides a way for parents to sign a voluntary pledge to delay giving their child a smartphone until at least 14.
Department of Education NI 2024 Guidance, which is placed under safeguarding statutes, calls for mobile phones to be restricted throughout the school day including at lunchtime and recreational periods.
Whilst most schools have policies in place to restrict smartphone use, many secondary school parents from the Smartphone Free Childhood movement across Northern Ireland report that it is still common for children to be asked to use a smartphone in class.
Often this falls under a ‘supervised use’ policy whereby teachers ask pupils to use their own smartphones to conduct research, log on to apps such as Google Classroom, to play quizzes such as Kahoot or to monitor updates for extra curricular activities such as sports team schedules.
In Lucy Crehan’s 2025 ‘Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum’, she outlines four reasons why pupils’ own smartphones should not be used in school as an educational tool, for four important reasons.
One being that “an increasing number of parents are choosing not to allow their children to have smartphones and their sanctioned use in school puts unfair pressure on them to give one to their child’ and another that ‘any perceived requirement to buy expensive smartphones risks discriminating against poorer families.”
Cathy Mannus, Smartphone Free Childhood Regional Co-Leader for Northern Ireland, said: “We understand smartphone and social media use for our children and young people is a huge issue for our society.
“Whilst we as parents are coming together to try to collectively delay the age at which we give our children smartphones, we cannot do this alone.
“More government regulation is required, but in the meantime parents and schools can work together and we’re grateful to the Member of Parliament for Strangford for hosting this event.
“Our hope is that all primary schools will signpost parents to the Parent Pact and secondary schools will implement fully smartphone-free bell-to-bell policies as is called for in the 2024 Department of Education NI Guidance.”
How to Join Us
To find out more about Smartphone Free Childhood, parents can go to:
From there, you can sign the Parent Pact and find and join the Northern Ireland WhatsApp Community and join a group within your local area.
You can also stay updated on upcoming events by visiting Smartphone Free Childhood – Northern Ireland Facebook page.
Cathy Mannus, Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Smartphone Free Childhood NI Regional Co-Leader
About Smartphone Free Childhood:
Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) launched spontaneously in Feb 2024 after a WhatsApp group started by two mums called Parents United for a Smartphone Free Childhood went viral.
Within hours the WhatsApp group was full, and within weeks there was a Smartphone Free Childhood WhatsApp community in every county across the UK – with thousands of SFC school groups within them.
400,000 parents across the UK have now joined Smartphone Free Childhood, which is organised into regional communities who are actively working on the ground to make change in their areas.
From collaborating with other parents to delay getting their children smartphones, to working with their schools to help them go smartphone-free, the movement has taken on a life of its own thanks to the energy and concern of this army of parents.
Inspired by the movement, in May 2024 20 out of 24 primary schools across the city of St Albans announced that they were going smartphone-free, and in June 2024, 18 out of 20 state secondaries in the London borough of Southwark.
Pressure from parents has created a domino effect, with thousands of schools across the country strengthening their policies and taking steps to go smartphone-free. In September, SFC parents in Northern Ireland worked with The Minister for Education and the Department of Education to bring in new policy guidance removing smartphones from the school day.
In September 2024, Smartphone Free Childhood launched theParent Pact, which is a simple online tool that allows parents to come together and choose to wait until at least 14 to get their child a smartphone.
Within 10 days of launch, 30,000 children had been signed up to the Pact. There are now 158,000 children and counting signed up.
The movement has been covered extensively across the national and international media. SFC groups have also sprung up in 35 different countries across the world, from Brazil to Kenya, from the USA to the UAE – this is an issue that parents across the world are struggling with.
Smartphone Free Childhood is now setting up as an official charity, determined to use the voice of its community to push for change. The ultimate goal? To permanently shift the cultural norm around when kids get smartphones.
South Down’s Mental Health Services Must Be Protected says Cathy Mason MLA
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has said mental health services across South Down must be protected and properly supported, following a visit to Action Mental Health (AMH) New Horizons in Downpatrick with Councillor Oonagh Hanlon.
Cathy Mason MLA, left, visited Action Mental Health in Downpatrick and is calling for mental health and community services to be fully funded.
After meeting with staff and service users, who spoke about the real-life impact of recent funding cuts and the difference AMH’s support is making to people’s lives across the local community, Ms. Mason said: “This was a really important and insightful visit.
“Staff spoke to us about the damaging impact of cuts, and in speaking directly with service users, we could see just how much of a difference this support makes to people’s lives.
“These services are a lifeline for many.
“The work Action Mental Health does, alongside so many organisations in our community and voluntary sector, is crucial for people right across South Down.
“These services must be protected and properly supported.”
“The British Government must act now to properly fund mental health and community services.
“Continued cuts put people’s well-being at risk and undermine the vital work being carried out on the ground every day.”
Chairperson Welcomes Rally Championship Round in Downpatrick
Downpatrick will be hosting the main event of the national rally, the Rallye Lecale, this summer.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, has welcomed the return of rally to the heart of the County Town this summer.
The town is hosting a round of the Brown & Brown Northern Ireland Rally Championship with the main event starting and finishing at the St Patrick Centre on Saturday, 25 July 2026.
The Carryduff Forklift Rallye Lecale event is being organised by Ballynahinch and District Motor Club in partnership with Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, launched this summer’s Carryduff Forklifts Rally Lecale event assisted by Ballynahinch and District Motor Club (BADMC) officials Gavin Campbell (front centre) and Sean O’Neill. Included are back (from left), Paul Conlon (BADMC), Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group Chairperson Mal McGrady, David Greer (Carryduff Forklifts), John Magilton and Gary McDonald (BADMC), Ruth Morrison (Downpatrick Racecourse) and local rally driver Fintan McGrady, representing Brown and Brown, sponsors of the Northern Ireland Rally Championship. (Photos courtesy of NMD Council).
Featuring closed road stages in the Lecale area, there will be a central service area for competitors at the Market Street car parks in Downpatrick.
The rally is named after the historic area of Lecale which lies between the Mourne mountains and Strangford Lough. Perhaps best known as the resting place of Saint Patrick it is also renowned for its beautiful coastal scenery, idyllic countryside and historic sites.
Cllr Campbell said he is delighted the Rally Championship event is coming to Downpatrick in July. “Hosting the rally in the town is a major boost for the area and will draw motorsport fans from a wide area to see top rally drivers competing on closed roads,” he said.
The Council Chairperson said arrival of the flagship motorsport event provides a major boost for the local economy.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell (centre), at the launch of the Carryduff Forklift Rallye Lecale event with Ballynahinch and District Motor Club (BADMC) representatives, event sponsors and Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group officials. Included are (from left), BADMC Chairperson Brian Crawford, club member Gary McDonald, Ruth Morrison (Downpatrick Racecourse), Regeneration Working Group Chairperson Mal McGrady, David Greer (Carryduff Forklift) and Fintan McGrady (Brown and Brown), sponsors of the Northern Ireland Rally Championship.
“The Council is delighted to support this event. Rallying has a huge following and there will be a real buzz in Downpatrick and Lecale this summer,” he continued.
“Rally fans will be excited that such a high-profile event is coming to the area and Downpatrick and Lecale will be perfect hosts. There’s no better place to host such a prestigious event on the rally calendar,” added Cllr Campbell.
Downpatrick Regeneration Committee Chairman, Mal McGrady, said the rally will be at the heart of a range of wider community events that will highlight the attractions of the town and attract visitors from further afield.
He added: “We are already engaging with the business community to develop the plans which will include family-friendly activities as well as plenty for rally-fans to do.
Ballynahinch and District Motor Club chairman, Brian Crawford, said the club is delighted to be partnering to bring the excitement of rallying to the community in Downpatrick.
“Some of the top drivers are expected to be taking part along with local crews who will be showing their skills on the closed road stages of the rally,” he said.
More information about the event will be released over the coming months and posted on the Council’s social media channels.
