‘Unpaid Carers Feel Unrecognised’: Carers UK

Staff Reporter
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‘Unpaid Carers Feel Unrecognised’: Carers UK

Unpaid carers feel their role goes unrecognised in their community says Carers UK

  • 31% of people who are currently caring in NI say they do not feel their role as an unpaid carer is understood and valued by their community.
  • While over a fifth (22%) of current and former carers said they had been unable to take part in local groups or activities.
  • Huge drive to help build carer friendly communities launched for Carers Week 2026.

The above findings mark the start of Carers Week which takes place from 8-14 June. The theme of this year’s Carers Week, backed by headline sponsor TSB Bank, is ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities.  

A significant number of people looking after a family member or friend do not feel that their role as an unpaid carer is understood or valued by their community.  

New research for Carers Week 2026 has found that close to a third of people (31%) who are currently caring believe their role is overlooked.

An Opinium poll of over 4,000 members of the public across the UK found that carers often find it difficult to participate in their communities. 

Over a fifth (22%) of current and former carers in Northern Ireland said they had been unable to take part in local groups or activities while caring and a quarter (24%) said they had been unable to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  

Every day in the UK,12,000 people take on unpaid caring responsibilities. Without the right support, this can affect their ability to look after their own health and wellbeing, as well as household finances, employment, education and social opportunities. 

Carers UK has pulled together research which shows that unpaid carers feel undervalued.

UK wide 36% of current and former carers who felt that organisations or services were not carer-friendly said this had a negative impact on their physical or mental health and 35% said it made it more difficult to look after the person they care for. Others said it had resulted in additional costs or lost income and feelings of loneliness.  

A carer-friendly community is a place, space or organisation that values carers and does something practical to support them by identifying carers, listening and responding to their experiences so that they are not left to cope alone. 

Results from the new research for Carers Week found some organisations and services are seen as more carer friendly than others. 

Whilst 66% of current and former carers in Northern Ireland using a pharmacy said it was carer friendly, a fifth (20%) of current and former carers who had used public transport said it was not carer friendly.

Across the UK, 41% of current and former carers who felt that places were not carer friendly said this was because they didn’t have a good understanding of what caring is, and 37% said this was because they hadn’t considered the impact caring might have on them.  

Carers UK and charity supporters Age UK, Carers Trust, MND Association, Rethink Mental Illness, The ME Association and The Lewy Body Society are inviting communities to share good practice, and for all of us to help raise awareness of the importance of carer friendly communities. 

Members of the public and leaders in society can show their support by adding their name to a digital wall on the Carers Week website. Carers UK and charity supporters will also launch a blueprint providing inspiration, direction and suggestions for building a carer friendly community where you live.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:  “Our findings reinforce the importance of Carers Week in shining a spotlight on unpaid care and driving greater awareness, recognition and support.

“When unpaid carers are left without the support they need, there are real consequences for their health, wellbeing, finances and ability to stay connected to everyday life.

“Unpaid carers are a crucial part of community life, and organisations and services must do much more to identify them and stand alongside them. 

“Across the UK there are many positive examples of carer-friendly organisations making a real difference. Whether you’re a hospital, GP practice or pharmacy, place of work, faith community or local business – there’s something everyone can do to make communities more carer friendly.”

 Ariam Enraght-Moony, Chief People Officer, TSB, said: “The millions of unpaid carers who provide a vital lifeline to family, and friends deserve support and recognition at work for their role within our communities.

“Our paid carers leave recognises the importance of colleagues who are carers being able to balance their caring responsibilities without impacting their career, which benefits colleagues, employers, and communities alike.”

Star Of The Sea BC Holds Junior Fight Night

Jim Masson
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Star Of The Sea BC Holds Junior Fight Night

Young boxers from across Down square up in Star of the Sea Boxing Club junior fight night with exhibition matches

The Killough-based Star of the Sea Boxing Club enjoyed a great finale at their end of season boxing events at the Bright Community Centre before their summer break writes Jim Masson.

There were 14 junior bouts lined up with fights from first-timers to Irish champions. Delighted with the support for the event at the packed community centre hall, head coach Conor Rogan said: “Myself and the coaches have been busy all year working with the junior members and they are coming on brilliantly.

The boxers from the Killough-based Star of the Sea Boxing Club get a thumbs up from Terry George, who produced the blockbuster film, ‘In the Name of the Father’. (Photos JimMassonDownNews©).

“The first two opener bouts in the Young Gloves Class included Louie O’Donnell and Bobby Bowen, both making their debut. They fought well and really got the crowd going from the bell against their opponents from Pegasus Boxing Club and St George’s Boxing Club.

The opener: Louie O’ Donnell of Star of the Sea makes his debut fight against Pegasus boxer Oran Flanagan.

“At the other end of the night, the final bout was between our own Irish heavyweight two-times champion Leo Laverty fighting Ryan McAllister a year ahead of him in the age categories also an Irish champion.

View Photos From The Bouts On Down News Facebook.(1)

View Photos From The Bouts On Down News Facebook.(2)

“It was a very entertaining match as both boxers went to it and showed each other respect.

“Leo Laverty at the end was presented with the Patrick Rogan Memorial Cup by Grace Rogan. He really boxed well.”

Leo Laverty (SOTS), right, delivers a head jab replying after a strike from Ryan McAllister (Saints) during the Star of the Sea Boxing event held at the Bright Community Centre. (Photo: JimMasson/DownNews©).

Conor Rogan added: “We are heading now into our third year and the young boxers are keen to progress.

“We have excellent support in Killough and it was great to see Terry George, producer of ‘In the Name of the Father’, get into the ring with the Killough boxers at the end of the night wishing them well.

“We invited boxers from various clubs, Pegasus, St George’s, Camough, Armagh, Rathfriland, and Saints.

“Boxers come through the age catagories from Boy 1 up to the age of 16 when they then get their boxing card at 17.

“I’d like to thank everyone who supported the club on the night, and a special thank you to Martin Rice who has been a great help to the club. A thank you to everyone who came along and enjoyed the bouts and bought raffle tickets.ank you too

Many thanks to the bout sponsors: JPL Plumbing and heating; East Down Hire; Crane’s Tyres Downpatrick; Brenda and Rocky; Pro Steam NI; Cheryl Wooley; Creative Construction; GB Poultry; Mark Moore Tiling; Kevin Deegan; Loughview Cabins Strangford; HTS Consultancy; SS Painting, McC&R Property and Building.

Scarva Parades Clash Increases Local Tensions

Staff Reporter
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Scarva Parades Clash Increases Local Tensions

Anti-Israel protest at Scarva stokes tensions coming into the marching season

• Scarva parade raises serious questions over Parades Commission failures, policing costs and apparent breaches says UUP.

Ulster Unionist Aldermen Glenn Barr and Ian Burns have called for a full examination of the events surrounding Saturday’s republican/Palestinian parade through Scarva.

They have cited serious concerns regarding the conduct of the Parades Commission, the cost of the policing operation, and apparent breaches of the Commission’s own determination.

Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has written to both the Parades Commission and the PSNI requesting meetings to discuss the handling of the matter and to seek an update on the investigation into the alleged breaches of the determination.

Ulster Unionist Aldermen Glenn Barr and Ian Burns in a joint statement said: “While we are thankful that the day passed without serious disorder, that should not be used to mask the significant failings that led to this situation arising in the first place. The people of Scarva conducted themselves with dignity, restraint and respect throughout an extremely difficult day for our village.

Ulster Unionist Party representatives call for Parades Commission to re-assess its role as the Scarva anti-Israel parade passes through Scarva against the wishes of local people.

“Residents, businesses, churches, community organisations and elected representatives from across the area made their opposition to this parade abundantly clear.

“Despite this unprecedented level of local concern, the Parades Commission chose to disregard the views of the community and force this parade through the village.

“The Commission’s role is to balance competing rights and minimise adverse impacts on communities.

“In this case, it failed to do so. The voices of local residents were repeatedly raised throughout the process, yet those concerns appear to have been given little weight in the final determination.”

The Ulster Unionist Councillors also questioned the financial cost of the policing operation.

“Taxpayers are entitled to know how much public money was spent policing this event. A substantial police operation was deployed in and around the village, causing significant disruption to residents and businesses.

“Many local people cannot understand why a common-sense solution was not pursued. The organisers could have transported participants around the village by bus, reducing tensions, avoiding disruption and removing the need for a large-scale policing operation.

“Instead, the authorities chose a course of action that imposed unnecessary costs on the public purse and unnecessary anxiety on local residents.”

“Further concerns were raised regarding compliance with the Parades Commission determination.

“The determination placed restrictions on flags, banners and emblems. Yet numerous participants were observed wearing Palestine Action clothing and displaying Palestinian flags throughout the procession through Scarva.

“Residents are entitled to know whether these apparent breaches were recorded, whether evidence was gathered and what action, if any, will now be taken.

“It is particularly concerning that the Parades Commission was prepared to impose conditions but there appears to have been little visible enforcement of those conditions on the day. Rules cannot simply exist on paper; they must be upheld in practice.”

Aldermen Barr and Burns also questioned whether lessons would be learned from the controversy.

“The Parades Commission must reflect on its handling of this application. The Commission’s failure to properly listen to and engage with the legitimate concerns of Scarva residents has undermined confidence in the process. A community that overwhelmingly opposed this parade was effectively told that its views counted for little.

“Businesses closed their doors, residents altered their plans, and a peaceful village was subjected to disruption that could and should have been avoided. The fact that no serious disorder occurred is a credit to the local community, not to the decision-making process that created the problem in the first place.”

The Ulster Unionist Councillors added: “We will be seeking answers from both the Parades Commission and the PSNI regarding the decisions taken before and during the event.

“The people of Scarva deserve transparency regarding the cost of the operation, the enforcement of the determination, and the rationale behind decisions that ignored overwhelming local opposition.

“This village has shown remarkable dignity throughout. It is now time for those responsible for these decisions to demonstrate the same level of accountability.”

Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has written to both the Parades Commission and the PSNI requesting meetings to discuss the Commission’s handling of this matter and to seek an update from the PSNI on the investigation into the alleged breaches of the Parades Commission determination.

Aldermen Barr and Burns will join Mr Burrows at both meetings.

***

Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray concerned at Scarva tensions


Alliance Release: Alliance representatives appeal for calm ahead of Scarva protests

Alliance representatives Andrew McMurray MLA joined Councillor Joy Ferguson in appealing for calm ahead of marches and protests through Scarva that were planned for Saturday (6 June).

They were speaking following a determination by the Parades Commission that a Palestine march could proceed along the canal towpath near the village, along with approval for a counter-protest with restrictions applied to both.

South Down MLA Andrew McMurray has appealed for calm and clear heads at Scarva.

Mr McMurray has said: “I had appealed for calm ahead of the planned demonstrations on Saturday. The Parades Commission exists to manage situations exactly like this one, and its determination must be respected.

“Whilst everyone has the right to protest, it was essential that participants on all sides follow the conditions set out, show respect for the local community, and cooperate fully with the PSNI.

“This was a moment for cool heads and responsible leadership. If everyone abides by the determination, there is no reason the day could pass peacefully.”

Councillor Joy Ferguson added: “Those of us who are political representatives have a particular duty to approach this issue with maturity and avoid rhetoric that risks heightening or inflaming tensions.

“The people in Scarva are understandably seeking to prevent a repeat of the unrest that occurred last year, and they advocated for calm and peace ahead of the parades. I urge everyone to show respect.

“After liaising directly with police on this, I called on all sides to abide by the conditions set out in the determination and to engage respectfully throughout.”

Newcastle Dad To Cycle From Mizen To Malin

Staff Reporter
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Newcastle Dad To Cycle From Mizen To Malin

Newcastle father tackles Mizen to Malin cycle for children with cancer

Mark Rafferty from Newcastle, County Down, is marking his 40th birthday by cycling the length of Ireland in aid of Cancer Fund for Children and Men’s Sheds.

On 20th June, Mark will cover 356 miles, travelling from Mizen Head in Cork to Malin Head in Donegal in a single supported solo effort.

Taking off within the window of civil dawn at 04:34 and reaching his goal during civil twilight at 23:15, Mark is putting his mental and physical endurance to the test to help ensure no child faces cancer alone.

Speaking on his challenge, Mark said: “I’m a husband, father and endurance enthusiast, and I wanted to do something special to mark turning 40, so I decided to set myself this challenge.

Mark Rafferty from Newcastle is all set for his cycle from Mizen Head in Cork to Malin Head in Donegal. He is pictured completing a cycle run in Mallorca.

“I’m doing this to prove to myself that I can, but also, to support two charities that make a real difference in our communities.

“If you’re able to support my challenge, no matter the amount, it would mean a great deal to me, and even more to the people these charities help every day. Thank you so much for your kindness and encouragement.”

Cancer Fund for Children provides emotional, social and therapeutic support to children, young people and families impacted by cancer, at home, in hospital and at the charity’s therapeutic short break centre, Daisy Lodge, based in Newcastle, Co. Down.

Speaking on Mark’s support, Regional Community Fundraiser and Engagement Lead for the charity, Cormac McMullan, said:

“Every week in Northern Ireland, 3 children and young people (aged 0-24) are diagnosed with cancer and life turns upside down for them and their families.

Mark, pictured with his two children, after completing this year’s Belfast City Marathon.

“Our Cancer Support Specialists work to ensure these families don’t face their experience alone, but we couldn’t do that without the incredible support of generous fundraisers like Mark.

“Every mile he travels this June will make a huge difference in the lives of children and young people impacted by cancer.”

To find out more about this challenge, visit:

https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/12354/light-to-light-dawn-to-dusk/.

Cancer Fund for Children is here to help, guide and support families. Through services including individual support, group support and therapeutic short breaks, Cancer Fund for Children helps to empower family members, so they feel better equipped to cope with the emotional impact of cancer.

They also provide bereavement support to help families cope with the death of a child or parent.

Cancer Fund for Children needs to raise £3 million each year to deliver their services and rely heavily on public donations. If you would like to donate, please contact the charity on 028 9080 5599 or donate online at: cancerfundforchildren.com

Fleadh Cheoil an Dúin All Set For Downpatrick

Staff Reporter
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Fleadh Cheoil an Dúin All Set For Downpatrick

Fleadh Cheoil an Dúin 2026 will be hosted in Downpatrick for the first time ever!

Each year, hundreds of competitors — from young beginners to seasoned performers — take part in competitions across traditional music, singing, storytelling, comhrá gaeilge, and dancing.

Fleadh Cheoil an Dúin is the first qualifying stage for competitors from County Down on the pathway to the Ulster and All-Ireland Fleadhanna.

Alongside the competitions, the host town comes alive with sessions, céilís, workshops, family activities, and a fantastic festival atmosphere filled with music and culture.

Chairman of both County Down Comhaltas Board and Lecale CCÉ, Mark Higgins,said: “This years’ Fleadh Cheoil an Dúin is special for many reasons.

“It marks a significant moment in local history as the County Fleadh has never before been held in Downpatrick, and not only that – Branches from our County will also host Fleadh Cheoil Uladh and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in the same year – a remarkable achievement!

Come along and enjoy a week of Irish traditional music, culture, competitions and much more in the Fleadh Cheoil an Dúin coming for the first time ever to Downpatrick.

“Yes, Warrenpoint CCÉ will once again host Fleadh Cheoil Uladh, and Ards CCÉ is the host branch for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann coming to Belfast for the first time ever!

“All this is also happening on the same year that Comhaltas celebrates its 75th Anniversary.

“I am therefore delighted that Lecale CCÉ, the Comhaltas Branch I set up four years ago, and Downpatrick Town are part of an historic year for Comhaltas, and Irish Traditional Music flourishing in County Down.

As part of hosting the Fleadh Cheoil an Dúin we have a fantastic range of FREE fringe events from Monday 15th – Friday 19th June that will showcase the talent associated with Comhaltas traditions, leading up to the main competition days Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June that will be held in the SERC Campus, Downpatrick.

“The fringe events will have everything from Piping displays, Irish Dancing, Pop-Up Gaeltachts, Heritage Showcasing, Sean-Nós Dancing – and of course Irish Traditional Music.

“All fringe events are FREE and open to everyone to attend and I would encourage everyone to follow Lecale CCÉ on social media where full information is available.

The Fleadh is expected to attract around 2,000 visitors to Downpatrick, providing a welcome boost to the local economy.

With the main venue located at the SERC Campus beside the bus station, visitors will be right at the heart of the town – and we encourage all visitors to explore the town and enjoy local cafés and restaurants, and support local businesses and the Artisan Market.”

Get Involved with Lecale CCÉ

Lecale CCÉ welcomes people of all ages, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to develop your skills.

•          Learn traditional instruments

•          Meet new friends in a fun and supportive environment

•          Take part in sessions, performances, and competitions

•          Build confidence and be part of a thriving cultural community

Young people are especially encouraged to get involved — no previous experience is necessary, just an interest in music and culture!

For anyone interested in learning Irish traditional music or improving their skills, please contact:

[email protected]

Mourne Motorcycle Club Backs Bravehearts NI

Jim Masson
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Mourne Motorcycle Club Backs Bravehearts NI

MX racing for the BraveheartsNI health charity takes place at Seaforde on Wednesday 17th June organised by the Mourne Motorcycle Club

THE Mourne Motorcycle Club is gearing up to hold its annual charity event at Seaforde on Wednesday, June 17th, with racing starting at 6.30pm.

The Mourne club started raising funds for local charitable causes in 2007 and this year they decided to raise monies for BraveheartsNI.

BraveheartsNI is a local charity that supports teenagers and adults who are living with congenital heart disease. The charity helps people by providing pastoral and welfare support to patients and their families.

(l-r): Mourne club men and BraveheartsNI representative – Mourne Motorcycle Club Chairman Billy McLarnin, Andy Boyd, Cathal Evans representing BraveheartsNI, Nathan Green and Andrew Shields.

Speaking after BraveheartsNI was chosen by the Mourne club, Clare Caulfield, who is the charity’s founder and Chair, said: “As a small 100% volunteer charity, we are so grateful to be chosen for this incredible kindness.

“Every penny we receive is precious and will be used to ease some of the hardest times for our Bravehearts and their families.

“We are so reliant on the support of our communities,” she said.

The Mourne club held their first charity motocross event in 2007. Speaking about the club’s charitable efforts MCC Chairman Billy McLarnin MBE said: “The charity race is certainly one of the highlights of our year.

“We always try to choose local causes that have helped club members, or people close to the club.

“We have raised monies for 27 local charities and charitable causes. This year we chose BraveheartsNI after club members spoke to a volunteer for the charity during an organised club day out.

“The more that we found out about the charity, we realised that it was another wonderful local charity, offering vital support to people when they really need it.

“Once again we are delighted to be raising monies for a great charity that we hope we don’t need the services of, but we are all in a better place knowing that they are helping people in some of their darkest hours,” he said.

One family that has benefitted from the support of BraveheartsNI is the Evans family from Bessbrook.

Aodhan Evans has had congenital heart disease from birth, but his family didn’t discover his condition until he was fifteen years-of-age. He has now fully recovered from a heart and lung transplant.

Speaking at the launch Aodhan’s father Cathal said: “Most families first hear about BraveheartsNI in the Royal Victoria Hospital, where staff tell them about the charity.

“When Aodhan first went into hospital I had to take about six months off work. At that time BraveheartsNI helped me to find support that was available to me.

“For me personally, without BraveheartsNI I would have sunk. They are literally the families life-support machine.

“Their support took so much pressure off me, so I could concentrate on Aodhan and the rest of the family.

“They also bring support to people and help them to prepare to go to England for surgery, at times when things can be overwhelming. They give people lists of accommodation, public services available and even services as simple as laundrettes.

“What they are doing is breathtaking. The kindness that has been shown to us and to so many other families has been amazing, I know they have helped to keep a roof over some families heads when they needed it,” he said.

(l-r): Mourne club men and BraveheartsNI representative – Mourne Motorcycle Club Chairman Billy McLarnin, Andy Boyd, Cathal Evans representing BraveheartsNI, Nathan Green and Andrew Shields.

Newry To Hold Country Western Weekend

Staff Reporter
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Newry To Hold Country Western Weekend

Yee-Ha! Newry Goes Nashville is Back

Newry BID is delighted to announce the return of Newry Goes Nashville following a hugely successful weekend festival last year.

The event returns from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th July with a full programme of day and evening events across the city.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, Newry Goes Nashville returns bigger and better. More than 30 venues across the city are taking part in a packed weekend programme celebrating all things country.

The three-day festival will feature live music in venues across the city, with at least ten venues hosting live music each evening.

Country fans can also enjoy a wide range of daytime entertainment, including pop-up performances in coffee shops, restaurants and retail outlets; family-friendly activities; craft workshops; and events designed to bring country music to every corner of the city centre.

Festival favourites including the Roving Cowboy and promotional team will once again be out and about throughout the weekend, giving away prizes and creating plenty of opportunities for photographs and fun.

Among the highlights planned for this year’s programme are an afternoon ‘Hoedown’ in Buttercrane Shopping Centre on Saturday afternoon, a ‘Trucks and Tractors’ showcase on Sunday, and a ‘Join in Jivin’ family fun afternoon.

A range of inclusive activities are also planned, including Sign and Rhyme sessions and family craft workshops, ensuring there is something for all ages to enjoy throughout the weekend.

Eamonn Connolly, Manager of Newry BID, said: “Following the fantastic response to Newry Goes Nashville last year, we are delighted to bring the festival back for a second year.

“The feedback from businesses and visitors was overwhelmingly positive. People loved the atmosphere, the live music and the feelgood factor it created across the city centre.

“This year we have listened to that feedback and placed an even greater emphasis on daytime entertainment, creating more opportunities for visitors and families to enjoy the festival throughout the day as well as into the evening.

“Newry Goes Nashville is a fantastic footfall driver for the city. It encourages people to stay longer, visit more businesses and experience everything our city centre has to offer. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors from near and far for what promises to be another memorable weekend.”

Full programme details, booking information and event updates will be released over the coming weeks and will be available at Newry.com, local press and on Newry BID’s social channels.

UFU Asks Sofina To Clarify Pig Future For Farms

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UFU Asks Sofina To Clarify Pig Future For Farms

UFU presses Sofina for urgent clarity on future of NI producers

The Ulster Farmers’ Union has met with senior representatives from Sofina Foods to press for urgent clarity on the future of Northern Ireland pig producers affected by ongoing uncertainty around supply contracts.

The meeting took place on Thursday 4th June, following growing concern among UFU members about the future of pig supply into the company’s Cookstown site. Pig farmers in County Down will also be affected by the lack of clarity from Sofina.

UFU deputy president Clement Lynch said the meeting was direct and necessary, but that affected farmers now need clear answers in writing.

“Pig producers are facing huge uncertainty, and for many of these family farms this is not simply a commercial inconvenience; it is about the future of their business,” said Mr Lynch.

“These are farm families who have invested in their units, looked after their animals, supplied the market over many years and built their businesses around agreed supply routes. They deserve clarity, respect and proper communication.

Piglets at the Castlewellan Show in 2025. The UFU has asked Sofina to clarify issues for the pig farmers as they face uncertainty in an unstable market. (Photo: Jim Masson/DownNews©).



“At today’s meeting, UFU made it very clear to Sofina that producers need answers on how many farmers are affected, what notice has been served, what criteria were used, and what the company’s long-term plan is for Northern Ireland pig production.”

Mr Lynch said it was deeply concerning that some producers remain unclear about their position. “It is not good enough for any family farm business to be left wondering whether it will have a home for its pigs in a few months’ time.

“Communication must be clear, timely and direct enough to give farmers the ability to plan.

“We recognise that processors are facing market pressures, including cheaper European products and changing customer demand. But those pressures cannot be used as a reason to leave farmers in the dark or to undermine the independent family farms that have supported the supply chain for years.”

During the meeting, Sofina outlined a range of market challenges facing the pork sector, including pressure from lower-cost European pork, changes in demand for British pigs, and wider supply-demand issues across the GB market.

The UFU said it acknowledged these pressures, but pressed Sofina on the need for fairness and transparency in how decisions are being made.

Mr Lynch added: “Our members need to know whether reductions are being applied fairly across the supply base, or whether some family farms are being disproportionately affected.

“If numbers are being reduced, producers need to understand why, how those decisions were made and what options are available to them.

“We also made it clear that Sofina’s public statements about supporting Northern Ireland and family farms must be matched by practical action. Warm words are not enough.

“Farmers need written clarity, meaningful engagement and a plan that shows independent NI pig producers have a future in the supply chain.”

UFU also raised concerns about the potential wider consequences for the local pig sector if producers are forced to reduce or stop production without adequate transition arrangements.

“The pig sector is a vital part of Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry. It supports family farms, jobs, feed suppliers, hauliers, vets and rural communities.

“If independent producers are pushed out, that damage will not be easily reversed,” said Mr Lynch.“This cannot be treated as just another contract issue. It has implications for farm businesses, supply-chain resilience and the wider rural economy.”

Mr Lynch said UFU would continue to stand with affected members. “UFU’s priority is our members. We will continue to press Sofina for clear answers, and we will not allow the concerns of family farms to be brushed aside.

“Northern Ireland pig farmers need more than reassurance. They need facts, fairness and a future.

“Sofina must now provide clear written answers and show how its commitment to Northern Ireland family farms will be delivered in practice.”

Mathison Praises Our Generation Project

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Mathison Praises Our Generation Project

Mathison Praises Shared Education Project Supporting Children’s Wellbeing Through Play

Strangford Alliance MLA Nick Mathison has attended a celebration event marking the success of PlayBoard’s Spaces to Be – Our Generation project – involving pupils from St Joseph’s Primary School and Glasswater Primary School in Crossgar.

The event, held at Crossgar War Memorial Hall due to poor weather, brought together pupils, teachers, and project partners to celebrate the friendships, learning and personal development that have taken place through the programme.

Funded through PEACEPLUS and delivered by PlayBoard, the project uses play-based approaches to help children develop empathy, resilience, and emotional literacy, while creating opportunities for meaningful connections between young people from different backgrounds.

Mr. Mathison said: “It was fantastic to join pupils, staff and PlayBoard at this celebration event and to see first-hand the positive impact this project is having.

NIck Mathison visits Spaces to Be.

“Despite the weather forcing activities indoors, the children clearly had a brilliant morning and their enthusiasm was infectious.

“Both schools spoke very positively about the difference the programme has made.

“Through play, children have been developing important life skills such as empathy, resilience, and emotional literacy, while building friendships and learning from one another in a supportive environment.

“What stood out most was how much fun the children were having.

“Projects like this show that learning does not always have to happen at a desk. Play can be a powerful tool for supporting mental health and well-being, helping children build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

“I want to thank PlayBoard, including Roberta Johnston and the wider team, as well as the staff and pupils from St Joseph’s and Glasswater Primary Schools, for their commitment to making this project such a success.

“I would encourage other schools interested in taking part to contact PlayBoard to find out more about the opportunities available.”

The Spaces to Be: the Our Generation project continues to be delivered across Northern Ireland, supporting children and young people through inclusive, play-based shared education experiences.

Thirsty Hoovers Provides New Cleaning Service

Jim Masson
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Thirsty Hoovers Provides New Cleaning Service

New professional cleaning service called Thirsty Hoovers set to clean up

A new home, office and professional cleaning service has open up based in Ballynahinch covering the wider County Down area from Downpatrick, Crossgar, Saintfield, Newtownards and Bangor.

Thirsty Hoovers founder Geoff Buchanan said his new venture has been running now for almost seven months and he is encouraged so for with the uptake.

Geoff has five cleaners who do regular and deep cleans of homes, offices, doctors’ surgeries.

Geoff Buchanan who runs Thirst Hoover Cleaning Services is based in Ballynahinch and cover the wider area from Downpatrick up to Bangor. (Photos: Jim MassonDownNews©).

“We are keen to support elderly people who may not be physically able to do housework. Our cleaners could call in 3-4 hours per week and it keeps things nice and tidy. This includes the kitchen, toilets, and other rooms and the hallway. Some homes we even attend there 2-3 times a week.

“I personally I worked in the in the health service as a radiographer and retired from it and set up a private practice. Business was slow back then so I set up the cleaning service which is growing steadily.

“Eventually, I hope to employ 30-40 people and cover more of County Down. The staff love to connect with our clients. Like people, homes and offices we clean each tell a story. And every client we reach out to becomes part of our trusted community.

“We create spotless spaces with integrity, trust and decency. Our approach is ‘people first’ at every level with rigorously trained and vetted professionals.”

Gerard Buchanan puts the finishing touches to a toilet seat during a home cleaning visit.

Telephone: +44 7444763 573.

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thirstyhooverscleaning

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