NEWS

North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland has praised Ballycastle bathing waters as they have once again achieved the highest possible rating for water quality.  Environment Minister Andrew Muir has announced the 2025 bathing water classification results, revealing that Ballycastle Beach has once again achieved the highest possible rating for water quality. The annual assessment, published by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), confirms that Ballycast

The Causeway Hospital, Coleraine The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has responded to concerns about the proposed closure of an 18-bed acute admission ward at Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. A statement was issued following issues raised by campaign group SOS Causeway Hospital during a recent meeting with Trust representatives regarding the future of the Ross Thomson Unit. Representatives from SOS Causeway Hospital met with Dr Petra Corr, Director of Mental Health and

Senior staff from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust pictured with representatives from SOS Causeway following a recent meeting where the group received an update from the Trust on the wide range of mental health services provided across the Causeway Coast and Glens area. Senior staff from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust have described recent discussions with community representatives from SOS Causeway as “productive” , following a meeting focused on mental h

Ulster Unionist MLA Jon Burrows has warned that families already struggling with the cost of living will be “hit hard” by the Education Authority’s decision to raise the price of school meals by around 20 per cent. The increase – equivalent to an extra 50p per meal – is due to take effect from January 2026, as part of a series of savings measures introduced by the Education Authority (EA) to tackle a £300 million funding shortfall. Mr Burrows, the Ulster Unionist Party’s Ed

Parents across Northern Ireland are bracing for higher school meal prices and potential changes to transport and music provision after the Education Authority (EA) confirmed a series of cost-saving measures to address a £300 million funding shortfall. The EA said the “regrettable” measures, which aim to deliver up to £30 million in savings, will begin to take effect this month. However, the organisation warned that even with these cuts, it will be “some distance” from breaki

More than 195,000 Universal Credit recipients in Northern Ireland will gain automatic entitlement to free NHS sight tests, dental treatment, and travel cost support from 1 December, following a key legislative update announced by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt. The move brings Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK, after years of disparity in how Universal Credit recipients accessed the Help with Health Costs (HwHC) scheme. The HwHC scheme supports people on low in

Barkley Thompson Musical Director and members of the Farmers Choir who attended the awards evening.   Members of the Farmers’ Choir were delighted to attend the Northern Ireland Farming Awards 2025, where the group was recognisedo as a finalist in two prestigious categories – Farming Event of the Year and Farming Society of the Year. The choir received a Highly Commended accolade in the Farming Society of the Year category, acknowledging its exceptional contribution to rural

Women in Northern Ireland who have suffered multiple miscarriages face profound emotional distress, isolation and guilt, according to a new study led by Queen’s University Belfast. The research, published today in BMC Women’s Health, sheds light on the experiences of women across Northern Ireland who were treated for miscarriage, revealing how social stigma and a lack of adequate support leave many feeling devastated and alone. The study, led by Dr Áine Aventin, Senior Lectur

A total of £259,091 has been awarded to ten community and voluntary sector projects that provide vital support for victims of domestic and sexual abuse across Northern Ireland. The funding, jointly provided by the Departments of Justice and Health under the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Small Grant Scheme, will enable organisations to deliver trauma-informed counselling, crisis intervention, and specialist legal advice to victims and survivors. Announcing the funding, Justice Min

Daniel Hunter at work with Stena Line The journey towards a job you love is not always smooth sailing – but with the right direction and support, it’s possible to reach your destination. That’s exactly what happened for Daniel Hunter from Carrickfergus, who has proudly worked with Stena Line since 2022 after years of determination and perseverance. Daniel’s story began over a decade ago when he was first referred to the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Day Opportuniti

Mayor and Mayoress of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford and Allison Minford, pictured with Margaret Cowie Carrickfergus Museum came alive with colour and creativity as it hosted Margaret’s Later Life Hobby Exhibition and a special Paint with Numbers Workshop on Saturday 25 October, celebrating wellbeing, connection, and lifelong learning as part of Positive Ageing Month. The exhibition showcased a stunning collection of paintings by Margaret Cowie , whose passio

Domestic abuse survivor, Iwona Giza A 28-year-old doctor from Northern Ireland has bravely waived her right to anonymity to speak publicly about the horrific abuse she suffered at the hands of her former partner — and to encourage other victims to seek help. Iwona Giza, a qualified medical doctor , says she has chosen to share her story as Domestic Abuse Awareness Month draws to a close, hoping that others living in fear will find the strength to come forward. On 23 October 2

Asda has announced the return of its popular £1 ‘Winter Warmer’ café meal deal, designed to support people aged 60 and over through the colder months as many continue to face financial pressures. From 1st November until the end of February, anyone aged 60 or above can enjoy a bowl of soup, a bread roll, and unlimited tea or coffee for just £1 at any of Asda’s 212 cafés across the UK. Diners can choose between two soup flavours — Tomato or Chicken — offering a comforting and a

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt with staff at Kilrea Dental Surgery. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has paid tribute to the team at Kilrea Dental Surgery for their crucial role in improving access to Health Service dental care through the Dental Access Scheme (DAS). During a visit to the practice, which joined the scheme in 2024 and has since treated 3,817 patients, the Minister was joined by Chief Dental Officer Caroline Lappin to meet with practice owner Mr Charlie Kielt and his

Antrim Area Hospital Emergency Department The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has warned that it may be “difficult to provide all services whilst managing the expected increase in demand for unscheduled or critical care” as it launches its 2025/26 Winter Plan. Outlining the plan to board members during a meeting at Antrim Hospital on Thursday, Gillian Traub, Director of Operations , acknowledged that staff are “very anxious” about the coming months. She said planning

PSNI Superintendent Finola Dornan and NIFRS Station Commander Graham Parker . As Halloween approaches, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) have joined forces to remind the public that fireworks are not toys — and misuse can lead to serious injuries, criminal charges, or worse. The annual safety campaign highlights the importance of celebrating responsibly during one of the busiest times of year for emergency service

CGI: Aerial overview of proposed new Birch Hill mental health facility at Antrim Area Hospital Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has been urged to come up with the finance needed for the new £143 million Birch Hill mental health facility at Bush Road in Antrim. The planned development has reached a standstill without confirmation of capital funding. The Northern Health and Social Care Trust had been due to receive the building for commissioning on 31 December 2029, which already r

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an Urgent Safety Alert warning parents and caregivers to stop using baby self-feeding products immediately and dispose of them safely, citing a serious risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia. Businesses have also been ordered to remove all such products from sale as they cannot meet safety requirements under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Baby self-feeding products are designed to allow infants to b

Antrim Area Hospital Emergency Department The Department of Health (DoH) has published new Emergency Care Waiting Time Statistics for July to September 2025, showing that while overall attendances at emergency departments (EDs) in Northern Ireland increased slightly, long waits remain a significant challenge. According to the quarterly statistical bulletin, 203,230 people attended emergency departments across Northern Ireland during the three-month period — a 2.5% rise on the

Northern Regional College Staff and Level 3 Creative Media Practice students at the showcase of their short film Love Later Life. Northern Regional College’s Creative Media students have teamed up with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to produce a moving short film that celebrates the power of positive ageing. The film, titled Love Later Life, was officially launched on Tuesday 30 September, showcasing the talents of the College’s Level 3 Creative Media Practice students.