NEWS

Flu cases across Northern Ireland have almost doubled in the past week, prompting an urgent call from Health Minister Mike Nesbitt for eligible people to come forward for vaccination. Positive influenza cases have risen sharply to 954, with flu-related hospital admissions also nearly doubling to 264. During a visit to the Ulster Hospital vaccination clinic, the Minister warned that winter pressures on the health service are intensifying and stressed the importance of timely v

Emma Rose Duffy has experience volunteering with the NSPCC Young Witness Service and obtained a master’s degree in Children’s Rights, before qualifying as a solicitor in 2019. Working with the Children’s Law Centre, she promoted the rights of young people in the legal system, with a particular focus on mental health, prior to taking up the CSOLA role. A new series of awareness-raising videos has been launched by the Department of Justice to highlight a free legal advisory ser

As Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales gather momentum, the Trading Standards Service (TSS) is urging consumers across Northern Ireland to “shop smart” and stay alert to misleading deals, scams and counterfeit goods circulating during the busiest shopping weekend of the year. Damien Doherty, TSS Chief Inspector , warned that the seasonal rush can leave consumers vulnerable to deceptive sales tactics. He said: “While many retailers offer genuine discounts at this time of year,

Free dementia support clinics are returning to branches of Nationwide Building Society in Ballymena, Derry, Newry and Bangor this December, with Dementia UK urging people to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of the condition. Hosted by the charity’s specialist Admiral Nurses, the face-to-face clinics will offer confidential, tailored advice to anyone concerned about dementia—whether for themselves or a loved one. Appointments can be booked online via the Dementia UK w

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt pictured with staff at the Paediatric Unit at Altnagelvin Area Hospital. As winter pressures begin to intensify across Northern Ireland’s health service, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has issued a clear message to parents and carers: use the right service at the right time to help ensure children receive timely, appropriate care. During a visit to the Paediatric Unit at Altnagelvin Area Hospital, the Minister met staff and young patients to observe

As winter approaches, the Department of Health is urging the public to take simple, proactive steps to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing amid rising seasonal pressures on health and social care services. Speaking during National Self-Care Week, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt highlighted the importance of self-care and community support as temperatures fall and common winter illnesses begin to circulate. “Each of us can play our part in managing our own health and wel

Around 2,500 new businesses creating over 3,500 jobs have taken off in Northern Ireland over the last two years thanks to the region’s free business support service Go Succeed. The figures were revealed at an engagement event held at Parliament Buildings addressed by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald pictured, centre, with Chris Moore, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and Marie Ward, Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council More than 1,000 businesses in the Mid & East Antrim bo

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday falling on 28 November and 1 December this year, shoppers across Northern Ireland are gearing up for some of the biggest online retail events of 2025. Many retailers have already launched early discounts, but the Consumer Council is warning that delivery delays, lost parcels and damaged goods remain common issues for online shoppers. Fra Maguire, Head of Postal Services at the Consumer Council , highlighted the scale of online shopping in No

NI Water is urging households across Northern Ireland to take simple but essential steps to protect their properties as temperatures drop during the first cold snap of the season. The utility provider has reinforced the importance of locating and testing stop valves, insulating exposed pipework and taking preventative measures to reduce the risk of leaks and burst pipes as colder weather sets in. With a rise in freezing conditions expected in the weeks ahead, NI Water says ea

(L-R) Denise McVeigh from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Parks and Open Spaces team, PSNI Inspector Colin Ash, PCSP Chair Cllr Lauren Gray, PCSP Vice Chair Sharon Maxwell, and Local Neighbourhood PSNI Officer Julie McKeown. (Images: Steven McAuley) Women across Mid and East Antrim are being encouraged to take part in a special night-time personal safety walk in Larne this December, as part of a partnership initiative between the borough’s Policing and Community Safety

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging parents and guardians across Northern Ireland to ensure their children receive the seasonal flu vaccine, as the latest surveillance data shows influenza activity on the rise — with the highest positivity rate recorded in children aged 5–14. All pre-school children and those in primary school up to Year 12 are eligible for the free flu vaccine, delivered as a simple nasal spray. Dr Amanda McCullough, Specialty Registrar in Public Health

Dr Emily McIntosh, a Care of the Elderly Consultant based at the Causeway Hospital With flu-related hospital attendances already rising, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust is calling on the public to take simple steps to protect themselves and help reduce growing pressure on local health services this winter. Dr Emily McIntosh, a Care of the Elderly Consultant at Causeway Hospital , said the Trust is seeing a concerning spike in flu cases far earlier in the season. “We

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is urging shoppers to tighten the security on their online retail accounts amid a rise in hacking attempts targeting retail apps in the run-up to Christmas. The warning comes as the UK-wide Protect Network reports an increase in incidents where criminals have gained access to customer accounts to make unauthorised purchases. These include “buy now, pay later” transactions and online credit agreements carried out without the acco

Amy Symington As the world marks World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) next week, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is shining a light on the very real and often devastating consequences of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). At the centre of this year’s message is the powerful experience of 21-year-old Portstewart woman Amy Symington , whose life was upended when a seemingly minor hip pain evolved into a life-threatening infection resistant to common antibiotics. For

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

A suspect case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been identified at a commercial poultry premises near Pomeroy, County Tyrone, prompting swift disease control measures by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The Department confirmed that the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher, took the decision to initiate control protocols following the emergence of concerning clinical signs and preliminary test re

As Halloween approaches, Dogs Trust Ballymena is urging pet owners to keep their canine companions safe during what can be a spooky and stressful time for dogs. With over half of UK dogs reacting to knocks at the door or outdoor noises, Halloween festivities can easily overwhelm even the calmest pets. Costumes, sweets and constant doorbell rings can quickly turn the night from “spook-tacular” to stressful for our four-legged friends. Dogs Trust Ballymena is sharing simple ste

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with Age NI Head of Advice and Advocacy Services Brenda Kearns (left) and Director of Pensions, Disability, and Carers at Department for Communities NI Leonora McLaughlin. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has encouraged people over the State Pension age to check whether they qualify for Pension Credit, warning that many older residents could be missing out on vital financial help during the ongoing cost of living pressures. Pension

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

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