GET ONLINE WEEK
:: Head of NI Civil Service Jayne Brady has launched Get Online Week 2023 activities in Northern Ireland, aimed at helping people get online safely, improve their skills, and gain digital confidence.
Get Online Week takes place from this Monday to Friday (October 16-22), with a range of events providing free digital training sessions.
All events are free, informal and include one-to-one eClinics providing help with using mobile devices, an introduction to iPad or tablet, help with online shopping and government services, looking into your family history and how to stay safe online.
Jayne Brady said: “Technology is becoming more essential to everyday life so it’s vital we all work to bridge the digital divide.
“I would urge anyone who feels apprehensive about going online or even wants to increase their skills to get involved with Get Online Week.
“There are many benefits for those who are online, such as managing their health and well-being, applying for jobs, learning new skills, saving money, being more cyber secure and staying connected with friends and family.”
For more information on all the event locations and times, visit: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/go-ni-events
ONE WORLD FESTIVAL
:: One World Festival is taking place this week, with its diverse line-up increasing awareness about the Global South, promoting understanding of issues that affect the lives of the poorest people and inspiring action in our communities towards a just, peaceful and sustainable world.
Now in its 5th year, events are being hosted by non profit members of CADA including Christian Aid, Leprosy Mission, Habitat for Humanity NI and more.
This year’s theme is Health of Our World, with the festival holding a whole host of events in film, music, poetry, discussions and workshops. Taking place from October 16-20, the festival will showcase a unique experience centred around sustainability and work towards a just, peaceful and sustainable world.
This year’s festival sees a hybrid of in-person and virtual events, most of which are free to attend. Activities include a variety of workshops, discussions and family fun sessions, ranging from topics such as the climate crisis and the global economy.
For more information and to reserve tickets online go to oneworldfestivalni.com
WORLD MENOPAUSE DAY
:: Wellbeing consultant Karina Todd has warned employers need to do more to support women going through the menopause as she prepares to host a virtual workshop on World Menopause Day (October 18) for senior managers and human resources teams.
With 62 per cent of menopausal women reporting they felt they did not receive enough support, the free Menopause Matters at Work one-hour lunch and learn session will cover everything from the basics through to gold standard practice.
Karina, who runs a coaching and consultancy business, warned that there is a very real impact to organisations who do not support women going through the menopause.
"By refusing to tackle this issue, the employer is risking losing very experienced staff as women continue to leave their jobs as they do not feel valued, listened to or engaged," she said.
"And, for those women who do stay with the employer, absenteeism and presenteeism may present a problem due to increased sick leave levels and a drop in productivity."
The evidence that many employers are not doing enough is mounting.
"We recently conducted some initial research involving 200 menopausal women in the workplace in Northern Ireland," Karina said.
"A staggering 86 per cent responded that they feel their employer could do more to support employees going through menopause.”
To register for the free workshop go to Eventbrite and to contribute to the Menopause at Work survey go to www./bit.ly/46Kk1jP.
NEWRY CHAMBER PRESIDENT’S BANQUET
:: Newry Chamber president’s banquet will take place on Friday October 27 (noon to 3.30pm) in the Canal Court Hotel & Spa, when keynote speaker Siún Ní Raghallaigh, chairperson of the RTÉ board, will be in conversation with award-winning broadcaster and journalist, Donna Traynor.
The event will also hear from a panel of local business representatives on this year’s theme “Celebrating Growth - Building Prosperity”.
Supported by principal sponsors Canal Court Hotel and Ulster Bank, the banquet is one of the highlights of the business year, with over 200 guests expected from organisations across the Greater Newry area.
Chamber president Julie Gibbons said: “The Chamber has always been about businesses and individuals coming together, sharing ideas and supporting each other. We want to celebrate this collaborative spirit at the banquet.
“We are grateful to sponsors Ulster Bank and the Canal Court Hotel & Spa, and we are delighted too to have the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Life & Time as our charity partners.”
Tickets (£70 for Chamber members and £80 for non-members) can be booked via www.newrychamber.com.
