Ethnic funding boost
A funding package worth almost £1million was announced by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. The funding will assist the promotion of good relations between people of different ethnic backgrounds.
Funding of £954,000 will be awarded to 23 different organisations here and a special event to celebrate the work of the various groups is being hosted this Parliament Buildings.
"I am delighted to announce this major new package of almost £1million," the First Minister said.
"Since taking office, both the Deputy First Minister and I have consistently stated that we are committed to promoting racial equality and good race relations.
"This funding is solid evidence of that commitment.
"It sends a positive message to all members of minority ethnic communities that they are a valuable part of society here and that government is prepared to recognise that in a concrete way."
Mental health is important
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey emphasised the importance of looking after your mental health during a visit to the Balmoral Show.
The Minister was visiting his Department's exhibition stand at the King's Hall event, which has promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention as its theme.
"As many as one in five people in Northern Ireland are thought to suffer from mental health problems, yet there is still a stigma attached to this issue," he said.
"Attitudes to mental health also have to change. We have to tackle the misunderstandings and fears of society to reduce discrimination and stigmatisation in order to allow those users of services to be fully integrated into the community.
"We need to learn to look after our mental health in the same manner as we do with our physical health, by beginning to share our thoughts and feelings and if needs be, to seek help," the Minister concluded.
Fuel poverty targeted
As a response to the recent significant price hikes in oil, gas and coal and in anticipation of a hike in electricity tariffs the Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has established a Task Force to identify how fuel poverty here can be addressed for the coming winter.
"As an Executive we have the right policies on energy efficiency and support to address fuel poverty over the longer term," the Minister said.
"However, with these huge increases in gas, oil, coal and electricity many households will be facing a bleak, cold winter and we must do more in the short term.
"That is why I am bringing together all of the main stakeholders in the energy sector so that we can identify practical ways of helping the most vulnerable," she explained.
"The Task Force will identify those households that will suffer most from the fuel price increases so that they can be targeted for direct help; co-ordinate available funding across a range of Government Departments (in addition to 'Warm Homes') so that it has maximum impact on fuel poverty; work with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Industry Regulator and Consumer Council to ensure that the privately-owned energy companies are doing everything they can to counter fuel poverty."
