Conor McParland

1 week ago | belfastmedia.com | Conor McParland

A NEW walk and talk group in West Belfast is encouraging men to open up about their mental health and struggles. Founded by Aidan Malone, of White Wolf Wellness, the Divis Mountain Men meet every Tuesday evening at 7pm in the lower car-park at Divis Mountain. As well as the physical health benefits of walking, Aidan said the idea behind forming the group last month was to get men talking to each other. "I am a recovering gambling addict myself," explained Aidan.

1 week ago | belfastmedia.com | Conor McParland

A COMMUNITY worker says it is only a matter of time before there is a fatal accident on the Suffolk Road unless traffic calming measures are put in place. Staff from Glen Community Complex on the Suffolk Road, which is home to Glen Parent Youth Group and Lenadoon Forum amongst others, say they have been raising concerns for a number of years but to no avail. Paddy O'Donnell, from Lenadoon Community Forum, explained: "The traffic on the road has greatly increased over the last number of years.

1 week ago | belfastmedia.com | Conor McParland

A BOLD, darkly funny, and deeply human new play, developed by residents of South Belfast’s Market community, is set to take to the stage at the Waterfront Hall next weekend. 'The Black Dog' is a powerful new piece of community-led theatre that shines a spotlight on working-class life, connection and resilience. Set on a summer’s night in the heart of the Market, the story follows Sinead and Ailbe as they throw a party for Ryan.

1 week ago | belfastmedia.com | Conor McParland

THE first ante-natal care book in the Irish language has been launched. ‘I Wonder.. Baby Bump’s First Book’ was launched in English in April as the result of a joint initiative between the South Eastern Trust’s SureStart Speech and Language Team and service users. Now, thanks to a partnership with Altram, the regional advocacy and support group for Irish language early years settings, the book has been translated into Irish, entitled ‘Mo Chéad Leabhar’.

1 week ago | belfastmedia.com | Conor McParland

FORMER Taoiseach Leo Varadkar visited Coláiste Feirste this morning to learn more about the huge growth in Irish Medium Education and the need for state partners to 'future-proof' the expansion of the sector. Mr Varadkar met with staff and pupils who shared their vision for the future development of the school.   Pupils described how the Irish language had grown their confidence and gave them a passion for developing a diverse Irish language community.