Boyle highlights mental health issues support services

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle says that it is important that people affected by mental health problems are aware of the range of support services that are available to help.

The local MLA, and party spokesperson on disability issues, who was speaking at the launch of NI Action Mental Health’s (NIAMH) guidance on stamping out stigma said,

 “NIAMH is one of the largest charities here providing support services for people affected by mental ill health providing counselling, supported housing, day support and advocacy.

“During Mental Health Week we held an event called “Don’t lose your marbles” which was a fun way of raising awareness around mental health issues. It seems to me that momentum is growing and that finally we are beginning to talk about mental health in an open and honest way.

“The stark reality is that 1 in 4 of us will be affected at some point in our lives by a mental health issue. So mental ill health is common - we will either suffer from it at some stage or a member of our family will, or one of our friends.

“However, there is still a stigma associated with mental ill health. This stigma can act as a barrier for people affected coming forward and seeking help. It can also make recovery more difficult when people experience negative reactions from family, work colleagues or neighbours.

“These negative views and stereotyping lead to people being isolated and discriminated against and it is therefore essential that we all work towards breaking down these barriers and putting an end to the silence.

NIAMH “Stamp out Stigma” campaign will help address some of the issues highlighted and allow people with mental health issues the confidence to come forward and get the proper treatment to lead a normal life again.”

Sinn Féin condemns vicious assault on 12 year-old in Strabane

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Karina Breslin has expressed her disgust at the unprovoked and vicious assault of a 12 year old boy in Owenreagh Drive in the town on Saturday evening.

She said,

“I would firstly wish the young victim a full and speedy recovery from the traumatic ordeal he has endured.

“This poor boy has been left with serious physical injuries as a result of this unprovoked and vicious assault and the trauma that was inflicted upon him by his assailants will undoubtedly stay with him long after the physical scares have healed.

“This could have been any child walking on their own and the entire community is sickened at the clearly random nature of this despicable attack.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information as to the identities of those involved to bring it forward immediately.”   ENDS

Boyle lobbies Translink on Derg service to Eniskillen Hospital

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Michaela Boyle says that Translink are to look at the bus service timetable from Castlederg to Omagh to see if it can be adjusted to allow a  link up with the newly established ‘hospital service between Altnagelvin and Eniskillen hospital.  

The local MLA said,

“Since the opening of the new hospital at Eniskillen more and more people from the Derg area are being signposted to the Erne facility, both for admissions and appointments.   However, the absence of a direct service from this area to the hospital as well as a divergence in bus timetables between Castlederg and Omagh and the Omagh and Eniskillen makes it logistically difficult for anyone dependent on public transport to make their way to the hospital in a timely fashion.

“Following approaches by constituents to local Sinn Fein councillors and myself on the issue, I wrote to Translink requesting that it investigate the establishment of a direct service from the Derg area to the Erne Hospital.

“I welcome the response I have now received from Translink in which it commits to looking at the timetabling issue to see if a joined up service can now be put in place.  This would undoubtedly be of help, but would not resolve the basic issue of local people still having to undergo long  and unnessary roundabout journey to get to and from the hospital.

“So I took the opportunity to one again raise the issue at meeting with Translink in Omagh on Friday and will continue to press the case for the establishment of a direct service from the Derg area to the Erne."

Sinn Fein activists repaint Ballycolman walls targeted in graffiti spree

Last night Sinn Féin activists spent several hours repainting walls and other surfaces in the Ballycolman Estate which had been defaced with unsightly graffiti earlier this week.

Local Sinn Fein Councillor Brian Mc Mahon said,

“A couple of young boys were clearly identified as carrying out this graffiti spree throughout the Ballycolman and Sinn Fein members have been subsequently talking to their parents in an effort to ensure that there is no repetition of this wanton vandalism which has so angered the local community.

“Walls and surfaces over a wide area were defaced with black spray can paint over a two day period and last night party activists spent several hours repainting the walls and other surfaces which had been targeted.

“The Ballycolman is a close knit and proud community and the small few who engage in activities such as the wanton vandalism that happened this week cannot be allowed to undermine this community cohesion."

Camus Play Park in line for upgrade

Glenelly Sinn Féin Councillor Michelle Mc Mackin has welcomed agreement secured at Strabane District Council to upgrade the childrens play park at Camus.

She said,

“This childrens play park in Camus is now in line for a much-needed revamp.

“Within Council, I have been pressing for this upgrade so that it can brought up to a safe standard and following discussion at the DCAL Working Group the Councils’s Development Committee  has now agreed to approve approximately £20k to refurbish it with some new equipment and landscaping.
 
“Coupled with the development of the adjoining Multi-Use-Games-Area and changing rooms at Camus Park, with the pitch due to be available for the 2013 season, the overall investment by Strabane District Council will greatly improve play and recreation opportunities for the people of Camus and the surrounding rural hinterland.”

Sinn Féin motion on marriage equality passed by Strabane District Council

A Sinn Féin motion was passed last night at Strabane District Council making it the latest council in Ireland to support the introduction of same-sex marriages.

Sinn Féin Councillor Karina Carlin who proposed the motion said:

“I am delighted that Strabane District Council has supported my motion to extend the same rights and entitlements to civil marriages for all citizens regardless of race, religion or sexuality.

“Civil partnerships were equally opposed with the same vitriol, from the same quarters that are opposing this step for marriage equality. Civil Partnerships have been enshrined in law for years now-The sky has not fallen in and neither will it fall when equality in marriage for all Citizens finally in enshrined in civil law.

"We cannot pretend to be for equality and then add the word 'but'", she concluded.

Unscrupulous individuals selling lethal fireworks to young people

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jay Mc Cauley says that those unscrupulous individuals profiting from the sale of illegal fire-works/bangers to local young people will bear ultimate responsibility if any injuries result from their reckless misuse.

He said,  

“Sinn Féin councillors and activists are receiving complaints from residents in many different areas throughout the town about serious incidents where fireworks/bangers have being recklessly thrown at people, their property and even their pets.

“Given sheer volume of such devices being let off on a nightly basis, it is only a matter of time before serious injury results-either to a young person handling them or to someone who is targeted by them.

"The danger associated with these devises was tragically demonstrated in North Belfast at the weekend with a young man now left with a serious eye injury when struck by a firework so I would appeal to parents to be extremely vigilant and ensure that their children are not handling these fireworks/bangers, both for their own safety and for the safety of others.

“It is those individuals who are profiting from the sale of illegal fire-works/bangers who will be responsible if anyone in this area sustains an injury as a result of their unscrupulous activity.   They need to desist from supplying young people with these potentially lethal devises now, before it is too late!"