A dark cloud hangs over Lurgan community..
And no thanks to bused-in school meals! But school may have no other choice..
Good morning newsletter readers, it’s Micheal with you on this bitterly cold Tuesday morning. I’ll always try my best to keep it light despite the pretty dire start to the new year it has been in Co Armagh – in particular our Lurgan community.
This weekend saw the passing of another young man long before his time. Yesterday was officially/unofficially Blue Monday; the most depressing day of the year.
I think sometimes we don’t do enough to highlight the fact that there is help and support out there if you’re not feeling right. While it may be difficult to speak to a loved one – there are trained professionals willing to offer a listening ear. Here are just some of the organisations there to help you.
Samaritans
Samaritans offer a confidential helpline for those struggling with their mental health.
Call 116 123 for free to talk to a trained volunteer. Find out more from the Samaritans website.
Lifeline
Lifeline offer a free confidential helpline for people living in Northern Ireland that are experiencing distress or are in a mental health crisis. Lifeline also offers advice for self-harm, substance misuse, suicide trauma, sexual violence and abuse.
Call 0808 808 8000 for free. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Find out more on the Lifeline website.
Cause
Cause offer a confidential helpline for people in Northern Ireland that care for an individual or loved one who has experienced serious mental illness.
Call 0800 103 2833 for free or email support@cause.org.uk for more support. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10am to 4pm. Open Tuesday to Thursday, midday to 8pm. Find out more on the Cause website.
Check out Mental health services available at NI Direct.
Reach out and speak to someone.
Headlines
Principal and parents hit out at plans for ‘bused-in’ meals at Armagh nursery school
Final farewell after 10 years for popular Portadown fashion boutique Hanger 13
Glanbia Cheese plans multi-million pound redevelopment of Magheralin base
Cricket club rallies round young Donaghcloney cricketer severely injured in accident
Man extradited from USA in relation to Newry drug offences
Teenager driving to work was twice legal limit after bottle of wine the night before
Mountain Road in south Armagh in an ‘absolutely shocking state’
Man (30) to appear in court after stolen tractor and slurry tanker turns up in Keady
Richhill mum hails driver’s quick actions after tree falls on school bus
Theft-accused calls Judge Bernie Kelly ‘tramp’ after bail hearing delayed
Clarity call on support plan for Lurgan pupils when Craigavon Snr High campus closes
Man caught driving almost three times the limit had his children in car
Priest in ‘state of shock’ after stained glass windows smashed on Co Armagh church
Tractor and slurry tanker stolen in Armagh located in Castleblayney
Tractor and slurry tanker stolen in Armagh located in Castleblayney
Double heartbreak for family as murder victim dies fortnight after sister’s tragic death
Armagh Jobs
Last week we caught up with rising talent, Leanne McNeill from Aughnacloy. Many of you may know her as the face behind Mama’s Little Bakes. We put a few questions to Leanne to find out just how she managed to start up her own baking business and quickly found out that she’s pretty much always had the perfect mix of skills. Read Leanne’s full Q & A here.
We love to hear about how people end up in their current roles, or indeed, go about starting up their own enterprise. If you have a story to share or would be interested in taking part in our Jobs Profiles or “5 minutes with” interviews, simply send us a reply to this newsletter.
On the jobs front - are you thinking of starting a new career, moving to a new sector or maybe it’s just time for a change of pace? Here’s what’s on offer with Armagh Jobs:
Wrights Interiors are seeking an Interior Designer and Curtain Specialist to work with their team of highly trained and experienced designers.
Recognised for offering a personal service, the growth of independent business Robert Paynter Menswear leaves an opening for a full time Sales Assistant.
Tiny’s Day Nursery and Preschool in Castleblayney require an Early Years Practitioner with a minimum FETAC Level 5 in Childcare OR NVQ Level 3 in Childcare. They even promise a constant supply of biscuits and treats on your tea break!!
Procon Skyhire have an exciting opportunity for a Business Manager to come on board. As Business Manager at Procon Skyhire you will be responsible for the day to day running of the business, as well as, their continued growth and development.