Search Results for: turning point

You are not alone this Christmas

Posted by | Dec 15, 2015 |

Ballymena Today share this blog post a few weeks ago – Are you dreading Christmas this year? about how Christmas can be a difficult time many of us. Click here to read the full blog post and thanks to all who shared this information. We talked about how Christmas can take its toll on our bank account, our relationships and our health. This story shared by Samaritans has again reminded us of how Christmas is not always full of festive cheer. You are not alone this Christmas Samaritans has released new figures showing the extent of loneliness and isolation people feel over the festive period, with nearly a quarter (23.6%) believing problems feel worse at Christmas and 1 in 6 (17.3%) saying it’s the loneliest time of year.* The survey, of all ages, also reveals that 1 in 15 (6.8%) have often spent Christmas alone, and 1 in 25 (3.8%) of those questioned have said they are with friends and family, but really spent it alone. Samaritans responded to nearly 200,000* calls for help over the festive period last year, and are seeing an increasing demand for their services, responding to more than 5.3 million calls for help overall in 2014 (the latest full year for which figures are available). Samaritans CEO Ruth Sutherland says, “For many the holiday period can be a thoroughly enjoyable time but, sadly, as our...

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Suicide and Me by Professor Green

Posted by | Oct 27, 2015 |

Professor Green, UK rapper, has made a show for the BBC called Suicide and Me. The programme looks at the suicide of his father and the impact it has had on his life since. Here is some information from the BBC: Male suicide has been called a silent epidemic, with the latest UK figures revealing that suicide accounts for nearly 5,000 male deaths a year, around four times that of suicide in women. In this thought-provoking documentary for BBC Three’s gender season, UK rapper Professor Green takes an intensely personal journey to uncover the truth behind the suicide of his father – and why suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in Britain. His songwriting has given fans a glimpse into the complex issues in his life, but now for the first time Professor Green, aka Stephen Manderson, discovers what really happened to his dad. As he opens up to close family about his estrangement from his father and reconnects with relatives, Stephen discovers a life packed with its own tragedy and loss. Facing some tough truths and laying bare his own demons along the way, this candid film reveals a side to the performer rarely seen. But Stephen is not alone, as he looks at the wider issue by meeting others affected by suicides – including Ben who has attempted to take his own life twice, and Giancarlo,...

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Are you dreading Christmas this year?

Posted by | Oct 9, 2015 |

Ballymena Today blogged a story this week about how Christmas is just around the corner. While lots of us get excited about the idea of the festive season, for others it is a difficult time. So instead of apologising for bringing up Christmas in October we want to give you some suggestions which could help you prepare for common problems which can set in at Christmas time. Christmas puts pressure on our bank accounts. There is no doubt that Christmas costs money. Cards, presents, a new suit or dress for the Christmas party – costs can get out of control so easily. When you are already finding things tight it can easily get to be too much. If spending at Christmastime fills you with dread then click here and read about the services offer by CAP. They can help you to budget for the next few month and get to grips with your finances – the sooner you seek help the better. They say; Whether you’re feeling the weight of debt, struggling to find work or just need a bit of help budgeting – we’re here to help you. We’re helping over 38,000 people a year through our free debt help, job clubs, release groups and CAP Money Courses. If you would be interested in getting help through CAP in Ballymena please click here. Christmas is a time when loneliness...

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CH Pottery – handmade ceramics by Ciaran Headley

CH Pottery – handmade ceramics by Ciaran Headley

Posted by | Jan 22, 2020 |

The CH Pottery studio, set on the shores of Lough Neagh, is where Ciaran Headley creates his ceramic art. Ciaran’s work is becoming very well-known in the Ballymena area, especially since it became available to buy in Midtown Makers on Church Street in the last couple of years. We caught up with Ciaran to find out some more about CH Pottery. Firstly we asked him to tell us a bit about himself and his interest in ceramics. “I spent all of my professional career in teaching. Then several years ago I attended a Foundation Course in Art & Design in...

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Education – back to school mature students

Education – back to school mature students

Posted by | Sep 19, 2017 |

University is starting up soon and in Ballymena we know lots of mature students who have signed up for higher education. If you are living in Ballymena it is easy to travel to the University of Ulster Coleraine, or Jordanstown campus or to Queens University. Mature students could be returning to education full time, or day release from their workplace. You may be choosing to go to university for the first time or returning to further your studies. Either way it can be a exciting but stressful time. Here is some advice for anyone about to go back into...

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