The competition ‘Express Yourself’ will seek submissions from Primary 6 and 7 pupils to express their thoughts and feelings about the past year through creative writing, encouraging young people to think about their experiences during the coronavirus pandemic.
The shortlisted poems will be selected by Joel M who recently fronted his own BBC television show ‘Life is Magic’ and has one of the largest TikTok followings in Ireland with over 7 million fans.
AWARE NI hopes for a future where mental health is a topic that can be discussed openly without stigma.
The poetry competition aims to help normalise the conversation around mental health. 2020 was a difficult year for many, but perhaps the voices that haven’t been heard as loudly are children.
The consultation will consider the proposed strategic approach to support and challenge women and girls who are on the cusp of offending or who have already turned to crime.
With a focus on working with women and girls throughout their contact with the justice system and particularly at an earlier stage to assist them in following a pathway away from offending.
Naomi Long said, “Every year there are a small number of women and girls who come in contact with the justice system, because of their behaviour.
“We want to adopt an approach that focuses on the range of contact with justice; on what can be done to prevent and divert women and girls from crime; supporting them to change in the community, and helping improve their lives and circumstances on the occasion they enter and leave custody.
The Petermarkathon is an annual fundraising initiative, which takes place every October in all Peter Mark salons across Northern Ireland.
Each salon was tasked with coming up with its own unique way to raise money for Autism NI in adherence to Covid-19 regulations.
Whilst Peter Mark salons across NI were closed in October due to government restrictions, the teams were determined to continue with their fundraising efforts and many of these challenges, including sponsored walks, were taken online.
Since the launch of the Petermarkathon in 2011, Peter Mark has raised over £60,000 for Irish charities in Northern Ireland.
The funds raised by Peter Mark Northern Ireland will go towards helping Autism NI provide life-changing services for over 30,000 autistic individuals and their families.