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Belfast Telegraph
16 hours ago
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
Hair stylist hits out at inability to bid for NHS wig contracts: ‘If I had a shot it would grow my business'
The Department of Health has confirmed to this newspaper that there is currently 'no regional tendering process' in place for hairdressers here. Individuals can access free wigs through Health and Social Care services but, since 2015, only two hairdressers in the entire region have been permitted to supply wigs for NHS patients, it has been revealed. Wigs are used by patients undergoing chemotherapy or with hair loss conditions but, due to red tape, there hasn't been a procurement exercise for three years. One Health and Social Care Trust said that the 'non-existence of a product specification' and the 'lack of national and international standards for wigs' is the reason for this. It comes after a Co Down hairdresser — who has been in the business for more than 30 years and does not wish to be named — said that it is 'not fair' that the process for the tender is essentially closed to newcomers. 'Some wigs can cost up to £2,000. And if I had a chance of securing this tender, some of my customers could have easier access to wigs they're entitled to under the NHS,' she told the Belfast Telegraph. 'This problem desperately needs solved but the Health Department and the Trusts aren't providing a clear pathway on how to solve this issue. 'If I had a shot at it, at least for one year, it would grow my business and allow me to hire more people. But this means no one else gets a chance. 'A lot of my customers find that the wigs help with their confidence after experiencing hair loss. It's hard for them to cope; losing your hair can be a loss of your femininity.' News Catch Up - Thursday 5 June A spokesperson for the Department of Health said that agreement on tenders is based on a 'locally agreed criteria' through individual health and social care trusts in Northern Ireland. 'The Department of Health does not have a role in procurement of these services,' they said. 'Availability of such services is determined at Trust level and arrangements are in place to offer appliances in line with locally agreed criteria.' The South Eastern Trust, where the hairdresser has based their business, however, said that since 2022 a procurement exercise to determine who is awarded the tender was stood down. 'The non-existence of a product specification and lack of national/international standards for wigs currently means that a regional tendering process has not been possible,' a spokesperson said. 'A procurement exercise in 2022 was stood down mainly due to a lack of a suitable product specification and national standards for the supply of wigs. 'This resulted in the procurement panel not being able to evaluate bids from a value for money perspective.' The South Eastern Trust revealed: 'As a result, all five Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) in NI are exploring the opportunity to reform wig provision. 'Legal advice sought back in 2022 indicated that due to current NI legislation and subsequent policy position, all HSCTs were limited in any changes they could make to how wigs were to be procured. 'Trust representatives, together with the DoH, have been progressing work to establish a way forward for the future supply of wigs, which will include consideration of procurement options by Procurement and Logistics Service and any legislative or policy changes required. 'In the meantime, all HSCTs have been using the services of one of two providers that had successfully tendered for the 2015 Wigs and Associated Products contract. 'A regional commissioning position on the provision of wigs across NI, encompassing cancer services, dermatology and psychiatry, is required to support implementation of any proposed change to the current process.'
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Study shows the cost of sport is pricing children out of physical activity in NI
And while the majority of parents (85%) believe sport is important for their children, including when it comes to managing stress, almost a third (30%) feel the cost of equipment and clothing needed to participate in physical activity means they can't get involved to the extent they would like to. The 'Sport is not a Luxury' study reveals that families from lower-income backgrounds are being hit hardest by the cost of living crisis meaning parents are being forced to cut spending on the sporting interests of their children. More than a third of families have stripped back on such spending meaning that 37% of children have missed out on opportunities due to financial pressures with one quarter of parents admitting they have borrowed money or relied on credit to cover the cost of physical activity for their children. The report was launched at Stormont by Ulster University researchers Dr Maria O'Kane, Roisin McCafferty, Róisín Carney, Prof Alison Gallagher, Prof Marie Murphy, Dr Ciara Fitzpatrick and Dr Angela Carlin. Dr O'Kane, who was the lead author and lecturers in healthcare science, said the results show that far too many young people are missing out on the life and the health benefits associated with an active lifestyle. 'It is well established that physical activity has many health benefits for children and adolescents yet less than one in four children in Northern Ireland meet physical activity guidelines,' she said. 'Our research shows that despite strong parental support for sport and physical activity, families were struggling to cover the costs for their children. 'A child's ability to be active, should never depend on their family income. We need bold, strategic action from the government to invest in long-term solutions that ensure all children, regardless of socioeconomic status, can access the lifelong benefits of physical activity.' News Catch Up - Tuesday 3 June The event at Parliament Buildings was sponsored by Alliance MLA and party spokesperson on education Michelle Guy who said the research findings should not be surprising. 'We know the cost of living continues to have a huge impact on families here, and so while this new research may not come as a complete surprise, the figures uncovered and the quotes from parents are star,' she said. 'Unfortunately, the research also shows there is a growing divide between which children can access particular sports and activities depending on household income. Importantly, no child should be shut out of sport or physical activity because of the cost.' The research set out six key recommendations aimed at addressing the growing inequalities in access, including a mandatory 120 minutes of PE every week in school and the promotion of whole-school activity initiatives. It also urged the introduction of a ring-fenced budget for child poverty with realistic targets that promote equal access to physical activity and an increase in funding to help clubs in communities manage rising operational costs, including the creation of a dedicated fund for programmes targeting disadvantaged children and adolescents.
Belfast Telegraph
27-05-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
Fundraiser set up for Co Down homeowners left with ‘nothing but the clothes on their back' after fire
A fundraiser has been launched to help homeowners left with 'nothing but the clothes on their back' after a devastating fire ripped through a number of terraced homes in Drumaness last week. More than £4,000 has been raised in less than a week. Police were made aware of a house fire around 3.25pm on May 20 in the Cushowen Place area of the Co Down village. A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene. Police attendance was not required.' At least six fire appliances were dispatched, as well as an aerial appliance and a Command Support Unit. They said the fire involved an oil tank and the incident was concluded in a matter of hours, adding that 'an investigation to determine cause will follow'. Approximately four homes were badly damaged in the incident: two caught fire and their roofs caved in; two were damaged from smoke and water in efforts to extinguish the inferno. A day later, an online fundraiser was launched by members of the Drumaness and District Community Association to support the families left temporarily homeless due to the blaze. Member Margaret McAlister said she could see smoke from her house, just a few streets away. 'I could see the thick black smoke billowing up, and my first thought was: is my son OK? Because he lives in that direction,' she said. 'Thankfully he was OK. But then I heard what had happened and my first thoughts was: I hope everyone is all right and no one was hurt.' No one was taken from the scene with any injuries, but two homes in particular were completely gutted. 'It is just awful. One was a single man and the other was a family of four, and they have been left with nothing. Everything was burnt,' said Margaret. 'We then decided as a community group to come together and support the family when they really need it most. 'We first of all put an appeal out for basic clothing and shoes and we were just overwhelmed with donations. The first day, we must have received about 12 bags of clothes and shoes. 'People also donated toiletries and food. One person even offered to donate a bed, but obviously they don't have anywhere to live at the moment, but it was a nice gesture all the same. 'That's when we thought the fundraiser would be best: we could give the families the money to buy whatever they need once they get back on their feet.' News Catch Up - Monday 26 May 'When I told them what we were doing, [there were tears]. It was overwhelming for them. Both people have lived in those homes for more than 25 years, so that's been their whole life. 'So this is just something small we can do for them. It's nice to see the village come together.' Ballynahinch Credit Union donated £1,000 to the fundraiser and Asda Downpatrick offered those affected £600 towards a food and household shop. A concert is being held on Friday, June 6 at Drumaness Gaelic Club by Andrea Rice and other musicians, with proceeds also being donated to the fundraiser.
Belfast Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Belfast restaurateur reflects on 25 years in business: Through bereavement, starting a family and giving up alcohol
Ginger Bistro is holding a series of special events in the coming months to mark a quarter-century of serving food to the people of Belfast. The restaurant was founded by chef Simon McCance in 2000, and was originally located on the city's Ormeau Road. Ginger had to close a few years later due to his health problems, however it reopened in the city centre a short time later, and is still based on the corner of Hope Street and Victoria Street. The business doubled in size six years ago when it moved into an adjoining unit on Victoria Street. It has attracted has attracted a range of famous diners over the years, including Alec Baldwin, Bill Murray, Michael Fassbender, Gillian Anderson, Heather Graham, James Nesbitt, Van Morrison and Tim Wheeler of Ash Mr McCance still runs the business, and has spoken about how running the venue has coincided with some of the biggest events of his life. He says that the birth of his twin sons in 2004 motivated him to reopen the restaurant after his health difficulties, asking himself: 'Do I want my sons to say their father works in a restaurant—or owns one?' Then 12 years ago he decided to stop drinking alcohol, and took up a new hobby making pottery, now making blue clay trees which are for sale in the restaurant. The pottery and the work in the restaurant were also impacted by the passing of his sister Ruth and two other family members in the past three years. He describes his sister as his 'anchor and greatest source of strength', and produces pottery in her honour, while also finding 'a deep sense of purpose and stability' in running Ginger. Mr McCance said: 'Ginger has always been about more than just food. It's about people - our team, our customers, and our supporters - who've stood by us through the highs and lows. News Catch Up - Monday 26 May 'My wife Abbe and our sons Teddy and Zak now work alongside me, which has made Ginger not just a restaurant, but a family business I'm incredibly proud of. And I'm excited for what's still to come.' 'The restaurant has been my sanctuary. Through grief and uncertainty, it has grounded me—and I'm forever grateful for the journey it's given me.'
Belfast Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Through bereavement, starting a family and giving up alcohol: Belfast restaurateur reflects on 25 years in business
Ginger Bistro is holding a series of special events in the coming months to mark a quarter-century of serving food to the people of Belfast. The restaurant was founded by chef Simon McCance in 2000, and was originally located on the city's Ormeau Road. Ginger had to close a few years later due to his health problems, however it reopened in the city centre a short time later, and is still based on the corner of Hope Street and Victoria Street. The business doubled in size six years ago when it moved into an adjoining unit on Victoria Street. It has attracted has attracted a range of famous diners over the years, including Alec Baldwin, Bill Murray, Michael Fassbender, Gillian Anderson, Heather Graham, James Nesbitt, Van Morrison and Tim Wheeler of Ash Mr McCance still runs the business, and has spoken about how running the venue has coincided with some of the biggest events of his life. He says that the birth of his twin sons in 2004 motivated him to reopen the restaurant after his health difficulties, asking himself: 'Do I want my sons to say their father works in a restaurant—or owns one?' Then 12 years ago he decided to stop drinking alcohol, and took up a new hobby making pottery, now making blue clay trees which are for sale in the restaurant. The pottery and the work in the restaurant were also impacted by the passing of his sister Ruth and two other family members in the past three years. He describes his sister as his 'anchor and greatest source of strength', and produces pottery in her honour, while also finding 'a deep sense of purpose and stability' in running Ginger. Mr McCance said: 'Ginger has always been about more than just food. It's about people - our team, our customers, and our supporters - who've stood by us through the highs and lows. News Catch Up - Monday 26 May 'My wife Abbe and our sons Teddy and Zak now work alongside me, which has made Ginger not just a restaurant, but a family business I'm incredibly proud of. And I'm excited for what's still to come.' 'The restaurant has been my sanctuary. Through grief and uncertainty, it has grounded me—and I'm forever grateful for the journey it's given me.'
