http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/newsroom The latest news articles from NIDirect. en-gb Thu, 23 May 2013 19:06:57 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/newsroom?WT.mc_id=rss-news http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/nidirect-logo.gif http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/imperial/news-may13-pregnant-women-encouraged-to-get-whooping-cough-vaccine?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may13-pregnant-women-encouraged-to-get-whooping-cough-vaccine Pregnant women who are 28 weeks and above are being encouraged to get vaccinated against whooping cough (pertussis). This will help to protect children from birth until they are old enough to be immunised themselves. Thu, 23 May 2013 12:11:21 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/imperial/news-may13-raising-awareness-of-need-for-foster-carers?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may13-raising-awareness-of-need-for-foster-carers It’s Foster Care Fortnight (13 to 26 May), which aims to encourage more people from across Northern Ireland to become foster carers. It’s part of an annual UK-wide awareness campaign highlighting the shortage of foster carers and the impact this has on children in care. Could you offer a caring family life to a child in need? Thu, 23 May 2013 09:36:17 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/imperial/news-may13-help-deal-with-dumping-of-fuel-laundering-waste?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may13-help-deal-with-dumping-of-fuel-laundering-waste There are environmental dangers posed by the dumping of fuel laundering waste. This waste is a toxic mix of highly polluting chemicals. People are being encouraged to report this type of waste crime to help the authorities deal with the fuel laundering gangs and the organised crime they represent. Wed, 22 May 2013 09:44:29 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/imperial/news-may13-be-alert-to-threat-of-ash-tree-disease?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may13-be-alert-to-threat-of-ash-tree-disease People are being reminded of the need to be alert to the threat posed by the tree disease Ash Dieback. All farmers, forest owners and the wider public are asked to be vigilant for the signs of this disease and quickly report any suspected symptoms they see. Ash Dieback is a serious tree disease and unless it can be prevented from becoming established, the consequences for the landscape will be significant. Tue, 21 May 2013 13:18:04 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/imperial/news-may13-save-unnecessary-expense-use-official-government-site?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may13-save-unnecessary-expense-use-official-government-site Consumerline has issued a warning about the cost of using unofficial sites offering government services. It has received a number of complaints recently about unofficial websites where you can renew your European Health Insurance card (EHIC), order a passport, or book your driving theory test. You can avoid paying unnecessary charges by using nidirect. Tue, 21 May 2013 09:12:51 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/imperial/news-may13-enhance-your-essential-skills-during-adult-learners-week?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may13-enhance-your-essential-skills-during-adult-learners-week People are being urged to enrich their lives through learning during Adult Learners' Week (18 to 24 May). Whether you're employed or not, if you’re thinking of doing a course to improve your English, maths or IT skills, these classes are free in further education colleges. There is plenty of information on nidirect. Mon, 20 May 2013 11:17:18 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/imperial/news-may13-put-a-spring-in-your-step-during-walk-to-school-week?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may13-put-a-spring-in-your-step-during-walk-to-school-week It’s Walk to School Week (20 to 24 May). The theme for this year’s event is ‘Spring in Your Step’ and it aims to help children feel energetic, happy and confident by swapping their lift in a car for walking or cycling on the daily journey to and from school. Why not find out more about playing a part in getting children to walk to school? Mon, 20 May 2013 09:11:55 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/imperial/news-may13-exercising-is-good-for-mental-and-emotional-health?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may13-exercising-is-good-for-mental-and-emotional-health It’s Mental Health Awareness Week (13 to 19 May). This year’s theme is physical activity and exercise, highlighting the positive impact that physical activity can have on mental health. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people across Northern Ireland to get active in a bid to improve their emotional wellbeing. Fri, 17 May 2013 13:40:32 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/imperial/news-may13-important-to-talk-about-dying-death-and-bereavement?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may13-important-to-talk-about-dying-death-and-bereavement As part of Dying Matters Awareness Week (13 to 19 May), the Public Health Agency is urging everyone to take the opportunity to talk openly about dying, death and bereavement with those closest to them. This year’s theme is ‘Be ready for it’. Taking simple steps can make a big difference to people when they are dying or bereaved. Fri, 17 May 2013 09:09:30 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/imperial/news-may13-have-your-say-on-proposed-changes-to-blue-badge-scheme?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may13-have-your-say-on-proposed-changes-to-blue-badge-scheme A public consultation has begun on a number of proposals on administrative changes to the Blue Badge scheme in Northern Ireland. The scheme is available to people with severe mobility difficulties who travel either as drivers or passengers. Everyone, especially people with disabilities and their representatives, are encouraged to contribute their views. Thu, 16 May 2013 13:15:55 GMT