http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/newsroom The latest news articles from NIDirect. en-gb Thu, 24 May 2012 17:05:29 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/news-may12-school-transfer-letters-issuing-next-week?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-school-transfer-letters-issuing-next-week Children transferring to post-primary education this autumn will find out by letter next Tuesday (29 May) which school they will transfer to in September. For the majority of children, this will be their first choice school. The letters will also provide parents with information on how to appeal an unsuccessful application. Thu, 24 May 2012 13:01:30 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-beaches-get-blue-flag-awards?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-beaches-get-blue-flag-awards Northern Ireland has received more Blue Flags and Seaside awards for beaches, seasides and marinas than ever before. Eleven beaches have been given Blue Flag awards, two Blue Flags were presented to marinas, and seven smaller beaches and resorts have received Seaside awards. Thu, 24 May 2012 09:34:44 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-be-mindful-of-your-mental-health?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-be-mindful-of-your-mental-health Do you know the early warning signs that could indicate a mental health issue? Being able to recognise those signs is the first step towards seeking help. It is important to act on the signs and symptoms of poor mental health. If you are worried about your or someone you know's mental health, help is available. Wed, 23 May 2012 11:16:01 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-new-road-safety-campaign-for-pedestrians-and-drivers?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-new-road-safety-campaign-for-pedestrians-and-drivers A new hard-hitting road safety campaign has been launched. Entitled ‘Just Because’, it focuses on the vulnerability of pedestrians and the responsibility both drivers and pedestrians have to respect each other on the road. All road users to follow the guidance in the Highway Code - it may just save your life. Wed, 23 May 2012 09:34:29 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-report-any-changes-to-rate-of-your-occupational-pension?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-report-any-changes-to-rate-of-your-occupational-pension Do you receive a Social Security benefit and also receive an occupational pension? If you do, you must notify the office that pays your benefit about any changes in the rate of your occupational pension. Occupational pension schemes are set up by employers to provide pensions for employees and their dependants. Tue, 22 May 2012 13:53:11 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-advanced-stop-lines-at-traffic-lights-aim-to-help-cyclists?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-advanced-stop-lines-at-traffic-lights-aim-to-help-cyclists At some traffic lights, you may have noticed 'green' areas. These are ‘advanced stop lines’ for cyclists. Their aim is to increase safety for cyclists as they move up to the front of the queue when signals are red and make them more clearly visible to drivers. These advanced stop lines also help cyclists move into cleaner air away from exhaust fumes. Motorists who encroach into these green ‘boxes’ could face penalties. Tue, 22 May 2012 09:57:18 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-family-fun-day-at-stormont?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-family-fun-day-at-stormont Families looking for a day out on Bank Holiday Monday (4 June) should join Pudsey Bear in the Stormont Estate, Belfast. This year’s Family Fun Day, in support of BBC Children in Need, promises a wealth of activities from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm for all ages. The majority of activities are either free of charge or request only a small donation. Mon, 21 May 2012 12:58:07 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-step-forward-during-walk-to-school-week?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-step-forward-during-walk-to-school-week It’s Walk to School Week (21-25 May). The theme for this year’s event is ‘Step Forward in Time’ and it aims to encourage more people to consider the health, financial, social and environmental benefits of walking. Schools across Northern Ireland are taking part in the event. Why not find out more about playing a part in getting children to walk to school? Mon, 21 May 2012 09:22:30 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-apprentice-of-the-year-winner-announced?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-apprentice-of-the-year-winner-announced A young Lisburn apprentice has been crowned Northern Ireland’s Apprentice of the Year for 2012. Conor Crossey, 22, (pictured) received his award at ceremony in Belfast. He started his Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship at Bombardier Aerospace three years ago. Fri, 18 May 2012 10:02:31 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-important-to-talk-about-dying-death-and-bereavement?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-important-to-talk-about-dying-death-and-bereavement As part of Dying Matters Awareness Week (14-20 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 ‘Small Actions, Big Difference’. Taking simple steps can make a big difference to people when they are dying or bereaved. Fri, 18 May 2012 10:11:20 GMT