http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/newsroom The latest news articles from NIDirect. en-gb Wed, 16 May 2012 14:58:43 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-reduce-the-risk-of-getting-cancer?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-reduce-the-risk-of-getting-cancer It’s Cancer Prevention Week (14-18 May). One third of cancers are preventable and there are things you can do to reduce the risk of getting cancer. Also, if cancer is diagnosed early, you are more likely to survive. It is therefore important to be aware of warning signs which need to be investigated to ensure speedy diagnosis. Wed, 16 May 2012 10:51:50 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-balmoral-show-gets-under-way?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-balmoral-show-gets-under-way The annual Balmoral Show opens today at the King's Hall, Belfast and runs until Friday (18 May). It is the premier event in the agri-food calendar, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and livestock exhibitors over three days. The show is open from 8.30 am to 8.00 pm daily. Wed, 16 May 2012 09:21:30 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-raising-awareness-of-need-for-foster-carers?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-raising-awareness-of-need-for-foster-carers It’s Foster Care Fortnight (14-27 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? Tue, 15 May 2012 10:49:05 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-have-your-say-on-proposed-changes-to-driving-licence-fees?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-have-your-say-on-proposed-changes-to-driving-licence-fees A public consultation has begun on proposed changes to driver licensing fees in Northern Ireland. The proposals mean many licences will remain free, some will increase a small amount and others will increase significantly. There will continue to be free licences for people over 70 and those requiring medically restricted licences. The deadline for responses to the consultation is 8 July 2012. Tue, 15 May 2012 09:38:41 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-think-about-donating-to-a-charity-shop?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-think-about-donating-to-a-charity-shop It’s Choose Charity Shops week. Have you thought about donating any unwanted clothing or household items to your local charity shop? As well as contributing to a worthwhile cause, you could also help reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill. Mon, 14 May 2012 13:39:01 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-protect-against-measles-before-going-on-holiday?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-protect-against-measles-before-going-on-holiday Everyone is being warned about the importance of protecting themselves and any children they have against the serious infectious disease measles. The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging families to get children, teenagers and young adults fully immunised with two doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine before travelling on a trip. Mon, 14 May 2012 09:19:53 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-enhance-your-essential-skills-during-adult-learners-week?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-enhance-your-essential-skills-during-adult-learners-week People are being urged to enrich their lives through learning during Adult Learners' Week (12-18 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. Fri, 11 May 2012 10:32:49 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-get-money-advice-with-online-health-check?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-get-money-advice-with-online-health-check Thinking about getting your finances in shape? The Money Advice Service has a ‘health check’ which aims to put you in charge of your money. In less than 10 minutes, the free and unbiased check provides a personal plan to help you stay on top of your money today and plan for the future. Fri, 11 May 2012 09:23:14 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-know-signs-of-childhood-diabetes?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-know-signs-of-childhood-diabetes The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of childhood diabetes. This will ensure youngsters are diagnosed quickly and reduce the risk of serious complications. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented but it is an uncommon condition in children, with around 100 children diagnosed with it every year in Northern Ireland. Thu, 10 May 2012 09:59:41 GMT http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news-may12-advice-and-information-about-flooding?WT.mc_id=rss-news news-may12-advice-and-information-about-flooding With heavy rain forecast for some parts of Northern Ireland, it might be useful to take note of the flooding incident line - 0300 2000 100. You can also find advice on nidirect about what to do if your house does suffer flood damage. Thu, 10 May 2012 09:09:32 GMT