Extensions to DfE public appointments

The Department for the Economy has announced extensions to the terms of office of a number of chairs and board members of public bodies sponsored by the Department.

Have your say on addressing alcohol and other drug misuse

The Department of Health is seeking views of the public on alcohol and drug misuse and what can be done to address the issue.

Third FinTrU North West Academy offers 20 more high quality graduate training places

A new FinTrU Assured Skills Academy in Derry~Londonderry is offering 20 training places in financial services for graduates.

Raising awareness of need for foster carers

It’s Foster Care Fortnight (13 to 26 May). Foster carers can provide stable, caring homes for vulnerable children and young people. Have you considered offering a child or young person greater stability through foster care?

Fostering makes a difference

Children and young people want to be secure, supported and loved. Fostering provides children who cannot live with their own families for whatever reason with alternative care where they can benefit from a loving, safe and stable home.

Around three new foster carers are needed every week to meet the needs of children and young people coming into care.

Fostering is highly rewarding and worthwhile. It makes a significant difference both to the lives of the children and the foster carer.

You can find more information in the section below:

No age limit

There is no maximum age limit on becoming a foster parent. You can be a foster carer:

whether you have your own children or not
if you are single, married or living with a partner
if you are in or out of work
whether you live in your own home or rent
whatever your race, religion or sexuality

You can find out more about fostering from the following link:

If you would like to discuss fostering with a voluntary organisation or independent fostering agency, The Fostering Network will provide you with further information.

Important to talk about dying, death and bereavement

It’s Dying Matters Awareness Week (13 to 19 May). Everyone is encouraged to take the opportunity to talk openly about their future care, dying, death and bereavement with those closest to them.

End of life

Many of us have specific wishes about how and where we would like to die, and what we would like to happen after our death.

Sometimes we don’t like to talk about these wishes, perhaps due to fear of the subject or fear that we may upset our family or friends.

If we don’t have these types of conversations it can mean that these wishes don’t happen and families may struggle to make decisions. There may be important matters that need dealt with now, rather than when time feels limited.

Open and honest discussion about death and dying can make sure that someone’s wishes for end of life are known and respected. It can support those you love through bereavement.

Five simple steps

There are five simple steps to make the end of life experience better:

make a will
record your funeral wishes
plan your future care and support
register as an organ donor
tell your loved ones your wishes

There is further useful information in this section:

Talking about death does not bring it any closer. It is about planning for life.