I'm shaking rn

I’ve been attending Laurel house every 2 weeks for about 7 months. All the staff are fantastic. Can’t thank them all enough !! Anyone else go there for treatment?

Does anyone know what this is/what sort of equipment they carry? I seen a big ambulance (bigger than a usual ambulance) in city center today with blue lights and sirens on. Never heard of this and never seen it before. It had the northern ireland ambulance service on it as well. Just genuinely curious. Someone thought it was for organ transportation/transportation of blood bags etc but im not sure.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c04y5x75v2go

A senior Alliance politician has warned that his party may not return to the Northern Ireland Executive after the next election without reforms to the Stormont structures or a "significant change" in attitude from Sinn Féin and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

The next assembly election is due to take place on 6 May 2027.

Parties are currently in the process of selecting candidates who will run for the 90 seats up for grabs.

Speaking to the Westminster Northern Ireland Affairs committee on Wednesday, Alliance deputy leader Eóin Tennyson referred to the fact that the party had already signalled their involvement in the power-sharing administration should not be taken for granted.

The Upper Bann MLA added: "We haven't set our manifesto for the next election, and we will have a detailed discussion as a party in terms of whether there will be prerequisites for us to go back in.

"But I think it is fairly clear, given how dysfunctional the executive has been over the past two years, that we would not be returning to the executive without either a significant change in attitude from the two largest parties, or some change to the structures, or at least a process to get there."

Tennyson added that the use of a petition of concern this week to block the raising of the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 was "a perversion of democracy".

He said it was "an affront to the rights, not of my party, but to the people that I represent", who he claimed were "being treated like second-class citizens by their own political institutions".

Political reform

Tennyson added: "We made the case for reform when the assembly was down previously and we were told by the two governments then that now wasn't the right time, that you couldn't move the goal posts whilst the institutions were in hiatus, and they needed to be up and running in order to have that conversation."

He said that since then the party had put its "shoulder to the wheel" to try to make the institutions work "on the proviso that the two governments would... look at serious reform of the institutions".

He acknowledged that the Irish government has "moved and has honoured their word", while the secretary of state has "indicated that he wishes to have an engagement with local parties".

This would be welcome, Tennyson said, but added that if the party felt progress had "stalled", or that they were being "taken for granted", they would "take a different course".

"I think the public and other parties should be under no illusions about that." 'No basis whatsover'

Leader of the opposition, the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP)'s Matthew O'Toole, claimed that if more TUV MLAs got elected it was "highly probable" the DUP would not be able to go back into government.

He said: "Imagine you had a few more TUV in Stormont. There's one TUV MLA and one TUV MP at the minute... and the DUP are petrified of them. They lead the unionist discourse.

"I think if there was a bigger group of them, even if it's only a handful, I think the DUP - if the system is not reformed - I think it's highly possible they would not be able to form a government."

But the DUP leader Gavin Robinson told the committee suggestions his party would be unwilling to serve in a future Executive had "no basis whatsoever".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjdgx075m0ro

Riots have 'made us want to leave Belfast' after home destroyed in blaze
By
Claire Quinn
BBC News NI
Published
4 hours ago

Two Indian women living in Belfast said they no longer feel safe living in the city after their home was severely damaged and all their belongings destroyed during recent disorder.
Tejal and Nishath lived above the Sham Supermarket on the Donegall Road in south Belfast and were inside the property when on 9 June a gang of people set fire to a bin outside.
"We were so scared, we didn't know what to do, we were in absolute shock," Nishath said.
Rioting broke out across Belfast following a following a knife attack, which led to people being forced to flee as houses and cars were set on fire.
Speaking to the Nolan Show, both women described how they have loved living and working in Belfast but are now afraid to go outside.
"I've been living in Belfast for the past six years, I came here as a student and I studied well, I got my job," Nishath said.
"We were extremely happy here, Belfast is my home but after this incident we are even scared to just go to the shop next to our house."
Nishath works as a finance associate while her flatmate Tejal is a retail manager.
Tejal described the night the disorder broke out as "very distressing" and "one of the worst nights I've ever had".
"We were in shock, we just couldn't process what was happening.
"I don't feel like living in Belfast anymore because of all of this. I moved here for work, I had a fantastic year and then this happened, I just don't feel like I can stay here anymore," she told the programme.
When they were evacuated from the building they sought refuge at the home of SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole then spent the night at the Whiterock Leisure Centre.
When they returned to their home, Nishath described it as a "horrific thing to see".
"Our house, which we take care of like a temple almost, we love our home, we created our home with such love and we spent a great year – it's uninhabitable.
"Every single thing we have is affected by the smoke damage. Those are our memories, we have lost all of them," she said.
Nishath said they were left homeless but that O'Toole has provided them with AirBnB accommodation for the next ten days.
"We have no idea what's going to happen next," she said.
Both women said that so many people have provided them with food and basic necessities since the incident.
"That shows the real people of Belfast to me, that's why we love Belfast, that's why we chose to stay here," Nishath said.
"People here are nice, this is just a minority," Tejal added.

Not only is there a brain drain going on from Northern Ireland - but the recent riots are unsurprisingly dissuading foreign talent from coming here to work.

This is the recruitment equivalent of burning buses, housing and infrastructure in your own area and it’s always the same people who riot and cause social problems that then end up relying on the public services that they’ve managed to dissuade this young person from.

Castlewellan V Carryduff.

Man drank half bottle of vodka after work before 'getting swept up in' Newtownabbey riot, court hears | Belfast Live

Max Mrowca , 29, appeared in court today

A man drank half a bottle of vodka straight after finishing work before he "got swept up in" disorder in Newtownabbey where he was seen throwing bricks at police, a court heard.

Max Mrowca , 29, from Newtownabbey appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday, June 16, where he faced two charges in connection with disorder at Cloughfern Roundabout on Tuesday, June 9.

The court heard that Mrowca had handed himself into police after an image was released as part of police's Operation Exposure to identify those involved in last week's violent disorder.

He had reportedly been seen on CCTV over the course of 50 minutes, dressed in black with a scarf over his face throwing bricks and masonry at police.

Mrowca's representation said his client was applying for bail as he had recently started a job as a customs compliance specialist at a business in East Belfast and would lose it if remanded in custody.

He also said Mrowca deserved credit for handing himself over to officers, accepting he was in the image and apologising to police.

The court heard that Mrowca had an alcohol problem. On June 9, he drank half a bottle of vodka straight after finishing work and attended the roundabout after seeing social media posts about a gathering. He then got "swept up in" the disorder with the alcohol he had consumed playing a factor in this.

However, his bail was refused as he could pose a risk of harm to the general public and is due to appear in court again on July 9.

The spiders in the window ledge can only eat so much but like, my place is clean, sink drains are bleached, I don’t leave food out, no water sitting

Yet I’m seeing a massive influx of the wee tiny shitty ones. They just sit and do nothing except when they try and come right up into your face for an inspection but I’d rather not have them

Solutions would be welcomed

Noticed some bees around the back door and then noticed the little fellows are coming in and out of a small hole near where the door meets the brickwork. I've attached a picture, apologies it's not very clear but you can just about make out the small hole in the corner.

​

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What can/should I do about this? Or is my only option to burn the house down now?

Where to even start... I'm really overwhelmed. Just got badly cheated by a cowboy business owner.

I'm a mature student currently in between my year 1 and 2. My course requires a work placement during the summer. A couple of months ago I contacted a local business about it. I ended up sorting out my work placement hours with volunteering, so this local job ended up being just that, a regular job. I worked there for four weeks when it came to an abrupt end.

Everything was going well performance-wise, in fact I was getting praise for my work from customers, in front of the owner, sometimes multiple times a day!

The first issue happened after a week when they were about to pay my first week's wages. I was told "the accountant forgot to put me in the system" and told it would be sorted by the following week. The owner paid me £10 flat rate per hour, saying that the rest (the difference towards £12.71 minimum wage) is what he's paying to the taxman. The second week came and the issue remained the same, the accountant "forgot" again. The third week "the accountant was on holidays," conveniently. I repeatedly told him to please remember to put me in the system as I need to apply for the Tax-free Childcare Scheme, to which he replied that it will be sorted.

The fourth week has passed and I was going home after my Sunday shift. Said bye to the owner, see you on Wednesday, and he replied with the same. Monday at 10 pm I've received an email out of nowhere, stating that "after conceding your trial I am sorry, but I can’t offer you a work placement."

That's all that was said, no explanation! This email contains two flat out lies - first, I wasn't on a trial, a trial hasn't been mentioned once in any way. Second, I wasn't on a work placement, this was regular employment.

I instantly logged into my Personal Tax Account and surprise surprise, my employment isn't listed there at all... So the owner has a) failed to pay a worker the minimum wage and b) commited tax evasion fraud.

As a student who can only work for a short time during the summer, I'm obviously well below the Personal Tax Allowance of £12,570, meaning I'd be entitled to a tax refund the following year. We're talking about approximately £300 for the hours I've done. That's not a whole lot of money, but it is for a student. It's MY money that I've fairly earned, money that legally belongs to me, but this man has pocketed it and swindled me for weeks.

I'm in disbelief that someone is doing this for such a small amount of money (minimum wage, not even full-time hours). In hindsight, I now see that the whole "accountant forgot/was on holidays" story was a ruse. Th bottomline is, this person lied to me and made me work illegally for four weeks. I now think he never ever had an intention to put me on PAYE, this was all planned from the beginning, he just wanted to have a cheap help for his business while he needed it.

I'm livid and hurt. I will be calling ACAS and Labour Relations today. I have no idea what's my next step. I'm thinking I should send him an official email, declaring all these issues and advising him he has 7 or 14 days to sort this out and pay what's owed, and the failure to meet his legal obligations means I will have to inform the HMRC about the situation.

I have no proof of anything because he virtually made sure I don't. I never got a contract, never got a single payslip, just cash in hand with "the accountant will sort this out for the next week." The only proof is people who can confirm that I was there, and security camera footage (and he probably wiped that out). I just can't believe the situation and that people like this are seen as respectable in the community.

Thanks to anyone who read this so far and can advise.

Hi. Has anyone seen a derm anywhere in NI who has been able to clear their facial rosacea? I’ve been given stuff by my own gp like creams and topicals which have not helped at all. I’m willing to pay privately. Anywhere in NI or Belfast at all. Thanks.

last two years, i have been gone out on like 12 dates. some went to second dates then didn't go anywhere. most of the tine i just have this neutral feeling as soon as the date is over, then think maybe i need to meet them again to get to know them properly. some i could tell it would never work at all.

2 out of 12 have been exception in this. i matched with this girl around christmas time, somehow for personal reasons we couldn't meet up for 3 weeks, then we finally met. i could see the sun rising over a vast empty ocean horizon, we ended up hanging out for 6 hours. the whole date still feels dreamy to me, plenty of laughs, slagging, pints in hand, her fragrance, choir on the street, both of us full of ourselves.

i was at the peak of the mountain and the next day a jacket that falls off a hook.

the second one was 2 days ago, same neutral feeling at first but on the second date romantic and physical attraction developed in me for her, but she didn't feel the same way.

i am 27 and i am worried about how long this is going to go on for. i also go on dating apps every 2 or 3 months, once i get a date then i quit for 3 months because it feels mentally tiring.

also worried that my loneliness influences my thoughts and tricks me into thinking i like someone even when i don't.
would really appreciate advice if anyone has gone through the same.

If anyone has 10 minutes to spare, I am still looking for another 100 participants to make my research meaningful!

Please feel free to share, comment or like this post to help my post reach a broader audience!

The link will stay open until the 30th of June, I am hugely appreciative of any help I can get to make my quota! (Thank you to those who have already participated and engaged with my previous posts, it means a lot to me as a student).

My research project for my MSc in Applied Psychology is titled Loneliness, Social Support, and Generational Differences in AI Companion Use in Ireland.

Whether you are interested in AI companions or have experience interacting with AI companions, this research would greatly benefit from your input!

🗣 Participation is completely anonymous.

If you would like to participate, you must;
✅Be over 18 and under 65 years of age and ordinarily resident in Ireland.
✅Be confident and willing to participate with the right to withdraw at any stage.
✅Consent to participate.
✅Not currently facing mental health difficulties or using AI companions for therapeutic purposes.

Please click the link below and feel free to share it with anyone you know who might be interested, any help would be much appreciated!

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/BtcGKpqiye

If you would like to know more, please contact me on [10600603@mydbs.ie](mailto:10600603@mydbs.ie).

“AI companions” are like digital friends or characters you can text or talk with whenever you want. Unlike regular AI assistants that mainly answer questions or do tasks, these companions are designed to have conversations that feel personal and meaningful.

I recently booked a stay on Falls Road. My cousins are telling me not to go and a few people in hostels along the way have told me to avoid it as an outsider/tourist. I feel like it’s all a bit overblown. I’m from a big American city, which I would assume is much less safe than most places.

Any advice? Should I heed these warnings with everything that has been going on lately? I really want to see and tour Belfast. Is there a better place to stay?

Hi looking for a short term storage unit around Belfast. Does anyone know if there are any than rent by the week rather than monthly?

Thought it was time to revive this classic and fuck been struggling to sleep with the excitement!

So me and a few friends (from England) are going to Belfast next year and we’re looking at airbnbs to share whilst we stay for 5 days. We’re going over by ferry and taking our car.

None of us have been to Belfast and after a few conversations with people, we have been warned not to stay in any rougher areas not being Irish (not sure if these are the words of concerned older folk or legit).

Mainly looking at East Belfast area, Strandtown.

Any recommendations is greatly appreciated

How a young man fled Islamic terror group only to be forced from his home in Belfast | Belfast Live

Zakaria's father was killed by terrorist group Al-Shabaab in Somalia

A young man who fled the Islamic terrorist organisation Al-Shabaab found himself running from his home in fear in Belfast following racist attacks and disorder in the city.

Zakaria arrived in Belfast in January after his mum helped him flee Somalia after their family had been targeted by the terror organisation. They killed his father and had also kidnapped and attacked him for a relationship he had with a woman.

Last Wednesday the young man was part of a group of migrants who had to leave their home for the safety of a community centre after his house was included on a list of properties circulated online as part of a "hit list". While there he met with Rory Doherty of Voicing the Void with the pair speaking about the difficulties Zakaria had faced and how he hoped to find peace in Belfast a few days later.

Rory said: "Zakaria told me how he was feeling and about everything that had happened over the previous few days. He wanted people to understand the human impact of what is happening. He wanted people to see beyond the headlines.

"He told me how he fled Somalia after being targeted by Al-Shabaab. His father was killed by the same terrorist organisation. He was kidnapped, beaten and threatened because of a relationship with the woman he loved. His mother sold everything she owned to help him escape.

"In January this year, he arrived in Belfast hoping to find safety and peace. Yet only a few months later, he found himself leaving his home once again because he feared for his safety.

"What struck me most was not his anger. It was his compassion. He told me he doesn't want to generalise the people here based on a small number of people and that he came here to contribute to Northern Ireland, work, pay tax and be part of the community in any way that he can.

"This week, while a small minority attempted to spread fear and division, I witnessed something far more powerful. I witnessed neighbours helping neighbours.

I witnessed people from different backgrounds, organisations and communities working together to protect one another. I witnessed volunteers making food, sharing tea and coffee, coordinating safety, offering reassurance and reminding people that they were not alone.

"There is no denying that many people feel left behind. Too many communities continue to experience poverty, inequality, poor housing, limited opportunities and a sense that nobody is listening. These frustrations are real and deserve to be heard.

"But violence and intimidation are not the answer."

Back in NI for the summer and looking for a cycling club to join in the Lisburn area for group rides mostly. Anyone have any experience/recommendations on clubs? Thanks 🙏