Latest news with #Catch22
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Meath welcomes country stars and Irish Elvis for largest inclusive music and arts festival
The festival, Ablefest, co-founded by Shay Casserley and Kevin Farrell has been running since 2018, and is a non-profit event that highlights the importance of inclusivity and accessibility. Since 2018, Ablefest has donated thousands to charities in Ireland and are now looking into sponsoring some respite care for a family from the proceeds of the festival. The festival has partnered with Meath County Council for its sixth year, setting the standard for inclusive celebrations in Ireland and working with other festivals, including TradFest in Dublin and The St Patricks Festival in Killarney, Co. Kerry. This year's line-up will feature music from Jake Carter, Johnny Brady, Brian Mullen, Catch 22, Matt Leavy, and Irish Elvis, as well as having an array of art and activity stations. There will also be a multisensory area, holistic therapy and yoga, and staffed sensory pods. Festival director Kevin Farrell said: 'Ablefest is the first and largest accessible festival in Ireland, where 1.2 million people have a disability, and I am proud to welcome people from all over the country to Fairyhouse for a fantastic event.' Chief executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said that the festival showcases Co. Meath as an 'inclusive county for people of all abilities'. 'The excellent line-up and supportive festival environment will ensure Ablefest 2025 will undoubtedly be a great day out for all,' he said. Everyone is welcome to attend the festival, with tickets available online. One carer (with valid ID) can also attend free of charge with each ticket holder. The organisers of Ablefest have created a video on their Facebook page, outlining every aspect of what to expect at their festival in order to provide support to any attendees.
New Statesman
04-07-2025
- Business
- New Statesman
Meeting missions. Creating jobs. Building careers.
Photo Credit: Fife College / Shell UK On the surface, Julie Lansdell and Dylan Reid appear to have little in common. Julie, now in her sixties, has balanced a working life with bringing up three children, holding down a series of jobs including an 11-year stint as an administrative officer at a local county court in Norfolk. Dylan, in the early stages of his career, lives nearly 400 miles north on the east coast of Scotland. He most recently worked at a global distribution centre in Dunfermline. Different ages, different backgrounds, but Julie and Dylan share three things in common: they both possess entrepreneurial spirit, they have a keen awareness of energy-related issues and a sense of responsibility to foster sustainable practices, and they've both received training through Shell UK's SkillsTransition programme. Julie recently completed a four-week Domestic Energy Advisor Level 3 course, part of the Shell UK-funded Energise employability programme. Delivered by charity partner Catch22, the Energise programme seeks to power careers in the energy transition by supporting people – especially those facing employment barriers – into jobs. Through Energise, Catch22 supports learners across London, Liverpool, Manchester and Norfolk, where Julie now runs her own small business as a domestic energy advisor. After a period of unemployment, and struggling with confidence issues, Julie was looking for a different career path. In her new role, she assesses the efficiency of residential properties and produces Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). 'The course has given me the opportunity to follow my dream and have my own business. It's perfect,' she said. 'I developed confidence, interview techniques and gained an understanding of the hidden jobs market. This helped me believe in myself and increased my drive.' Dylan, meanwhile, is enrolled at one of Shell UK's Energy Transition Skills hubs, at Fife College. He is studying for a national certificate in engineering systems with renewables, which will arm him with the practical experience and theoretical knowledge needed to pursue a career in electrical engineering. The NC level 5 course offers an introduction to renewable energy technology including wind, solar, and battery storage. Students develop electrical and mechanical skills and progress into a higher-level qualification, move into a modern apprenticeship or start a trainee role within a renewables business. Dylan's ambition is to become a self-employed electrician. The Energise programme and the hub in Fife are two distinct examples of Shell UK's SkillsTransition programme, which is focused on supporting 15,000 people into jobs with a focus on the energy transition by 2035. In doing so, Shell UK is assisting the government's growth and clean energy missions. As Skills England makes clear, clean energy skilled workers are essential if the government is to meet its Clean Energy Mission to deliver clean power by 2030 and accelerate the economy to net zero. If the UK is to move successfully to net zero by 2050 – and support an estimated 1.18 million newly created green jobs – it must meet an exacting challenge. Without the right investment, a skilled workforce and access to jobs, we risk leaving people behind and failing to meet the mid-century target. This is the skills gap Shell UK wants to help close. Shell UK's ambition involves ongoing commitment and investment in initiatives led by further education colleges, charities, and other skills bodies. Dylan is a beneficiary of the investment in further education colleges. Fife College is home to one of three UK-wide Energy Transition skills hubs Shell UK has helped create. The others are in Pembrokeshire and, opening later in 2025, Aberdeen. Taken together, they provide students with the opportunity to learn and refine critical capabilities. They each deliver specialist energy transition skills, including welding and fabrication in Aberdeen; community-level nano grid energy system design in Fife; and control room systems operations in Pembrokeshire. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Beyond the skills hubs, Shell UK works with third-party organisations like Catch22, a partnership which has proved to be so successful for Julie. Other specialist employability partners include Breaking Barriers, UpReach, Shaw Trust and Good People. Shaw Trust, for example, delivers short courses to support diverse groups of people with the soft skills they need to help them get into work and to understand the range of jobs available in the energy sector. The Shell UK SkillsTransition programme aims to reach people from a range of backgrounds and, to date, has supported over 4,000 people across the UK – people like Julie and Dylan – with many more to come. Like Julie, Dylan believes the impact his course is having is huge. Not only has the course taught him practical skills, but it has also helped him fully understand what he wants to do in the future, cementing his commitment to play a role in the energy transition. He said: 'I have learnt many things that I had never had experience with before, including the electrical principles theories. The best part of this course for me is being able to develop my practical wiring skills even more.' The Shell UK SkillsTransition programme provides opportunities to ensure people are at the heart of the energy transition. Read more about these programmes at: Related
BBC News
04-07-2025
- BBC News
New West Yorkshire taskforce to tackle 'evil' county lines trade
A new police taskforce is to be set up aimed at disrupting county lines drug networks in West Home Office said the unit would work to target drug running in and out of the region and protect people from being exploited by said more than £1.3m was being invested after the region had been identified as being "consistently one of the largest exporters of county lines drug running".Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "Officers at West Yorkshire Police have already made important progress in combatting drugs running in the area, and this funding will help the force go further to put a stop to this evil practice." The government said £1m would be spent on tackling the movement of drugs in and out of West Yorkshire, with an additional £300,000 spent on support for new unit, which will be set up within West Yorkshire Police, marks an expansion of the government's County Lines Programme, with similar teams already in place in London, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham.A spokesperson said since July 2024, work by the taskforces had led to more than 1,200 line closures, with more than 2,000 arrests and 800 people funding for West Yorkshire will also see specialist services provided by Catch22 – a charity that supports young people and families exploited by county lines – extended to the region. Sarah Jones, the temporary assistant chief constable of West Yorkshire Police, said: "The formation of a dedicated task force for West Yorkshire gives us an opportunity to build on the work we already do in tackling county lines crime head on, making an even greater positive impact."Our aim is clear – we will be relentless in our pursuit of those behind county lines by disrupting their illicit enterprises. We will safeguard victims, raise awareness of the dangers of county lines and continue to work with our partners to make our towns and villages stronger and safer." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Daily Mirror
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Famous rapper orders food in Nando's and no one realises who he is
A British rapper was having a meal in Nando's when he overheard a group of men say they would love to meet him, so he decided to have a laugh at their expense Imagine being a celeb and craving the anonymity to enjoy a cheeky Nando's without the flash of cameras or eager fans clamouring for a selfie. That's just what rapper Tinchy Stryder experienced, but with a twist. He had a bit of fun when some unsuspecting fans failed to recognise him. The 38-year-old artist, born Kwasi Danquah III, couldn't help but overhear a group of lads expressing their wish to meet him. Seated behind them, Tinchy leaned over to enquire who they thought they'd spotted, curious to see if they'd twig that they were actually talking to the man himself. But the prank didn't quite go as planned, as the blokes remained clueless that they were in the presence of the noughties hitmaker. In a video clip, Tinchy, known for bangers like 'Number 1' and 'Take Me Back', quizzed: "Who did you say you just saw?" One of the diners replied simply: "Tinchy Stryder," oblivious to the fact that he was indeed conversing with the star. Tinchy couldn't resist playing along, jesting: "Tinchy Stryder? Where's he gone? I want to meet him". The encounter wrapped up with Tinchy pulling a surprised expression for the camera, having a giggle at the fan's expense. Social media users were left gobsmacked when a group of men eagerly met Tinchy Stryder but then failed to recognise him during their conversation. One fan nostalgically referenced his work, commenting: "Tinch, don't worry, you're still our star in the hood". Another chimed in with disbelief: "I would never not recognise Tinch". A nostalgic admirer wrote: "Bro where you at, I loved your music back in the day,". Curious fans also quizzed about his youthful appearance, wondering how he doesn't look a day over 20 despite approaching 40. Tinchy Stryder burst onto the scene in the early noughties, quickly becoming a pivotal figure in the UK grime movement alongside names like Dizzee Rascal and Wiley. Originally part of the grime crew Roll Deep, Stryder made waves in the underground music circuit before going solo. His first album 'Star in the Hood' dropped in 2007, highlighting his unique flow and sharp lyrics. But it was his sophomore effort, 'Catch 22,' that catapulted him into the limelight in 2009, featuring his chart-topping hit Number 1 with N Dubz. Stryder didn't stop there; he kept up the momentum by working with stars like Taio Cruz and Labrinth. His third studio album, 'Third Strike,' released in 2010, solidified his status in the UK music scene.
Time Out Dubai
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
5 places kids eat free in Dubai this summer
The school holidays kick off at the end of this month, so this is the time to start planning some fun days out with the kiddos. But a day out and about doesn't need to break the bank, there are plenty of places where the little ones can eat for free. If you like this: 51 brilliant family days out in the UAE Whether it's a lunch, a brunch or a family dinner, here's where to take the whole gang this summer. 5 spots where kids eat free in Dubai Catch 22 (Credit: Supplied) Offering up some impressive comfort food, Catch 22 serves up everything from loaded French toast to sushi, stacked burgers and even a sizzling grill. While you take a well-deserved bite into the creamy carbonara fold sandwich, the little ones can be nibbling on their choice for no cost at all. The deal only runs from Monday to Thursday, so make sure this is a weekday visit if you want to make the most of it. Available Mon-Thu. The Beach JBR and Dubai Hills Mall, (04 424 3057). Certo This spot in Media City has a family brunch where kids under ten go free. Italian homemade food is served from a buffet, which includes a salad station and live pasta station. Kids can make pizza by the table and burn off some steam in the kids' play area. Dhs159 (soft drinks), Dhs199 (house beverages), free (kids under ten). Sat 12.30pm-3.30pm. Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City, (04 366 9187). Jones The Grocer (Credit: Jones the Grocer The Palm) The Palm Jumeirah all-day restaurant is offering the little ones a free dish from the kid's menu as long as they're with one paying adult. Head over in the morning for brekkie or come dinner time, your little bundles of joy can be treated to wagyu meatballs or a crispy chicken burger for no cost at all. Free (with one adult min spend Dhs100). Available daily 7.30am-11.30am. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, (054 998 6162). Revo Café After a day out and about, settle those little appetites with a free meal at the restaurant in the NH Collection Dubai The Palm. From Belgian waffles to crispy cheese toasties, kids under the age of 12 can have a complimentary dish as long as they're each with a paying adult. Open daily 7am-10pm. NH Collection Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, (04 549 7942). The Noodle House Credit: The Noodle House Did someone say noodles? Kids eat free at The Noodle House every night of the week, meaning the little ones can dig into dim sums, baos ramen and all the rest without breaking the bank. A tasty (and pocket-friendly) option, there are branches stretching from JBR to City Walk, so it's easy to reach too. Various locations, @thenoodlehouse_dxb Hungry for more? New Dubai restaurants 2025: The just-opened spots you need to try next The new dining spots you need on your radar 30 top-rated pizza places in Dubai you must try in 2025 From thin and crispy to puffy crusts, here are the tastiest pizzas in town Kids summer camps in Dubai to book now: from sports to becoming a zookeeper Don't miss out on your spot
