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My usual advice on exam results days is less for the kids, who aren’t following me! But the adults. If the results aren’t what was hoped, let them feel it. Be there, support. Be careful the “I didn’t do well, but look at me now” stories don’t dismiss how they are feeling today.

Perfect antidote to all the negativity about diversity here. Listen to Ini (17) from DiverseYouth NI talk about politics here, mental health and racism and Kate Nicholl talk about working to support migrant and asylum seeker families @bettererpeacepod buzzsprout.com/2320776/155699…

It’s been a joy to have Alyssa Doherty join me for work experience this week - what a credit to Ulster University. Law firms look out for her - she’s definitely going places! 🙌 ⭐️

CHILDCARE SUBSIDY - DEADLINE TOMORROW Deadline to register your child for September is 20th August.  Register your child here: early-years.org/nicss/parents *When applying, you will be asked for providers HSCT reg number & your tax free childcare details

The librarian at Newtownbreda Libraries NI suggested I try The Heart’s Invisible Furies & I’ve just finished it 😭 A vivid reminder of how awful Ireland was (until recently) if you were gay or pregnant & unwed. But also how much a society can change if enough people fight for it.

The Post Office Horizon It Inquiry is inviting sub-postmasters in Northern Ireland impacted by the Horizon scandal to join a series of focus groups where they can shape its upcoming Legacy Project. For more information and details on how to apply, see: postofficehorizoninquiry.org.uk/news/sub-postm…

Magical day with the kids at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens- two big Peter Rabbit fans in our house so it was lots of fun searching for characters in the stunning gardens & great coincidence the summer fair was on too with lots of lovely food, stalls, plant sale & kids activities 💙

Driving back to the constituency office singing along to all the Oasis songs being played on talkback - lyrics I know for the least cool reason: learnt for a Methody junior Choir medley 😆 I think it’s class they’re getting back together.

Fire out now & traffic slow but PSNI managing - avoid Saintfield rd / Newton park junction if possible. Spoke to owners who are shaken but thankfully no one harmed. Very impressed with Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service handling.

Lovely to visit the site of Sense Belfast Hub today - it’s going to be an accessible community centre for disabled people of all ages and their families, due to open next year in South Belfast. Can’t wait to see it when it’s all finished!

Good Relations funding motions PASSED at BCC, LCCC and ANBC ✅🎉 Local Good Relations programmes are key for reconciliation and combatting intolerance, and Alliance is committed to seeing them recognised as such and funded appropriately 👏

I’m a big fan of the Minority Recognition Awards which celebrate the contribution minority ethnic individuals make not only to our economy but to our society as a whole - tough being a judge again this year & excited to celebrate some extraordinary role models next month 🌟

A pretty place, a major regeneration initiative AND an inspiration to so many who are passionate about environmentalism and community 🍃

Brilliant maiden speech from Sorcha Eastwood MP - who was born for this! 💛

When I asked the Independent Review Panel which recommendation they would prioritise, one answer was review of the curriculum. Positive news the Terms of Reference are being worked on & even though I’m coming off the Education brief I’ll be interested to see the plan for this.

Talk about using a sledgehammer to crack a nut! I welcome the guidance on mobile phone usage in schools, but spending £250k on a pilot scheme for ‘magnetic pouches’ when school budgets are at breaking point is senseless. Is the Minister seriously considering a full roll out?