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Public Figures Quizzed by Community
30th September 2010
Community leaders and residents from Suffolk and Lenadoon quizzed political and statutory representatives on issues such as funding for the community sector.
The Suffolk Lenadoon ‘Talks Back’ event was organised by SLIG and held in our offices on the Stewartstown Road on Friday 24th September.
The panel consisted of political and statutory representatives and included Sinn Fein MLA, Sue Ramsey, Dawn Purvis (Independent Unionist), Paula Bradshaw (UUP), Tim Attwood (SDLP) and Sean McKenna (Northern Ireland Housing Executive). The event was chaired by a former Irish News Editor, Nick Garbutt, who is currently working on the SLIG Story.
Panel members were questioned on public spending cuts and the impact on the community and voluntary sector. There was broad agreement that such cuts would be devastating for disadvantaged communities, such as Suffolk and Lenadoon with support for community and voluntary services being expressed. However, UUP Councilor, Paula Bradshaw, who works in the community sector, asserted that as a society there is “a need to start standing on our own two feet.”
Michael Doherty, the Chairperson of the Lenadoon Neighbourhood Partnership provided an example of how the community sector saves public money through cost-effective service delivery. Michael said: “The Lenadoon Women’s Group receives Neighbourhood Renewal Funding of approximately £44 000 per year. The project works in partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust to return children in care back to their families.” He pointed out that it costs £85,000 per year to keep one child in care, saying that “in the last twelve months Lenadoon Women’s Group has returned 12 children to their families, saving the government over £1m per annum.”
Other issues that were dealt with included the recent murder of Bobby Moffett, the purpose and need for the Independent Monitoring Committee, the prospect of water charges and the continuing impact and role of paramilitaries in communities and on the peace process.
Members of the Suffolk Lenadoon Youth Council questioned the panel on issues that affect young people such as housing needs and how political parties serve them?
Such events as the Talks Back form part of SLIG’s advocacy programme and provide an essential platform for both communities to express and promote their traditions and culture. For future events consult this website and/or our Facebook page and Twitter.