Scope Articles

Tough times can bring out the best in people

25 Jan 2023

Two new pieces of research lay out two sides of the cost-of-living crisis: poor mental health, and communities rising to meet the problems we all face.

Data is growing. How it grows is up to us.

6 Jan 2023

Does big data provide an opportunity to improve the world? Can our personal info be used for nefarious ends? The answer to both is yes, potentially. Everyone should have an educated say in how we, as a society, use data.

NI’s fiscal powers – the coming storm

14 Sep 2022

The Fiscal Council has published its first report into NI’s spending abilities. If you think the current status quo of failing healthcare, over-budget schools and sparse cost-of-living interventions is bad, wait till you see what’s next.

It isn’t easy to leave abuse behind

7 Sep 2022

People in abusive relationships need the confidence to know that, if they leave, they can do so safely – and with plenty of support.

Improving the care system: a massive task that’s worth the effort

1 Sep 2022

There is no single way to maximise the outcomes for children in care. Big improvements are possible, but reform will take time.

Our towns and cities can be whatever we want them to be

Commercial Court, just off Hill Street, in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter (photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash)

24 Aug 2022

Northern Ireland’s urban spaces are designed to suit cars. We could tinker with this – or transform it entirely.

Charities want NI to have a government asap

10 Aug 2022

Civic society plays a key role in Northern Ireland’s wellbeing. It is worth listening to – and what it says about the Stormont impasse could scarcely be more unified.

Food banks are charities that don’t want to exist

The front page of last week's Newtonards Chronicle

4 Aug 2022

Demand for food banks is soaring but, as the cost of living increases, people are less able to donate. However, helping food banks does not fix any fundamental problems – something the Trussell Trust is determined to make clear.

The cost of living is creating a poverty sinkhole

27 Jul 2022

A new report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation shows that, while poverty in general has waxed and waned over the past 20 years, the number of people and families living in destitution has increased significantly.

Youth justice: on the cusp of modernity?

18 Jul 2022

NI is behind the times when it comes to children and the justice system. Plans for change have been announced – and not before time – but still need to be realised.

The fundamental weaknesses of any UBI pilot scheme

Devolved governments have the ability to make bold choices - but they have little room for error (photo by Jonny Gios on Unsplash)

5 Jul 2022

The Welsh Government has announced a trial of universal basic income. That’s what they’re calling it, anyway. It’s a bold move by a devolved government and Stormont should pay attention. However, some issues remain.

We urgently need political leadership if we are to reduce or prevent homelessness

30 Jun 2022

Following deaths of six people who were sleeping on the streets of Belfast over just two weeks, Homeless Connect CEO Nicola McCrudden writes for Scope about how we can best address the complex set of issues that can lead to such tragedies.

Not all inflation is bad. Current inflation is terrible.

26 Jan 2022

Inflation is complicated and its effect on people is dependent on several other factors. UK inflation has risen to 5.4% but it’s the specific price rises behind this figure that are extremely concerning.

Tech, health and public spaces – NI has its own digital currency

App designer Stephen McPeake, Belfast Lord Mayor Kate Nicholl, and Justice Minister Naomi Long

16 Jun 2021

A new public scheme is set to pay people to exercise more and use parks and greenways. Civic Dollars is hoping to take on several issues at once. The scheme might just do some good.

Autism services are not fit for purpose

13 May 2021

It would be simple to call anything and everything a priority as we look beyond Covid-19 – but the need for better support for autism truly does stand apart.

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