Scope Articles

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News and insights into public policy to enhance civic society

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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.

Measuring the impact of Northern Ireland’s charities: a work in progress

22 Jun 2022

Best practice has moved from counting outputs to measuring outcomes. However, change takes time. The local third sector is moving in the right direction but more needs to be done.

The Rwanda asylum policy is working perfectly for Boris Johnson

15 Jun 2022

With no good ideas to improve people’s lives, the Westminster government has nothing left except its ability to fabricate arguments and make people angry.

Northern Ireland needs to learn to communicate

9 Jun 2022

Local people know the crippling effect relationship distress can have on their lives. However, most are reluctant to discuss their problems – and many don’t even know how.

Youth organisations have a big role in improving child mental health

7 Apr 2022

The wellbeing of Northern Ireland’s children and young people remains a concern. Local youth groups could do with better financial support – and help building systems where they can collaborate.

Can children make their parents care about climate change?

22 Feb 2022

A survey of NI parents found, for the first time, that climate change is an emerging worry. This could change attitudes across all of society – and lead to action.

What’s the point of Stormont?

8 Feb 2022

It’s election season in NI, which means wondering not just who will top the polls – but also if an Executive can be formed afterwards, and whether there’s any point having a government anyway.

Northern Ireland’s education system lets deaf children fall behind

A newborn baby hearing test (photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash)

3 Feb 2022

Deaf children should perform just as well as their peers. Right now, this isn’t happening. Better support would allow children to thrive.

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.

We all have a part to play in reducing violence against women

18 Jan 2022

Northern Ireland is the most dangerous place in Europe to be a woman. That has to change. Everyone – including all men – has a role in creating a safer society.

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