Scope Articles

Let's think about the economy for once

2 Jul 2021

The next decade will be critical for the economy which is why we cannot afford for our politicians to be blindsided by constitutional issues – no matter how important they might appear to be to some.

Why children need a Summer of Play

29 Jun 2021

Play is in our nature – and it’s there for a reason. Scope speaks with PlayBoard NI CEO Jacqueline O’Loughlin about how children and young people need more support to explore themselves and the world around them.

Sausage wars leave bitter taste

25 Jun 2021

The imbroglio of the Northern Ireland protocol has served to demonstrate just how important EU membership was to the peace process – and the scale of the instability we now face.

Caring is tough, lacks support – and can be lonely

23 Jun 2021

Carers face so many challenges that some – such as loneliness – do not get the attention they deserve.

A new kind of living: NI gets its first co-housing community

17 Jun 2021

Northern Ireland’s first co-housing project was launched earlier this month on a 13 acre site on the outskirts of Portaferry, Co Down.

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.

Let the children play

10 Jun 2021

Experts are expressing increasing concern about the impact the pandemic has had on physical activity amongst children and we have more reasons for worry in Northern Ireland than elsewhere.

Relationships and Sexuality Education should be standardised, comprehensive, more inclusive – and mandatory

Consent is in the dictionary - but it is vital for young people to discuss what it means

8 Jun 2021

Northern Ireland gives educators a lot of leeway on RSE. Some local organisations say the system needs to be tightened to avoid failing children.

Education: why the first days of life are the most important of all

4 Jun 2021

If we are to fix educational underachievement in Northern Ireland we are going to have to spend £49.7 million extra every year on children before they even get to school.

Child poverty and Northern Ireland's house of cards

Housing costs and poverty are inextricably linked (Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash)

1 Jun 2021

Progress on child poverty has been slow. Between the pandemic and rising house prices, things could be about to get much worse.

Poverty, mental health and an unkind welfare state

27 May 2021

A proper debate about the links between mental ill health and poverty and what needs to be done about it is overdue.

Covid-19 and women: a shrinking job market and a growing risk of violence at home

Home is not a safe place for everyone (photo by Gus Ruballo on Unsplash)

26 May 2021

For women, economic prospects and domestic abuse are interlinked. The pandemic is putting pressure on both.

Friends to all: the remarkable story of the Quakers in Ireland

21 May 2021

Last summer, just before the second wave of the pandemic struck, Shane Whelehan became chief executive of Quaker Service Northern Ireland.

Should Northern Ireland set its own income tax?

Photo by the New York Public Library on Unsplash

19 May 2021

Discussions about devolving more tax powers to NI are beginning in earnest. This could transform government – but risk and opportunity go hand in hand.

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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