Scope Articles

Local news is vital for communities

Some original Fake News, in which a beloved dog named Boy is killed by a Necromancer

27 Sep 2019

Newspapers are dying, but we still need news. How should we replace what is lost? Should journalism go full circle and return to its roots as a charitable cause?

Pivotal: Northern Ireland's new think tank

27 Sep 2019

Northern Ireland had the dubious distinction of being the only part of the UK without a think tank, until this week.

‘Traditional’ men’s work is not just for boys

Women’stec CEO Lynn Carvill (left) with Mark Nutt and Maria Bradley from Gilbert-Ash

19 Sep 2019

North Belfast charity Women’stec is tearing down barriers that have kept women from careers like joinery, plumbing and surveying. Scope speaks with CEO Lynn Carvill.

NI's environment strategy: have your say

18 Sep 2019

Work has started on developing an environmental strategy for Northern Ireland, at long last.

Politicians and policy: lessons from Dublin

13 Sep 2019

There is little or no serious discussion about public policy in Northern Ireland, with or without a functioning government. This needs to change.

Welfare Reform mitigations must continue

13 Sep 2019

A Westminster committees inquiry has concluded that NI’s mitigations package should continue beyond next March’s benefits cliff edge – action is required now.

Why we need to reforest Northern Ireland

6 Sep 2019

New research tells us that restoring our ancient forests is both the cheapest and most effective way of tackling climate change. Northern Ireland is the second most deforested part of Europe. We should therefore be at the forefront of change.

East Belfast community work is ready to blossom

6 Sep 2019

A multi-partner project aiming to build capacity and leadership among community groups appears to be that rare thing – an unqualified success.

Mary Ann McCracken, a tireless campaigner for social justice

30 Aug 2019

The Belfast Charitable Society, the city’s oldest charity, has set up a foundation to celebrate the life and work of one of Belfast’s most remarkable women – Mary Ann McCracken.

Autism petition approaches 10,000 signatures

29 Aug 2019

Autism NI is calling for mandatory autism training for all teachers in Northern Ireland –organising a petition they will present at Stormont next month. Scope speaks with CEO Kerry Boyd.

The need for smart justice

23 Aug 2019

The Northern Ireland Probation service is consulting the public on how it should develop its services in the future.

Independent Guardian Service marks a year of helping children in desperation

21 Aug 2019

In 12 months, Barnardo’s NI helped 55 children and young people who were trafficked to NI or who arrived here alone. Some of their circumstances are heartbreaking. Scope takes a look.

Obesity, fitness trackers, and the war on diabetes

15 Aug 2019

There are currently 96,000 people diagnosed with diabetes in Northern Ireland – that’s 6% of the population. By this time next year that figure will rise to more than 100,000.

The Boris bounce and the science of optimism