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Scope speaks with Irish singer Frances Black about her work as an addiction counsellor and the founder of RISE, a support group for the loved ones of those with addiction, which follow on from her own battles with alcohol.

If people lose faith in what society offers then violence can rear its head. Scope looks at recent efforts from the Equality Coalition into whether there is a risk of a Troubles relapse as the public purse tightens and our economy splutters.

Finance Minister Arlene Foster has just opened a consultation on the rating system that could have significant implications for charities here. 

There will be winners and losers in the sector when the Big Lottery’s new strategy People in the Lead is rolled out, Scope reports. 

With the funding crisis deepening by the day Scope examines a new approach which may help to transform communities and create social change. 

Northern Ireland’s Executive is so dysfunctional that it is breaching peoples’ human rights, the United Nations was told this week. 

Scope takes a look at claims by the charity that operates Lifeline that new proposals for the 24/7 crisis phoneline it operates could undermine the service and place vulnerable lives at risk.

As the Arts Council finds itself hit by more cuts - most of which will have to be passed on to funded organisations - Scope speaks with chair Bob Collins, who says seeing the sector as a soft target misses the point and will lead to trouble.

Claire Keatinge has plenty to say as she reflects on her four years in office as Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland.

The Mental Capacity Bill discriminates against children and represents a missed opportunity to protect the most vulnerable, argues Eamonn McNally from the Children’s Law Centre

The importance of Welfare Reform in Northern Ireland has shrunk, grown or both - depending on your views - thanks to the Chancellor's July budget. Over 100,000 homes have projected income reductions of over £1,600. Scope takes a look.

Provisions for dealing with the past within the Stormont House Agreement have come in for much public criticism. Scope looks at whether confusion on the issues is related to a lack of honest dialogue with the public.

Behind the headlines progress is being made in implementing the flagship Transforming Your Care programme, Scope reports. 

Scope editor Nick Garbutt argues that the decision to hold part of the Finance Committee's Nama investigation in private is a subversion of democracy. 

The current political crisis is having unexpected consequences, Scope reports. 

A report released this week says we need to better provide for female victims in order to address the legacy of conflict. Scope looks at its suggestions.

Scope meets Seamus Boyd, the driving force behind Radio Ulster’s flagship Sunday Sequence show. 

Forced labour remains a global scourge. Scope went along to a Law Centre NI conference and spoke with Kevin Hyland, UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and former top cop at the Met, about what can be done.

Scope editor Nick Garbutt reflects on the refugee crisis and looks back at Ireland's history of migration 

Following the announcement of a new Lidl scheme to fund community groups across Northern Ireland, Scope asks whether partnerships between the voluntary and private sectors are a world of untapped potential.