Latest Updates

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Before he took office Jacob Rees-Mogg said that Prime Minister Boris Johnson “must peddle optimism as if he were a steroid-boosted cyclist trying to win the Tour de France.” And so it has come to pass.

There is a growing trend for health professionals to acknowledge that patients and their families are experts by experience.

The NI Human Rights Commission is struggling to function within its current budgets. Recurrent cuts have left some of its main functions unavailable. This needs to change.

Northern Ireland has startling gaps in life expectancy between rich and poor areas. Scope looks at the latest figures from the Department of Health.

Mental health provision has never been good enough. As our understanding of mental health improves, we need to build a system fit for the future, not the present. Technology will play a part. We need to decide what part that is.

Boris Johnson’s elevation to Prime Minister will have profound – and potentially negative – impacts on public health policy.

A new PM will – ultimately – mean elections. Low-income voters are energised, having re-engaged in UK politics. This is an opportunity for politicians who support their interests. It could be the downfall of those who don’t.

There is one thing almost everyone can do, every day and at no cost, that would simultaneously improve their health, fitness, mental wellbeing and reduce pollution. Walking.

The third sector employs more than 50,000 people in Northern Ireland. However, organisations say they struggle to find suitable candidates for new jobs. Brexit won’t help.