NI Blockade Story: How Northern Ireland Community Groups Take Action

Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice £ 5,000

Regarding this week’s Belfast Live, Sam said:

“That first week we raised £ 22,000. Then it was crazy-we had 1,300 balloon requests overnight.

“I’m very proud. Not just myself, but everyone else. Both communities got together during Covid to do this.

“Yes, that might have been my idea, but I couldn’t do this without the help of others.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

“He has raised a great amount of money to support the NHS charity. I am pleased to acknowledge his service to others.”

Brandon Lewis said: “I’m pleased that Sam was praised for the Prime Minister’s hard work. His efforts make a big difference to Northern Ireland’s charities and community groups. Contribution to the community during Covid-19.”

Young people proved their worth

In many cases, the spotlight on young people is negative, and bad news spreads faster than good news.

However, during the pandemic, children and young adults were at the forefront of community reaction, with friendly faces to those in need of a smile.

Known for their leadership and resilience, the youth group acted swiftly to adapt their work and engagement methods. It was difficult for most people to live in a virtual world, but the day they were told they could meet again was “the greatest day ever.”

Based in the heart of Shankir, R-CITY works all year round with young people from Ardin to Barry Silane and in the meantime.

The pandemic saw how these young people could take responsibility, organize food parcels, and give back to those at the forefront of life-threatening.

Shonagh Toner said: “The first few weeks were great and I was doing as normal as I could. Then for three of the four weeks I thought,” No, I need to do something more. ” They were so accustomed to doing it before Covid that they were energized and felt like they were giving back.

“We supported the NHS at a coffee shop going to Mater Hospital and created a food pack for those in need. We also created a well-being pack for young people.

“Since it was a time when people’s emotions were high, these packs were made up of things for stress and anxiety.

“In the last two years, the community has actually come together, which shows that everyone is there for each other and lags behind each other for support.

“In the blockade, everyone had something in common. It brought the community together.”

Community Minister Humbled by Covid-19’s Reaction

Deirdre Hargey served as Community Minister in January 2020.

Unknown to Mr. Hargay, she quickly falls into a pandemic, making people most vulnerable at even higher risks than usual.

The Community Minister sat at Belfast Live this week to reflect on her role as Minister and as a community representative and activist.

“Looking back, at that stage we couldn’t foresee the magnitude of the changes that would occur overnight when the blockage began to occur,” said Minister Hargay.

“I quickly set up an emergency leadership group when I knew that a pandemic would affect grassroots and people in the community. I wanted to bring community leaders from not only grassroots but also the local organizations that support their activities.

“Initially, we set up that emergency leadership group. They worked with the department and with me and the staff team to actually shape the program to meet the needs of the inhabitants of our community. It was excellent. Overall.

“When I learned that the blockade was imminent, one of the big areas was the food problem, when I learned that there was a vulnerable group advised by the Ministry of Health not to leave the house and quarantine. . Important issue. “

Proud of the apparent community reaction across Northern Ireland, Minister Hargay said he was moved by how quickly people sought help.

“We physically packed community centers, church halls, sports grounds, and food boxes, and they were delivered to people’s homes.

“There have been major changes in such a short period of time, but without the help of all the community heroes who were really involved in digging, dirtying, and really meeting people’s needs, we wouldn’t have been able to do that. I lived in and around them.

“I’m a community activist and I’ve done it for the rest of my life. As a minister, I think I was humble because I’m there to make policies and make a difference, especially in response to a health pandemic, but it’s a real thing. It was a daily step. I went to a local community center, got a list of names of people who had to pack food boxes, quarantine, and actually delivered the service to the door. “

Video by Belfast Live videographer Harry Bateman.

read more: “High Level” of Covid-19 Circulating Northern Ireland

read more: Do I need to wear a mask at NI?

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