Assembly Committee for Communities holds meeting at Skainos during Homelessness Awareness Week

The Northern Ireland Assembly's Committee for Communities held their meeting at the Skainos Centre, Belfast on Thursday 4 December during Homelessness Awareness Week (1 December to 7 December).

The main focus of the meeting was learning more about the important homelessness services being provided here.

Committee Chairperson Colm Gildernew MLA said: "Homelessness Awareness Week brings a rightful focus each year to the reality of homelessness. Our meeting this week will build on the evidence we have heard throughout the year from a number of groups providing essential support in the sector.

"The evidence today from East Belfast Mission, CRISPP and the Simon Community shows the real innovation and diversity of approaches being adopted locally. The theme of Homelessness Awareness Week this year is 'See The Person' and we can appreciate how the person-centred and tailored approach taken by service providers puts people at the heart of the support services.

"Committee recognises the challenges faced by the sector in terms of funding and rising costs and it was vital to hear about these directly from service providers.

"The evidence received today will assist the Committee to continue its role in supporting and scrutinising the work of the Department to improve both access to, and outcomes delivered by these essential services."

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

The Committee heard from East Belfast Mission on Community Led Housing approaches.

The second briefing was from the Committee Representing Independent Supporting People Providers (CRISPP) on the Future of the Supporting People programme.

The third briefing was from the Simon Community on their Childhood Adversity.

For interview opportunities, please contact Robbie Best at the NI Assembly Communications Office - Robbie.best@niassembly.gov.uk