Communities Minister has delivered an address at a
Reception Event to celebrate the ongoing work of the Halifax
Foundation for Northern Ireland.
During his speech, Minister Lyons praised the work of the
Foundation and highlighted the importance of strong partnership
and collective action between government, other funders,
charities, and voluntary and community organisations in order to
meet the needs of local communities.
The event, which was held in the Long Gallery at Parliament
Buildings, also profiled the work of the Foundation's supported
charities, which help thousands of people in Northern Ireland by
providing services such as disability support, counselling, food
banks, support for the elderly, drugs and alcohol awareness,
early years interventions, sports programmes and arts and
community groups.
The Minister said: “It's encouraging to see such
close alignment between the Halifax Foundation's strategic
objectives and my department's own aim to support a sustainable,
collaborative and innovative voluntary and community sector. The
sector plays a vital role in shaping public policy, supporting
service delivery and advocating for change, and I want to stress
my commitment to championing and supporting the sector's
important work.”
He continued: “Since becoming Communities Minister,
I have had the privilege of engaging with many organisations
within the sector and have seen first-hand the diverse and
valuable work our voluntary and community organisations are
involved in.”
“The sector supports individuals, families and
communities in ways that no other organisations can, addressing
some of the most challenging issues we face as a society. I am
well aware that they are continuing to deliver critical services
in a tough environment, with increasing operating costs, and I
feel strongly that we must make the best use of every pound we
spend, investing in a way that delivers real results and has
long-term impact. My department will continue to work
collaboratively with the sector, and across government to deliver
impactful, sustainable outcomes which meet the needs of our
communities.”
Notes to editors:
- The Halifax Foundation for NI, which was established in 1985,
is an independent charitable foundation funded by the profits of
Lloyds Banking Group.
- Since 1985, the Foundation has funded over 11,500 local
projects worth approximately £41.5M, supporting people in
greatest need throughout NI. In 2023, 384 charities were
supported to the tune of over £1.5million.
