Think Friday: Meet our new team members!

This week we’re delighted to introduce you to Danielle, our new public policy officer and Andrew, our new graduate researcher. We also share news of some advocacy that we’ve been involved in around children with very serious special educational needs and reflect on a year since the abortion law changed here.

We’re so pleased to welcome Danielle and Andrew and excited about the gifts and experiences they are bringing into our team! Please do remember them in your prayers as they settle in and serve in the days ahead.

On Thursday Donna and David appeared at the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Education Committee, alongside the National Autistic Society, to advocate for some of the most vulnerable people in society. Children, families and carers living with autism and profound disability rely on services which were suddenly removed as the pandemic unfolded earlier this year. Without school, therapeutic intervention and respite facilities, there have been growing concerns around the impact and effects on this community sector. You can watch Donna giving evidence here and the BBC news coverage is also available. See how one local church stepped into this space to offer buildings and volunteers and email [email protected] if you would like help to respond to an ongoing cross-departmental consultation on the effects of Covid-19 on vulnerable children.

Also this week marks one year since the law on abortion in Northern Ireland was dramatically removed. In the six months from the start of April to the beginning of October we know that over 650 abortions took place in Northern Ireland. You can read our press release here which was picked up in this news article. Our friends at Both Lives Matter continue to signpost to practical services and advocate for the protection of life and the provision of better choices for women.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Proverbs 31: 8-9

Blessings from all the team