Roy Beggs MLA and Mike Nesbitt MLA at the launch of the Home-Start manifesto
Ulster Unionist East Antrim representative Roy Beggs MLA has recently attended the Home-Start manifesto launch at Parliament Buildings, where he spoke of his support for the good work that the group does in East Antrim. Ulster Unionist Party Leader Mike Nesbitt MLA was also in attendance.
Roy Beggs MLA said “Home-Start do excellent work in providing our children with safe places to play; support when their parents suffer from mental illness and protection from hunger and poor nutrition. The launch of their manifesto outlined how they envisage that they can make it happen.”
Mr Beggs continued; “I am aware that 1,500 families are being supported by 900 volunteers in Northern Ireland, with 40% of the families that Home-Start supports in Northern Ireland, living in poverty. Parental mental health problems are the most cited reason for referral to Home-Start Northern Ireland, and I am aware that individuals like Health Visitors make regular referrals to the service within our community.”
“Great strides are being taken in Northern Ireland towards improving the life chances of children, with the Assembly already demonstrating ours support by launching our ten year strategy on our commitment to children for 2006-2016.”
Rob Parkinson, Chief Executive of Home-Start UK added “This manifesto seeks to draw the Assembly and other policy makers’ attention to the issues our local Home-Starts tell us are affecting vulnerable children in Northern Ireland. We also propose action to overcome the problems affecting these children as we continue to work with our partners to help Northern Ireland become the best nation to grow up in for all our children.”
Roy Beggs MLA concluded by saying, “If you want to find out more about volunteering for Home-Start aor how it can help you and your family, call 028 9046 0772 or email northernirelandoffice@home-start.org.uk. “
