UNISON Northern Ireland

UNISON Press Release

UNISON condemns threats against North Belfast Family Centre

UNISON is aware that threats have been made against the North Belfast Family Centre linked to the building of a bonfire in the New Lodge area. Responding to these threats, UNISON Regional Secretary Patricia McKeown said:

“UNISON views it as completely unacceptable for threats of this kind to be made in relation to a family centre. Vulnerable children, their families and social services workers regularly use centres like these for a vitally important range of activities.

We utterly condemn anyone who would make threats such as these against a Family Centre. We are aware that a police investigation is underway, but we expect the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust to take steps to protect service users and workers.

We have been in contact with our members in the area and will continue to offer them support and advice. We would urge any UNISON members with concerns to raise them with us.

We also strongly support those community leaders who have invested many years of commitment to ensuring that the month of August is a time for community solidarity in the New Lodge area, with special emphasis on a better life for its young people. The people of the New Lodge have a proud tradition of standing together to challenge hardship and injustice. The current actions by a small number of people are not part of that tradition.

We demand that these threats be withdrawn immediately.”

END STATEMENT

Notes to editors

  1. Numerous media outlets reported yesterday (7th August 2019) that threats had been made to burn down the North Belfast Family Centre if attempts were made to dismantle a bonfire near the site.
  2. For comment, please contact Patricia McKeown – 07802539096 or UNISON – 02890270190