Minister praises work of Halifax Foundation NI at celebratory event
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons 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 Minister’s speech can be read in full here
- Photo caption: Minister Lyons is pictured with Brenda Kelly, Chair, Halifax Foundation for NI; Jenny Burnside, Group Ambassador for NI, and members of the Open Arts Community Choir.
- 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.
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