As Christians we have a responsibility, not only to give generously to address immediate social need, but to work with political leaders and the wider community to change the structures that are trapping people in cycles of poverty.<\/p>\n
\u201d\u02dcLocal communities are ready to be active partners in tackling the root causes of social exclusion and are best placed to inform and shape this work. In community and faith\u201d\u201cbased organisations, volunteers are working quietly and effectively to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable and marginalised, including the basic necessities of food, shelter and much\u201d\u201cneeded emotional and psychological support. As demands continue to rise, charities are stretched beyond capacity and facing difficult decisions about the future.<\/p>\n
\u201d\u02dcThe unacceptable level of child poverty, affecting over 100,000 children, roughly 6% of Northern Ireland\u2019s population, constitutes a real crisis. Supports that have proved to be effective in recent years in addressing inequality and closing the gap in crucial areas such as educational disadvantage are now being withdrawn through lack of funding. The failure to invest adequately in the future leaders of our society is a cause of deep frustration among young people, leaving many feeling disconnected from political processes.<\/p>\n