Foodstock founder Paul Doherty has warned that the charity’s Education and Empowerment Centre on King Street in Belfast city centre, and the children’s services operating from it, are under serious threat.
Mr Doherty says this is due to plans by Extern to relocate services supporting people affected by homelessness, addiction and complex needs into the building immediately next door.
Foodstock's concerns began when the original intention from Extern included an enhanced needle and syringe exchange service beside the children’s centre. That element has since changed following Foodstock’s objections, but Extern still intends to relocate another service into the adjoining building.
Mr Doherty said: “We have created a truly positive, safe and happy environment here, giving children from right across this city opportunities they might not otherwise have and helping them build confidence, self-belief and, with that, better and brighter futures.
“We understand the scale of homelessness and addiction on our streets and we recognise the difficult work Extern are trying to do. We want those services supported."
Foodstock say that they have met directly with Extern and asked the organisation not to proceed with the King Street location and instead secure alternative premises, which Mr Doherty says they have so far refused to do.
Mr Doherty says that the decision was taken without any consultation with Foodstock, that no risk-assessment was provided, and that this development presents a serious child safeguarding issue. He says that parents, tutors and schools who use the service have expressed concerns and said that they would reluctantly walk away if plans go ahead.
He continued: “If that happens, we will be forced to close our children’s services. That would be devastating for so many children and families and would take away opportunities that have been built here specifically for them."
Mr Doherty stressed that its opposition is not to services for people experiencing homelessness, addiction or other complex needs, but specifically to locating those services immediately beside an established and heavily used children’s education centre.
He called on the Executive, and Belfast City Council and the Housing Executive to help Extern find "a suitable alternative," saying that they want services supported but not "at the cost of our children's centre".
“We will continue to oppose this proposal and we will not stand by and allow the opportunities created here at this education centre to be cruelly taken away from children and their families.
“We are standing up for those children, and we sincerely hope common sense prevails.”
Leslie-Ann Scott, CEO of Extern, said that those accessing homelessness support "should not be viewed as a safeguarding concern simply because they need help", and added that the service being relocated to King Street has supported people across Belfast for almost 30 years.
“The people who access this service include families with dependent children, young people leaving care and individuals facing a range of housing-related challenges. Many are seeking support at a point where timely intervention can prevent homelessness and help maintain stability for themselves and their families."
She continued: “Of those seeking support, many are experiencing the impact of poverty, ill-health, trauma, domestic abuse, exploitation, family breakdown or wider cost-of-living pressures. Every year, the service supports more than 900 individuals and families across Belfast and remains an important city centre service."
“We are concerned by suggestions that people experiencing homelessness or housing instability should be viewed as a risk to children simply because they require support. Many of those accessing our service are themselves vulnerable and are seeking help during a difficult period in their lives."
Ms Scott explained how Extern's Homeless Support Service is not a drop-in facility and that it primarily serves as an office base for staff. She said that much of the team's work is delivered through outreach across Belfast, and that individuals attend the office by appointment and are received within the building.
She added: "Homelessness can affect anyone and we are here to support those who find themselves facing that reality. The people who use this service are members of our community. They are someone's son, daughter, mother, father, brother, sister, friend or neighbour.
“Belfast is fortunate to have a strong network of community, voluntary and statutory organisations supporting people at times of need. While our roles may differ, we are united by a shared belief that everyone deserves support, opportunity and hope, regardless of the circumstances they face."
