Belfast: Homeless service next to children’s centre a ‘safeguarding issue’

A children’s centre has said it is “under threat” because of plans for a homelessness service to move into a building next door.

Foodstock, which aims to tackle poverty in Belfast, runs the children’s centre and its founder, independent councillor Paul Doherty, said the move is a “child safeguarding issue”.

He said the concern is “not who is turning up, but there may be people turning up and attending in distress, crisis or in unpredictable circumstances”.

However, Extern chief executive Leslie-Ann Scott said people should not be viewed as a safeguarding concern “simply because they need help”.

Extern provides support to those with issues such as substance abuse, poor mental health and homelessness.

It is understood Extern initially planned to include a needle and syringe exchange service at the building on King Street in Belfast city centre, but because of objections by Foodstock this has since been scrapped.

Extern said the building will primarily serve as an office base for staff while anyone attending will only do so “by appointment”.

Foodstock’s children’s centre provides free education, transfer test tuition and support to families.