Stormont’s health minister has expressed concern following the deaths of five people after an arson attack on a homeless charity in Belfast ahead of a meeting with bereaved families.
Mike Nesbitt said he has “reached out” to the Minister for Communities “to see what more can be done” in the wake of the closure of the Welcome Organisation’s headquarters in the Divis area last month.
“I would like offer my heartfelt sympathy to the families of those who have lost their lives,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.
“Too many people across Northern Ireland have suffered the devastating loss of a loved one because of homelessness, mental health and substance use related issues.
“Some weeks ago, I accepted an invitation to meet with a number of bereaved families and that meeting is scheduled for later this month.”
It comes after SDLP councillor Paul Doherty called for an urgent response to recent deaths and said he’s working with the charity to establish new premises.
Graffiti warning that “any workmen repairing Welcome Centre will be shot” subsequently appeared on a wall in west Belfast.
It’s understood the INLA is responsible for the sinister threat.
A view of menacing graffiti in west Belfast (David Young/PA)
“I have reached out in the first instance to the Minister for Communities to see what more can be done,” Mr Nesbitt said.
“I am also concerned about the attack on the Welcome Centre whose staff and volunteers work tirelessly to help some of the most vulnerable in our society.
“There are many factors which put individuals at additional risk and can make them more vulnerable to substance use. The issues of homelessness, involvement with the justice system, mental health and substance use are all inter-related and span the responsibilities of several government departments in Northern Ireland.
“To be effective, our response must be a collective one and DoH officials continue to work with colleagues in other departments to address these challenging societal issues. Chronic homelessness is closely linked to mental health issues, drug and alcohol addiction, and those leaving custody.”
The health minister also said addressing the harm related to alcohol and other drugs “is a key priority” for his department.
“NI’s Substance Use Strategy, ‘Preventing Harm, Empowering Recovery’, recognises the need to target those most at risk, including those who are homeless, people who inject drugs and those who are in contact with the justice system,” Mr Nesbitt added.
“Our strategy will aim to directly reduce the harm for these groups through actions that place emphasis on harm reduction support measures for people who use alcohol and other drugs.
Firefighters at the scene of a ramming incident at the Welcome Centre on Townsend Street in west Belfast on July 23rd 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
“Public consultation has just completed on the draft Substance Use Strategic Commissioning & Implementation Plan. The PHA and Department are now giving consideration to comments received on each of the plan’s eight strategic priority areas across all tiers of service, including alignment with housing and homelessness services as appropriate.”
Communities minister Gordon Lyons has also offered condolences to the families of those who have died and insisted work is ongoing to deal with the “complex problem”.
“Five people dying on the streets of Belfast, one of them in the street next to our offices, within a week is a shocking statistic,” he said.
“I want to extend my sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones affected by these tragic incidents.
“As reporting has shown, homelessness is a complex problem, all the more so when people are experiencing mental health or addiction issues. Addressing it involves my department and the Housing Executive, working closely alongside other departments.
“This is part of a much wider effort which also includes a range of statutory, community and voluntary organisations providing support to people who are extremely vulnerable.
“Collectively, work is ongoing to deal with both the long-term underlying causes of homelessness and those people who find themselves in immediate crisis.”
However Mr Lyons said it is a “daunting task” which is “made more difficult by the criminal attack on the Welcome Organisation which disrupted their vital services”.
“The attack also puts greater strain on public finances at a time when funds are scarce,” he added.
“However, my officials will continue to work with the Housing Executive, and wider stakeholder community, to ensure resources are directed to those most in need. The events of this week show that the support provided by services such as the Welcome Organisation can be life-saving.”