SOS NI is a volunteered centred charity that is making a real difference to children, young people and adults on the streets of Belfast during the night time economy period. It offers a unique mobile service that can be located wherever it is needed, reducing pressure on the police, ambulance service and A&E departments.
SOS volunteers operate from specifically designed and equipped buses that create Safe Spaces in the heart of the city. Minibus teams respond to calls from the PSNI, bar security staff and other organisations ensuring that professional caring services are delivered to the vulnerable in times of crisis.
The financial boost from Hagan Homes will ensure that SOS NI continues to deliver its charitable support services.
Discussing the donation James Hagan, Chair and Founder of Hagan Homes, which recently announced its plans to build 2000 new homes over the next ten years as part of an ambitious £300million development programme, said:
“Hagan Homes is celebrating its 30th anniversary and as part of the company’s celebrations we have planned a series of significant donations to a number of local charities. We are committed to supporting local communities and wanted to support organisations that have young people and families at the heart of what they do.”
James continues: “We have worked closely with SOS NI for many years and value what they do in terms of being there on the streets to provide tangible support to people who may have consumed too much alcohol or who may be impacted by loneliness, depression, isolation or experiencing relationship issues. It is important that as a society we recognise vulnerability and support each other on these occasions. That’s what a community does. Our team at Hagan Homes is also keen to get involved as volunteers.”
Joanne McQuillan from SOS NI thanks Hagan Homes for the valuable financial assistance and explains how the money is being spent:
“Hagan Homes donation has given us the scope to develop and grow our volunteer training programme. We have designed and delivered a bespoke accredited Basic Life Support Course to 90 volunteers and trained 51 volunteers to understand mental health and complete a Listening and Communication Skills course.
“We have purchased new uniforms for 200 volunteers and hosted two volunteer recognition events. The additional resource has also assisted with the running costs of our Welfare Service. It has been invaluable and without it we wouldn’t have been able to do any of these things. Thank you, Hagan Homes!”
SOS NI has 220 volunteers that provide care and support to clients. Since it began operating in 2007, volunteers have engaged with 342,000 people on the streets of Belfast, provided in-depth medical and caring services to 12,800 vulnerable people, and helped to save many lives.
SOS Bus Night Time Service is a volunteer led, street-based welfare service delivered on Friday, Saturday nights in Belfast city centre. Three sixty-foot flexi buses operate as hubs in Belfast city centre from which volunteers provide welfare and medical care, while four response mini-buses bring vulnerable people around the city to the big buses, where volunteers can provide in-depth care.
Caitlin McCartney, SOS NI Volunteer Coordinator; James Hagan, Chair and Founder of Hagan Homes; and Joanne McQuillan, Operations Manager, SOS NI.
Advertisement
