AGM at Skainos Belfast – Thursday 23rd May 2024

Our Chair, Mehrshad Esfandiari welcomed everyone followed by a very comprehensive review of the past year by our Coordinator Israel Eguaogie.

We were delighted to present the Belfast City of Sanctuary Award to Paul Doherty in recognition of his contribution in tackling poverty in Belfast communities through Foodstock.

Following the opening of the Community Solidarity Hub in West Belfast in 2022, Paul has also initiated Asylum Seeker and Refugee Language Classes, Employability Support, Benefits and Housing Advice Clinics, a preloved school uniform scheme as well as providing people with access to healthy eating initiatives and empowering people to grow their own vegetables.

Paul has a close connection with many schools and organisations within his community and is a board member of West Wellbeing Suciide Awareness Charity, Lagmore Youth Project Management Committee and is on the board of governors of the Belfast Hospital School.

Dr Edie Shillue then spoke about her work in asylum and refugee awareness. Edie is always a vital contact in relation to assessing trends in migration.

While waiting for lunch to arrive, we were entertained by Italian singer and musician Alesandro.

Well done and thanks to everyone who contributed to our AGM including our Coordinator, office bearers and volunteers.