The Mayor's Nominated Charities for 2024-2025
Cystic Fibrosis Trust
Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to uniting for a life unlimited for everyone affected by cystic fibrosis – an incurable, life-limiting, genetic condition affecting more than 500 people in Northern Ireland.
For 60 years they have funded extensive research, improved care and campaigned for effective treatments for all. In recent years there has been vital breakthroughs and discoveries in CF understanding and treatment, which is making fundamental change to those living with cystic fibrosis. But the journey is not over yet.
People with cystic fibrosis experience a build-up of thick sticky mucus in the lungs, digestive system and other organs, causing a wide range of challenging symptoms affecting the entire body. They can have to take over 40 pills a day, plus undergo hours of gruelling physiotherapy just to stay well. Cystic Fibrosis Trust funds cutting-edge research, campaigns for better standards of care and provides vital information and support to people with CF and their loved one For 60 years we've worked together, sharing moments of frustration, despair and hope, overcoming challenges, and celebrating breakthroughs. Always learning and moving forward.
USPCA
The USPCA is the second oldest animal charity in the world. Their mission is to prevent cruelty to animals, relieve suffering in animals and advance animal welfare in Northern Ireland.
Ultimately, the USPCA want to see a society where all animals are respected and free from unnecessary suffering.
Since 1836, the USPCA have been committed to improving the lives of all animals in Northern Ireland.
They do this through rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wildlife. They tend to sick, injured and abandoned domestic pets, caring for them until they are in a position to find a new loving home.
The USPCA tirelessly campaign and advocate for legislative and government policy change that advances animal welfare in Northern Ireland. They also investigate animal cruelty crime, helping to bring those who abuse animals to justice.
The charity is also responsive to the financial hardship that families and individuals face. They provide vital pet parcels to foodbanks across NI and offer a discounted veterinary scheme for those on low incomes.
Mencap in Northern Ireland
Mencap wants every individual, child, young person or adult with a learning disability in Northern Ireland to have a great quality of life.
Mencap works in partnership with people with a learning disability to provide services that model our mission, vision and ambition. We Campaign to help people with a learning disability receive the support they want and need. We empower and engage people, groups and organisations in order to help them create positive changes in their own lives and in their own communities. Our Children and Family Services in Northern Ireland, provides a range of support services to families and their children with a learning disability, developmental delay and autism. We support young people aged 14 to 24 to engage in youth programmes and projects to support personal development, creating friendships and having fun through our Youth Services. Our Employment and Personal Development Services focus on helping young people and adults with a learning disability prepare for, find and stay in meaningful paid employment We support people to live independently in the community through our Personal Support programmes and we provide opportunities for adults with a learning disability to engage and participate in their local community by accessing community facilities and services.
At Mencap we believe more than ever before, there is a need for the world to be more embracing of diversity. Learning disability has been invisible for too long. It’s time to see people with a learning disability for all they are and all they can be.