Belfast landmark to be lit up for campaign calling for long-term support for people with additional needs

A CAMPAIGN dedicated to raising awareness of the need for support and legal protection for adults with additional needs will receive a glowing show of support in Northern Ireland this evening.

Belfast City Hall will be lit up tonight in support of the Caleb’s Cause campaign.

The initiative, founded by Alma White, is calling for legislation in Northern Ireland to protect people with special educational needs (SEN) after the age of 19.

Currently, those receiving such support in their youth are only eligible for that until they turn 19.

Ms White’s teenage son Caleb has complex special needs, which led her to start the campaign.

Last night, a motion from SDLP councillor Paul Doherty to illuminate the council building in support of the cause, was unanimously passed by Belfast City Council.

“Caleb’s Cause is a very important campaign and I’m glad that council unanimously backed my motion to support their campaign asks and to light up Belfast City Hall to raise awareness,” Mr Doherty said todat.

“Caleb’s mum Alma has done fantastic work in highlighting the lack of legal protections for those with SEN after the age of 19 and this campaign has gained huge momentum.

“This campaign is about all the SEN young people in the North who are left without vital protections and services to support them,” he added.

“I know firsthand that this impacts many young people in my community, and indeed within my own family.

“It’s totally unacceptable that support is withdrawn on a young person’s 19th birthday, causing huge distress for them and their families and I don’t see how anyone could fail to support the asks of this campaign.”

He explained: “After they turn 19, parents of these young people are left with nowhere to turn.

“We have some fantastic support organisations across the North but they are often incredibly stretched.

“ We need to see dedicated services to provide training and support for these young people and their families so they can have independence and further opportunities in adult life.

“I’m proud to stand with Caleb’s Campaign and hope to see much needed progress on this in the near future.”