A demonstration at Stormont will see 212 empty pairs of shoes placed on its steps in order to highlight the impact of drug related deaths and addiction in Northern Ireland.
The People's Kitchen is asking people to join them at the gates of Stormont ahead of the demonstration on Saturday, June 17, at 3pm, as it calls for more support to be made available to tackle the "crisis" of addiction that has taken the lives of hundreds.
The most recent government statistics show that there were 212 drug related deaths in Northern Ireland in 2021.
Read more: Mother speaks out after son dies following cocaine addiction
There are no official figures for 2022 and 2023, however, Independent Councillor Paul McCusker of The People's Kitchen said addiction issues continue to be a significant concern and that an urgent response is needed.
He said: "Last year The People's Kitchen were joined by others as we took to the streets and called for an urgent response to the crisis of addiction and homelessness in Belfast and across Northern Ireland, but sadly that response is still not in place and we are not seeing any progress.
"We still do not have dual diagnosis in place and we are seeing huge waiting lists and delays for people attempting to access addictions services, rehab and mental health support which is only making the issue worse. Polydrug use remains a big problem and sadly we are seeing younger and younger people on the streets who are struggling.
"Our team is currently working with between 30 to 60 people on the streets every night and they are growing more and more vulnerable while nothing is being done to ensure they have the correct supports in place.
"The lack of Stormont is playing a big part in this and while there is more that could be done by local governments, there needs to be a government in place in order to develop the response that is needed.
"On Saturday, we are asking people to join us for a demonstration at Stormont where we will be placing 212 empty pairs of shows to signify the lives that were lost to drug related deaths here in 2021 and we will hear from family members of those who have been lost about the pains of addiction.
"We will be walking to the steps from the gates of Stormont and are asking everyone to join us there at 2.30pm to show how urgent a response is needed to this crisis.
"We do not want to see anymore lives lost."
READ NEXT:
Teen 'sexually assaulted after leaving children's home with older man'
FonaCab driver attempted to flee after dashcam footage went viral, court hears
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
