Tents to be pitched at Stormont to support families displaced by conflict

Organised by humanitarian organisation Concern Worldwide, the family-friendly overnight event on Saturday 8 August will bring people together in solidarity with the estimated 118 million people around the world who have been forcibly displaced by conflict.

The Camp Out for Concern campaign is supported by local radio presenter Ibe Sesay, and Scouts NI and aims to raise awareness and vital funds to help children and families affected by conflict in countries including Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine.

Concern Worldwide Northern Ireland Director, Jackie Trainor, said the campaign was being launched at a time when children bear the brunt of conflict.

"One of the hardest meetings I have attended since taking up my role with Concern Worldwide was a recent session focusing on children affected by conflict," she said.

"The testimonies shared by speakers who spoke passionately about Sudan, Gaza and beyond were powerful, courageous and incredibly difficult to hear.

"We heard the devastating realities facing children caught in conflicts they did not create, from children separated from their families while fleeing violence, to the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, and the long-lasting trauma caused by fear, displacement, and loss."

The number of people forcibly displaced worldwide has doubled over the past decade and remains at a record high, according to the UN Refugee Agency. Children are among the most vulnerable, facing heightened risks of injury, malnutrition and disease, as well as the lasting psychological effects of violence, instability and displacement.

"In Gaza, a tent has become a symbol not of childhood adventure, but of survival. It is a place where children sleep, eat, learn and play amid unimaginable uncertainty," said Jackie.

While sleeping outdoors for one night cannot replicate the experiences of those forced to flee their homes, organisers hope the event will encourage people to reflect on the realities of displacement while raising money for Concern’s humanitarian work.

“Humanitarian aid can save lives, but children need more than survival,” said Jackie.

“They need protection, education, stability and the chance to imagine a future. Above all, they need peace.”

Money raised through the camp out will help provide food, shelter, healthcare and other life-saving support to families affected by displacement.

Q Radio will support the campaign with a roadshow hosted by drivetime presenter and Concern Worldwide ambassador Ibe Sesay.

“I’m really proud to be supporting Camp Out for Concern again this year,” said Ibe.

“It’s easy to take having a safe place to sleep for granted, but for millions of families around the world, that’s no longer a reality."

“This event is a simple way for people here in Northern Ireland to come together, have a great evening with family and friends and make a genuine difference to those who need it most," said Ibe.

“I’ll be hosting the Q Radio Roadshow from 5pm, so there’ll be plenty of music, entertainment and fun before we all come together for a powerful moment of solidarity under the stars.

“Every tent pitched and every pound raised will help provide hope and vital support to families facing unimaginable circumstances.”

The campaign is once again being supported by Scouts NI, which organises activities for more than 10,000 young people in Northern Ireland. Several scout groups pitched their tents last September at a special camp out event at the Scouts’ Activity Centre in Crawfordsburn, Co Down, and hope to take part again this year.

Cara, one of the young people who participated, said: “I find that only hearing statistics about how many people are displaced is hard to understand. However, Camp for Concern was an eye-opening experience.

“I grew to understand that, while for me it was just one night, for some people it is their whole life. This experience truly increases your understanding and helps you to empathise with the millions of people who find themselves displaced from their homes.”

Camp Out for Concern takes place at Stormont Estate, Belfast, on Saturday 8 August. Tent pitches cost £25, with spaces limited. Tents can be pitched from 4pm before the event begins at 5pm. Registration is available at concern.org.uk/campout

For media requests, contact Darren Vaughan, Concern's Senior Comms Officer in Belfast: [email protected]