Leading MLAs and representatives from a wide cross section of community and voluntary sector groups in the North West are visiting the University of Ulster's Magee Campus today for the latest in the series of Northern Ireland Assembly Roadshow events.

The event gives community activists an unique opportunity to meet and lobby MLAs and civil servants on their own doorstep. MLAs from across the political spectrum at Stormont are participating in the event which is being organised in conjunction with Speaker, William Hay.

Acting Provost and Dean of Development Professor Deirdre Heenan welcomed Assembly members,  local community and voluntary sector representatives and key Stormont officials to Magee.

“The university is proud to play its part in bringing devolved government to local communities. We want people to understand how they can influence the decision making process and get their voices heard to make politics work for them."

Professor Heenan continued:  “Today’s outreach event  - the first to specifically to target the community and voluntary section - is in recognition of the part the university can play in connecting politicians with local people and local issues. Innovation, partnership and accessibility are at the heart of everything we do at Magee.

“Decisions taken by MLAs in the Assembly every day affect local communities. This is an ideal opportunity for local groups to find out how the Assembly works, to learn more about funding opportunities for the voluntary and community sectors and how they can engage more effectively with elected representatives.”

The programme includes a series of mock Assembly committee meetings, workshops and a Question and Answer session chaired by well-known journalist Eamonn Mailie.