Children’s Commissioner pays a visit to Cookstown

Patricia visited Phoenix Integrated Primary School to hear from children about what has changed for them over the past few years, and to hear any concerns they have now.

She also visited Cookstown & District Women’s Group to discuss issues facing children, young people and families in the area.

Cookstown and District Women’s Group and Tiny Steps Crèche said they delighted to welcome back Patricia

to Positive Steps Community Centre.

Over the number of years in serving as Commissioner Mrs Lewsley-Mooney has visited Positive Steps Community Centre and shown a keen interest in the work of the centre in their targeting the most vulnerable in the community.

Bronagh Dowd, Creche Leader with Tiny Steps Creche stated: “Young children under 4 years of age have availed of our services over the years and this has giving them opportunity to interact with other children and pave positive foundations for their future development. The children enjoyed the visit from Mrs Lewsley-Mooney and presented her with a card they made themselves and a bouquet of flowers. Well wishes were extended to Patricia as she begins a new chapter in her career as her term in office draws to a close.”

The feedback will help the Commissioner develop the final messages she wants to leave for government and all those who can influence change for children and young people.

Patricia Lewsley Mooney said: “Listening to and acting upon what children in Northern Ireland told me was central to my role as Commissioner for Children and Young people.

“My staff and I have met with over 40,000 children and young people. The issues they raised guided the projects we undertook. They informed our research,our advice, and our challenge to government on areas such as health, education justiceand participation.”