Coade - System doesn't appear to be working for the benefit of families

Assembly Alliance Candidate Jackie Coade says she will fight for every parent struggling to get access to services for their children.

 "There’s one thing that keeps coming up, I have knocked the doors of far too many families where they are fighting the education system to get access to services or statements for their children. As a mother who fought for access to services and drugs for my child my heart is broken listening to how broken the system is and how difficult it is for parents to navigate." said Coade

She continued "We have got to make the system easier and less stressful for parents who are already, in many cases, just getting used to coming to terms with a diagnosis. 

"No parent should have to fight this hard for services. I’m typing this with tears in my eyes because I know that feeling of complete burnout and feeling like you’re drowning in a system that doesn’t appear to work for the benefit of families."

Coade says she wants to send a message that she is fully committed to working for each and every parent fighting for services for their child.

"I hope the people of Newry and Armagh will give me an opportunity to support and deliver for them. Alliance are fully committed to working for everyone. We are fully committed to continuous government. We can make significant change, but only if people vote for it. 

She concluded "I have walked the system and I have fought hard for my child. I understand there will be parents who won’t be able to be a voice for others just now, so I want to be your voice. When your child is older, like mine, it will be your time to support other parents in our position and to be the voice of the parents coming behind you. Stay strong, be brave, courageous and determined. Never give up. Change is coming. Your fight is almost over."