Q Radio has partnered with humanitarian organisation Concern Worldwide to launch a campaign aimed at showing solidarity with those displaced by conflict.
Camp Out for Concern invites people across Northern Ireland to spend one night sleeping outside to raise awareness, support, and funds for the 123 million people in places like Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia who have been forced from their homes.
Speaking to The Irish News, Q Radio presenter and Concern Worldwide ambassador Ibe Sesay said the event symbolises the upheaval experienced by nearly 9.5 million refugees living in camps around the world.
“This is something anybody can get involved in, whether it’s in your back garden, on a balcony, or in a tent,” he explains.
“It’s a small gesture to show support for people in the likes of Gaza who are constantly being displaced from their homes.
“Of course, it’s not something we in Northern Ireland can even begin to comprehend, but this campaign will hopefully give people a sense of what’s happening in these places and encourage them to raise money at the same time.”
Ibe first became involved with Concern Worldwide last year after travelling to Sierra Leone and witnessing first-hand the support the organisation provides to vulnerable communities. He says fundraising campaigns like the Camp Out are “vital” in ensuring this work continues.
“I’ve seen where the money goes and how it’s spent,” he says.
“They help renovate medical facilities, install solar panels - all these things that empower people and communities to live independently. It really changes lives.”
One example of Concern Worldwide’s impact came in July, when its partner organisation CESVI installed a reverse osmosis water filter in Al Rantisi Hospital, the last children’s hospital serving Gaza City.
Funds raised through the Camp Out For Concern campaign will be used to support similar projects, while also providing vital food, water, and shelter to those living in crisis.
“We’re all very aware of what we’ve seen in the news recently, and we really just wanted to step up and do something to help,” adds Concern Worldwide sponsorship executive Nadia Duncan.
“I think sometimes we take for granted that we have a safe home and plenty of food.
“We’re not saying this experience is in any way comparable to what people displaced by conflict go through, but we are saying we can show that we care.
“We can show solidarity by sleeping out for just one night, giving up our home comforts and thinking about what it would be like not to have somewhere safe to call home.”
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Northern Ireland director of Concern Worldwide Jackie Trainor adds that support for the organisation is “needed now more than ever”.
“Never before have we needed the community to rally around and support us as we do now.
“I’d really like to appeal to the wonderful people of Northern Ireland, who have supported Concern for nearly 40 years, to keep doing so in any way they can.”
Q Radio will provide coverage of the project through a roadshow, social content, practical tips, fundraising shoutouts, and stories highlighting why this campaign matters.
“I’m proud to be part of this,” adds Ibe.
“It’s more than a challenge. It’s a statement of empathy. We’re asking our listeners to get involved, get outdoors, and help shine a little light into some of the world’s darkest places.”
Ibe, Nadia, and Jackie will also take on the Mourne Seven Sevens challenge on August 9, hiking all seven summits to raise additional funds for the organisation.
However, there are many ways people can support Concern Worldwide.
“There are so many ways to get involved,” says Nadia.
“If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, we always say ‘do your thing for Concern’.
“We’ve got marathons and half marathons and eight Concern charity shops across Northern Ireland where you could make a donation, volunteer, or even organise a clothes swap event.
“There are plenty of ways to help and we appreciate every single one.”
The Camp Out For Concern campaign will run from July to September. To find out how to get involved, visit the Camp Out for Concern website.
