Policy360: Unplugged
At Policy360, we empower charities, communities, and advocates to engage directly with policymakers and share the impactful work happening within their communities.
Through candid conversations with decision-makers, our podcast provides you with insider insights and practical strategies to influence public policy and drive social change.
We also highlight the innovative efforts of groups working on the ground, offering listeners a glimpse into how they are making a difference.
Join us as we foster stronger connections between communities and policymakers, amplify voices, and explore real-world examples of positive change.
Policy360: Unplugged
Giving a Voice to Rathcoole: Rosemary Bell McCracken on Grassroots Activism
In this episode of Policy 360 Unplugged, host Ellen Finlay speaks with Rosemary Bell McCracken, a dedicated community activist from Rathcoole, about the realities of grassroots activism and political advocacy. Rosemary shares her journey from social media engagement to hands-on community work, highlighting the pressing issues facing the Rathcoole community—including education, housing, and a lack of essential resources.
As a loyalist woman and unionist, she discusses the importance of representation, trust-building, and breaking down barriers between policymakers and communities. She also addresses the challenges of intergenerational trauma, political misconceptions, and the need for real, on-the-ground engagement from decision-makers.
With firsthand experience of the struggles within Northern Ireland’s most deprived areas, Rosemary makes a passionate call for better policy, stronger leadership, and more grassroots involvement in shaping the future.
Tune in to hear a raw, insightful conversation about community resilience, political identity, and the urgent need for change.