Member's statement: Blesma
Member's statement by Mr Harry Harvey on .
- MLA
- Mr Harry Harvey
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 31 March 2025
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Blesma
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4871500
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I rise to raise awareness of a very important charity that supports individuals in Northern Ireland who have made immense sacrifices in service to our country: Blesma, the limbless veterans' association. Blesma is a national charity with a strong presence in Northern Ireland, providing lifelong support to veterans and serving personnel who have lost limbs or the use of limbs. Since its foundation over 80 years ago, Blesma has worked tirelessly to support those who have experienced life-changing injuries. Its work goes beyond physical rehabilitation, encompassing emotional and mental health support, advocacy and practical assistance for everyday living. The charity's efforts extend to ensuring that those affected by such injuries do not face their challenges alone. Blesma offers a strong community in which individuals who have experienced similar difficulties can connect, share experiences and find comfort and understanding. From supporting prosthetics to providing tailored rehabilitation, Blesma's impact on the lives of our service personnel and veterans is immeasurable. I particularly highlight the exceptional work that Blesma does in Northern Ireland, where our veterans, young and old, benefit from the charity's services. It works tirelessly to ensure that, no matter the injury, every individual receives the care and support that they need to rebuild their life with dignity and hope. On Friday of last week, it was my pleasure to host a fundraising coffee morning in support of the vital work carried out by Blesma. I was delighted to see so many Blesma veterans, members of the public and colleagues in attendance. I urge all Members to familiarise themselves with the invaluable contribution that Blesma makes not only in Northern Ireland but across the United Kingdom and to support it as best as possible. Whether through volunteering, fundraising or simply spreading awareness, we can all play a role in supporting those brave men and women, who have given so much for our safety and freedom. Let us show our gratitude and respect to, and support for, Blesma and the veterans whom it serves. Together, we can ensure that those veterans are not forgotten and that their sacrifices will never be overlooked.
350 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Jev’s structured answers met the documented threshold for “not flagged”.
- Overall probability that the activity is being used to promote, exploit or escalate an identity-based controversy: 0.02 (flagging needs at least 0.70; at or below 0.30 is not flagged).
- None of the five culture-war criteria was met (each was below 0.60).
- No identity-based framing was identified (1.00).
- Subject area: Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits.
- The overall probability was at or below the not-flagging threshold.
This is an AI-generated assessment of the text, made against published criteria. It is not a finding of fact about the MLA or their intentions. The Assembly record itself is the fact.
Jev’s structured answers
| Question | Probability | Met? |
|---|---|---|
| Identity framing | 0.03 | No |
| Sectarian or communal antagonism | 0.01 | No |
| Cultural grievance politics | 0.02 | No |
| Dog-whistle messaging | 0.01 | No |
| Controversy escalation | 0.02 | No |
| Legitimate policy scrutiny | 0.07 | No |
| Overall judgement | 0.02 | At or below not-flagging threshold |
| Option | Probability |
|---|---|
| No identity-based framing (chosen) | 1.00 |
| Reports or questions it | 0.00 |
| Criticises or condemns it | 0.00 |
| Adopts it | 0.00 |
| Subject | Probability |
|---|---|
| Disability (including neurodivergence and mental health), disabled people and disability or sickness benefits | 0.99 |
| Another identity-related subject | 0.01 |
| No identity-related subject | 0.00 |
| Flags, emblems, symbols, names and memorials | 0.00 |
| Parades, bonfires and commemorations | 0.00 |
Assessed 21 October 2026 at 12:15 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.
Disagree with this assessment?
Classifications can be challenged. A person reads every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.