Orna Young
@ornayoung.bsky.social
MD @ FactCheckNI | Mammy | Very slow runner | Labrador enthusiast | 📍Co. Derry | engagement ≠ endorsement
Reposted by Orna Young
Does Belfast have the 2nd highest number of asylum seekers in the UK, and do almost a fifth of them live in BT12, as claimed by DUP MLA Edwin Poots?
❌ No.
📊Belfast ranks 20th overall.
👥With 0.6% of the local population (1 in 167 people).
➡️ No data confirms the BT12 claim.
❌ No.
📊Belfast ranks 20th overall.
👥With 0.6% of the local population (1 in 167 people).
➡️ No data confirms the BT12 claim.
September 11, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Does Belfast have the 2nd highest number of asylum seekers in the UK, and do almost a fifth of them live in BT12, as claimed by DUP MLA Edwin Poots?
❌ No.
📊Belfast ranks 20th overall.
👥With 0.6% of the local population (1 in 167 people).
➡️ No data confirms the BT12 claim.
❌ No.
📊Belfast ranks 20th overall.
👥With 0.6% of the local population (1 in 167 people).
➡️ No data confirms the BT12 claim.
Reposted by Orna Young
🌍 Who comes to the UK, and what are they entitled to?
Most UK migrants are here legally - and unauthorised migrants have very limited entitlements. In this article we unpack the facts behind the headlines.
👉 Read the full explainer here: factcheckni.org/articles/exp...
Most UK migrants are here legally - and unauthorised migrants have very limited entitlements. In this article we unpack the facts behind the headlines.
👉 Read the full explainer here: factcheckni.org/articles/exp...
August 27, 2025 at 8:30 PM
🌍 Who comes to the UK, and what are they entitled to?
Most UK migrants are here legally - and unauthorised migrants have very limited entitlements. In this article we unpack the facts behind the headlines.
👉 Read the full explainer here: factcheckni.org/articles/exp...
Most UK migrants are here legally - and unauthorised migrants have very limited entitlements. In this article we unpack the facts behind the headlines.
👉 Read the full explainer here: factcheckni.org/articles/exp...
Reposted by Orna Young
We recently published an analysis of what is known about Violence Against Women and Girls in Northern Ireland, focusing on the criminal justice system and, in particular, the statistical records maintained by the PSNI.
August 12, 2025 at 7:57 AM
We recently published an analysis of what is known about Violence Against Women and Girls in Northern Ireland, focusing on the criminal justice system and, in particular, the statistical records maintained by the PSNI.
Reposted by Orna Young
Who migrates to the UK and what are they entitled to?
🔺Immigration has been a recurring theme in UK, Irish and global politics over the last number of years. In some cases there have been protests, riots and attacks on people who are perceived not to be ‘local’.
🔺Immigration has been a recurring theme in UK, Irish and global politics over the last number of years. In some cases there have been protests, riots and attacks on people who are perceived not to be ‘local’.
July 9, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Who migrates to the UK and what are they entitled to?
🔺Immigration has been a recurring theme in UK, Irish and global politics over the last number of years. In some cases there have been protests, riots and attacks on people who are perceived not to be ‘local’.
🔺Immigration has been a recurring theme in UK, Irish and global politics over the last number of years. In some cases there have been protests, riots and attacks on people who are perceived not to be ‘local’.
Reposted by Orna Young
Is bad information impacting the communities or groups you work with?
Thousands have benefitted from our training sessions in fact-checking and critical thinking skills.
Find out how NI’s first and only fact checking organisation can support you.
factcheckni.org/training/
Thousands have benefitted from our training sessions in fact-checking and critical thinking skills.
Find out how NI’s first and only fact checking organisation can support you.
factcheckni.org/training/
July 29, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Is bad information impacting the communities or groups you work with?
Thousands have benefitted from our training sessions in fact-checking and critical thinking skills.
Find out how NI’s first and only fact checking organisation can support you.
factcheckni.org/training/
Thousands have benefitted from our training sessions in fact-checking and critical thinking skills.
Find out how NI’s first and only fact checking organisation can support you.
factcheckni.org/training/
If we don’t know what we don’t know - how can any gov dept/agency claim to be making it a priority?
What we don’t know about Violence Against Women and Girls in Northern Ireland.
🔺Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a big problem under a bright spotlight. But what do we really know about it?
#VAWG #NorthernIreland
🔺Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a big problem under a bright spotlight. But what do we really know about it?
#VAWG #NorthernIreland
July 3, 2025 at 11:01 AM
If we don’t know what we don’t know - how can any gov dept/agency claim to be making it a priority?
Reposted by Orna Young
The House of Commons voted on amendments to abortion law last week.
🔺None of the proposals directly affect Northern Ireland.
🔺Based on the amendment that did ultimately pass, coming changes will mean that the law in England and Wales is much closer to how things work here.
🔺None of the proposals directly affect Northern Ireland.
🔺Based on the amendment that did ultimately pass, coming changes will mean that the law in England and Wales is much closer to how things work here.
June 26, 2025 at 6:58 AM
The House of Commons voted on amendments to abortion law last week.
🔺None of the proposals directly affect Northern Ireland.
🔺Based on the amendment that did ultimately pass, coming changes will mean that the law in England and Wales is much closer to how things work here.
🔺None of the proposals directly affect Northern Ireland.
🔺Based on the amendment that did ultimately pass, coming changes will mean that the law in England and Wales is much closer to how things work here.
Reposted by Orna Young
Immigration in NI: Did a local bus company recently drop off a “bus load” of migrants in Lisburn? No.
This is a good example of how photos shared on social media can be misinterpreted or misleading.
This is a good example of how photos shared on social media can be misinterpreted or misleading.
June 17, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Immigration in NI: Did a local bus company recently drop off a “bus load” of migrants in Lisburn? No.
This is a good example of how photos shared on social media can be misinterpreted or misleading.
This is a good example of how photos shared on social media can be misinterpreted or misleading.
Reposted by Orna Young
In a debate in the Assembly several claims were made about diabetes in Northern Ireland.
We’ve taken a look in more depth:
We’ve taken a look in more depth:
May 9, 2025 at 8:26 AM
In a debate in the Assembly several claims were made about diabetes in Northern Ireland.
We’ve taken a look in more depth:
We’ve taken a look in more depth:
Reposted by Orna Young
Does NI gave the highest prevalence of mental ill health?
My team are pleased to have contributed to @FactCheckNI’s analysis of this complex issue.
My team are pleased to have contributed to @FactCheckNI’s analysis of this complex issue.
Read our full analysis here: factcheckni.org/articles/men...
Mental Health in NI: Does Northern Ireland have the highest rate of people claiming disability benefits and the highest prevalence of mental ill health in the UK? - FactCheckNI
In a statement to the Northern Ireland Assembly on the 18th of March 2025, Alliance Party MLA Sian Mulholland said: “Northern Ireland has the highest rate of people claiming disability benefits and th...
factcheckni.org
April 25, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Does NI gave the highest prevalence of mental ill health?
My team are pleased to have contributed to @FactCheckNI’s analysis of this complex issue.
My team are pleased to have contributed to @FactCheckNI’s analysis of this complex issue.
Often the team fact check things that seem very straightforward - and then when unpacked they’re far more complex.
This is a good example 👇
This is a good example 👇
In a statement to the NI Assembly, Alliance Party MLA Sian Mulholland said:
“Northern Ireland has the highest rate of people claiming disability benefits and the highest prevalence of mental ill health in the UK.”
Is this accurate? We took a look at this complex issue:
“Northern Ireland has the highest rate of people claiming disability benefits and the highest prevalence of mental ill health in the UK.”
Is this accurate? We took a look at this complex issue:
April 25, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Often the team fact check things that seem very straightforward - and then when unpacked they’re far more complex.
This is a good example 👇
This is a good example 👇
Reposted by Orna Young
🏡 Housing in NI: Is 90% of social housing segregated?
✅ Yes - according to available data.
🔺It’s important to note that these findings are based on old data. However, while there may be updated figures in future, for now this figure remains the most up to date.
#northernireland #housing
✅ Yes - according to available data.
🔺It’s important to note that these findings are based on old data. However, while there may be updated figures in future, for now this figure remains the most up to date.
#northernireland #housing
April 17, 2025 at 1:40 PM
🏡 Housing in NI: Is 90% of social housing segregated?
✅ Yes - according to available data.
🔺It’s important to note that these findings are based on old data. However, while there may be updated figures in future, for now this figure remains the most up to date.
#northernireland #housing
✅ Yes - according to available data.
🔺It’s important to note that these findings are based on old data. However, while there may be updated figures in future, for now this figure remains the most up to date.
#northernireland #housing
I’m not sure I’ll ever be over Lady Gaga at Coachella. I’ve
always loved her - but that performance; the choreography; the visuals; the vocals…UNREAL.
always loved her - but that performance; the choreography; the visuals; the vocals…UNREAL.
April 15, 2025 at 2:47 PM
I’m not sure I’ll ever be over Lady Gaga at Coachella. I’ve
always loved her - but that performance; the choreography; the visuals; the vocals…UNREAL.
always loved her - but that performance; the choreography; the visuals; the vocals…UNREAL.
Reposted by Orna Young
EXPLAINER:
What’s the difference between 22,500 empty homes and 52,000 houses with no residents? And why does it matter?
#northernireland #housing #factcheckni
What’s the difference between 22,500 empty homes and 52,000 houses with no residents? And why does it matter?
#northernireland #housing #factcheckni
April 11, 2025 at 9:11 AM
EXPLAINER:
What’s the difference between 22,500 empty homes and 52,000 houses with no residents? And why does it matter?
#northernireland #housing #factcheckni
What’s the difference between 22,500 empty homes and 52,000 houses with no residents? And why does it matter?
#northernireland #housing #factcheckni
A fantastic group - great to hear perspectives and experience; and get such interesting questions.
Great to have Dr Orna Young @factcheckni.bsky.social in with us today delivering their fact check training. Thank you to Orna & to all participants for a very interactive & interesting session!
April 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM
A fantastic group - great to hear perspectives and experience; and get such interesting questions.
📻 I contributed to a discussion on “fake news” which aired on BBC Northern Ireland “Sunday Sequence” today alongside @pcunliffejones.bsky.social (who’s releasing an important and timely book on the subject).
You can listen back here (from 1.10 in) www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
You can listen back here (from 1.10 in) www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Sunday Sequence - Duty of Candour - BBC Sounds
What difference would it make within the NI health service, and why is it taking so long?
www.bbc.co.uk
April 6, 2025 at 12:02 PM
📻 I contributed to a discussion on “fake news” which aired on BBC Northern Ireland “Sunday Sequence” today alongside @pcunliffejones.bsky.social (who’s releasing an important and timely book on the subject).
You can listen back here (from 1.10 in) www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
You can listen back here (from 1.10 in) www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Reposted by Orna Young
🗓️ Today is International Fact-Checking Day, a global initiative aimed at emphasising the crucial role of accurate information in our interconnected world.
🌍 Misinformation is an international crisis. Fact-checking, and the @factchecknet.bsky.social , is part of the global solution.
🌍 Misinformation is an international crisis. Fact-checking, and the @factchecknet.bsky.social , is part of the global solution.
April 2, 2025 at 6:25 AM
🗓️ Today is International Fact-Checking Day, a global initiative aimed at emphasising the crucial role of accurate information in our interconnected world.
🌍 Misinformation is an international crisis. Fact-checking, and the @factchecknet.bsky.social , is part of the global solution.
🌍 Misinformation is an international crisis. Fact-checking, and the @factchecknet.bsky.social , is part of the global solution.
Misinformation doesn’t observe borders. Its harmful impact is felt across the world.
Today on #InternationalFactCheckingDay, we get to acknowledge the incredible global network of fact checkers, so many of whom are working in increasingly challenging contexts
Facts matter.
Today on #InternationalFactCheckingDay, we get to acknowledge the incredible global network of fact checkers, so many of whom are working in increasingly challenging contexts
Facts matter.
🗓️ Today is International Fact-Checking Day, a global initiative aimed at emphasising the crucial role of accurate information in our interconnected world.
🌍 Misinformation is an international crisis. Fact-checking, and the @factchecknet.bsky.social , is part of the global solution.
🌍 Misinformation is an international crisis. Fact-checking, and the @factchecknet.bsky.social , is part of the global solution.
April 2, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Misinformation doesn’t observe borders. Its harmful impact is felt across the world.
Today on #InternationalFactCheckingDay, we get to acknowledge the incredible global network of fact checkers, so many of whom are working in increasingly challenging contexts
Facts matter.
Today on #InternationalFactCheckingDay, we get to acknowledge the incredible global network of fact checkers, so many of whom are working in increasingly challenging contexts
Facts matter.
Reposted by Orna Young
With misinformation on the rise, how can VCS organisations navigate the challenges of social media while staying true to their values?
Join our discussion with @charitycomms.bsky.social, @factcheckni.bsky.social, @childlawcentre.bsky.social &
@madlinsudn.bsky.social
Book: tinyurl.com/3zwfayvz
Join our discussion with @charitycomms.bsky.social, @factcheckni.bsky.social, @childlawcentre.bsky.social &
@madlinsudn.bsky.social
Book: tinyurl.com/3zwfayvz
March 28, 2025 at 3:07 PM
With misinformation on the rise, how can VCS organisations navigate the challenges of social media while staying true to their values?
Join our discussion with @charitycomms.bsky.social, @factcheckni.bsky.social, @childlawcentre.bsky.social &
@madlinsudn.bsky.social
Book: tinyurl.com/3zwfayvz
Join our discussion with @charitycomms.bsky.social, @factcheckni.bsky.social, @childlawcentre.bsky.social &
@madlinsudn.bsky.social
Book: tinyurl.com/3zwfayvz
Reposted by Orna Young
You're entitled to your own opinions in your head. But if you choose to express them out loud, it's your responsibility to:
(1) Ground them in logic and facts
(2) Explain your reasoning to others
(3) Change them when better evidence emerges
(1) Ground them in logic and facts
(2) Explain your reasoning to others
(3) Change them when better evidence emerges
March 19, 2025 at 4:36 PM
You're entitled to your own opinions in your head. But if you choose to express them out loud, it's your responsibility to:
(1) Ground them in logic and facts
(2) Explain your reasoning to others
(3) Change them when better evidence emerges
(1) Ground them in logic and facts
(2) Explain your reasoning to others
(3) Change them when better evidence emerges
Given the work I do - and my belief that we should always be questioning what we’re adding to a conversation - I think it’s always good to regularly remind people that you don’t *have to* tweet/instagram/make a Tik Tok about every fleeting thought you have.
March 25, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Given the work I do - and my belief that we should always be questioning what we’re adding to a conversation - I think it’s always good to regularly remind people that you don’t *have to* tweet/instagram/make a Tik Tok about every fleeting thought you have.
My hero of the day is our local school - who chose to get kids to bring in their fav books and get a pic of them reading in their fav or an unusual place, rather than doing costumes*📚💕
March 6, 2025 at 11:08 AM
My hero of the day is our local school - who chose to get kids to bring in their fav books and get a pic of them reading in their fav or an unusual place, rather than doing costumes*📚💕
Reposted by Orna Young
The Education Minister rejected applications from Bangor Academy and Rathmore PS to become integrated.
In response, Alliance MLA Nick Mathison claimed there is “substantial unmet demand for integrated education at post-primary level” in the area.
Is this right? Yes, it is
In response, Alliance MLA Nick Mathison claimed there is “substantial unmet demand for integrated education at post-primary level” in the area.
Is this right? Yes, it is
February 25, 2025 at 1:14 PM
The Education Minister rejected applications from Bangor Academy and Rathmore PS to become integrated.
In response, Alliance MLA Nick Mathison claimed there is “substantial unmet demand for integrated education at post-primary level” in the area.
Is this right? Yes, it is
In response, Alliance MLA Nick Mathison claimed there is “substantial unmet demand for integrated education at post-primary level” in the area.
Is this right? Yes, it is
Reposted by Orna Young
How to be a critical thinker:
1. Be 10% more skeptical of people you agree with—and 10% more charitable to those you disagree with
2. Find flaws in ideas you like—and strengths in views you dislike
3. Discount sources that peddle one narrative—and learn from those that explore competing ideas
1. Be 10% more skeptical of people you agree with—and 10% more charitable to those you disagree with
2. Find flaws in ideas you like—and strengths in views you dislike
3. Discount sources that peddle one narrative—and learn from those that explore competing ideas
February 9, 2025 at 3:05 PM
How to be a critical thinker:
1. Be 10% more skeptical of people you agree with—and 10% more charitable to those you disagree with
2. Find flaws in ideas you like—and strengths in views you dislike
3. Discount sources that peddle one narrative—and learn from those that explore competing ideas
1. Be 10% more skeptical of people you agree with—and 10% more charitable to those you disagree with
2. Find flaws in ideas you like—and strengths in views you dislike
3. Discount sources that peddle one narrative—and learn from those that explore competing ideas