Members of the Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly met with representatives of charity Care for the Family at Stormont today at a reception breakfast, attended by members of every party.

The directors of the charity, which operates throughout the UK, said they were delighted to address the members of the local assembly who attended.

Rob Parsons, popular author and speaker and also Executive Director of Care for the Family, described family issues as being a common ground which unites every family in Northern Ireland.

"All families experience tough times - and when they hit, we need to know more than anything this is not just us," he said.

Jean Gibson, reflecting on her ten years as Care for the Family's Northern Ireland manager, echoed this theme and said: "Through a wide range of family projects, people have felt they are not alone in the challenges they face. It is a privilege to be able to make a difference in people's lives.

"Care for the Family is looking to support more families across Northern Ireland," added Mrs Gibson, as plans were unveiled for a pilot scheme of community representatives in Northern Ireland.

The breakfast at Stormont was co-hosted by Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA for Lagan Valley and Danny Kennedy MLA for Newry and Armagh. Around half of the Members of the Assembly indicated their interest in attending, with every party being represented.