Lord Mayor

Lord Mayor

Councillor Kate Nicholl was installed as Lord Mayor of Belfast on 1 June 2021. Councillor Nicholl represents the Balmoral electoral area of Belfast. 

Duties and responsibilities

As Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Nicholl has a number of duties and responsibilities:

• presiding over council meetings and, in the case of equality of votes, she has a second or casting vote
• promoting and raising awareness of the council’s main objectives and priority issues
• encouraging and supporting all aspects of life in Belfast by attending civic and public events
• receiving distinguished visitors to the city
• acting as host on behalf of the council and the citizens of Belfast at civic functions
• acting as a spokesperson to the local, national and international media
• providing an appropriate response on behalf of Belfast at times of local, national and international catastrophe
• supporting and encouraging charitable and other appeals as appropriate
• promoting Belfast's business, commercial, cultural and social life
• promoting Belfast as a place of excellence in which to do business and as a tourist destination.

Addressing the Lord Mayor

If you are speaking in public and would like to welcome or introduce the Lord Mayor, the usual form of address is simply 'Lord Mayor'. For example, "and so, I'd like to welcome Councillor Kate Nicholl, Lord Mayor of Belfast."

If you are speaking to the Lord Mayor in conversation, the correct title remains 'Lord Mayor.'

If you would like to write to the Lord Mayor, you should address your letter to 'the Right Honourable, the Lord Mayor, Councillor Kate Nicholl'. You can also abbreviate this to 'Rt Hon, the Lord Mayor, Councillor Kate Nicholl.' You should also begin your letter with 'Dear Lord Mayor.'

Charities

Each year, the Lord Mayor nominates a number of charities to work with during their time in office.

Lord Mayor Councillor Kate Nicholl has chosen four charities for her term 2021-22.

Action for Children

Action for Children is a UK children's charity that helps vulnerable children and young people, and their families. By delivering services in communities across Northern Ireland, they aim to ensure children have a safe and happy childhood.

In Northern Ireland, Action for Children offers support for young carers, early intervention, Sure Start and family support hubs.

The charity has a growing fostering service and supports young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and those who need support with their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

For more information visit www.actionforchildren.org.uk (link opens in new window)

Positive Life

Positive Life is the only charity in Northern Ireland dedicated to supporting people living with and affected by HIV. First established as the AIDS Telephone Helpline in 1986, its range of services have expanded to include counselling, one-to-one and group support sessions, and information workshops.  

The charity was recently awarded £200,000 in new funding by The National Lottery Community Fund to support families with young children affected by HIV.

For more information on the charity, go to www.positivelifeni.com (link opens in new window)

Sustrans

Sustrans is a UK-wide charity that aims to make it easier for people to walk and cycle, while building healthier communities and promoting walking and cycling infrastructure.

The focus of their work in Northern Ireland is around behaviour change and trying to influence Government to create more liveable places for everyone.

Sustrans also supports the National Cycle Network, a UK- wide network of signed paths and routes for walking, cycling, wheeling and exploring outdoors.

For more information, go to www.sustrans.org.uk (link opens in new window)

Youth Lyric

Youth Lyric is one of the largest youth arts organisations in Northern Ireland and teaches acting, drama, mime and dance to students aged four to 21.

Their mission is to provide the very best quality education experience for young people from every background, while promoting self confidence and personal development.

The charity is committed to providing a unique and valuable experience for young people through the employment of highly qualified professional tutors with a track record in education and the performing arts industry.

For more information, go to www.youthlyric.co.uk (link opens in new window)