Social connectivity event for local carers to socialise

Social connectivity event for local carers to socialise

22 June 2022

THREE district electoral areas joined forces with the South Eastern Trust to organise an informal social connectivity event for carers in the Killough Community Centre recently.

The Downpatrick, Rowallane and Slieve Croob DEAs organised the event to mark the end of Carers Week and provide carers from across the district with an opportunity to take a much-needed break from their caring responsibilities. 

Those who attended the Killough event were able to reconnect and socialise with others while engaging in the therapeutic crafts of origami, pottery and planting herbs. Carers then enjoyed a delicious lunch supplied by local restaurant, Fired.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman, Michael Savage, said he was delighted that carers have been able to unwind and take a break from their caring duties.

He continued: “During the Covid pandemic, carers experienced a marked increase in isolation as vulnerable family members have been required to shield.

“It is so important to recognise the contribution that they make to their families and the community and connectivity events like this provide a great opportunity for carers to decompress and engage with others in a social setting.”

The health trust’s carers development officer, Pamela Smyth, said the  connectivity event was a great success.

She added: “It fully achieved the objective of bringing the adult carers together in an informal setting, to provide them with an opportunity to make new friends and extend their support network.”