Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Alderman Sandra Hunter attended a special coffee morning recently, organised by the Causeway Loneliness Network.
The event was part of Loneliness Awareness Week and brought people together to celebrate the power of connection. The event, hosted at the Marine Hotel in Ballycastle provided a relaxed and welcoming environment where people could meet others and build new connections.
Deputy Mayor Alderman Sandra Hunter shared valuable insights around loneliness for farmers she said: “Today is about breaking the silence. It’s about reminding ourselves that connection doesn’t have to be complicated.
“Connection can start small, a smile, a few words of hello, a chat over a cuppa, a shared story or just sitting in company together, even picking up the phone to check in on someone, these small acts can make a big difference.”
In addition to the opportunity for social interaction, attendees were able to access information from member organisations of the Loneliness Network.
Representatives from the Alzheimer’s Society, Cushendun Building Preservation Trust and the Multi-Disciplinary Team were on hand to share information about local services, community programmes and resources available.
Gabrielle Quinn, Chair of the Causeway Loneliness Network added: “This was an uplifting morning, it was a privilege to be able to support such an important event, reminding us of the importance of giving loneliness a voice.”
The Causeway Loneliness Network (CLN) is a partnership of community, voluntary and public-sector organisations, including Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, working together to reduce loneliness and social isolation across the Causeway Coast and Glens area of Northern Ireland.
Organisations interested in joining the Causeway Loneliness Network are encouraged to email: healthandwellbeingteam@northerntrust.hscni.net.