Mayor of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Oliver McMullan, welcomed volunteers and statutory representatives involved in ‘The Wellness Hub’ last week to recognise the invaluable support provided to people seeking asylum in the local area.
In March this year the hub was awarded the Chairman’s Award for Population Health and Wellbeing by the Northern Trust and has been recognised as a model of best practice by The Executive Office through the District Council's Good Relations programme.
Through partnership work, volunteers from local churches, community organisations, charities and staff from statutory bodies, offer a weekly space where displaced families can access activities that promote health, dignity and inclusion.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Oliver McMullan said: “The support being provided here is making a meaningful difference to people seeking asylum.
“The group offers not only practical assistance, but also connection, compassion, welcome and hope.
“It is inspiring to see such a strong sense of community coming together to support individuals and families as they rebuild their lives.”
Sara Glendinning, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Good Relations Officer, added: “The Hub demonstrates how successful projects can be when voluntary and statutory organisations work together in partnership.
The positive impact that all staff and volunteers have on service users is tangible when you see people who have fled their country begin to smile again and feel a sense of welcome in a foreign land.”