As Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, I would like to wish all residents a peaceful Christmas where you find time to connect with family or friends and create memories to cherish.
I think it’s important to take time to reflect on how far we have each come and to talk to each other about the things we are both worried about and have enjoyed in the past year.
Especially at Christmas life can be very stressful for many of us and I would encourage you to consider your own mental health and that of those around you this festive period and check in with each other.
My partnership with MindWise NI has shown me that your health and wellbeing is so important, and my recent participation at a Men’s night in Dunloy highlighted the importance of opening up - so if you are struggling in any way, including with financial pressures please ask for help.
This year I have also partnered with local charity NIKPA. and I have witnessed first hand how living donors can change lives, while this and organ donation are difficult subject matters, they are something to really consider which can bring such hope to others when all hope is gone.
I am very proud to be the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, and work alongside Councillor Stirling to shine a spotlight on our Council area and the amazing people who live here.
In 2024 we have witnessed Olympic successes, home coming events, and Freedom of the Borough Ceremonies. We have seen Causeway Coast and Glens showcased on the world stage with the Red Bull Cliffing Diving World Series and of course we successfully lobbied to have our Growth Deal Funding reinstated.
Our arts, museums and leisure centres have welcomed many of you while our tourism team have promoted the world class experiences our outstanding businesses offer visitors and locals alike.
I hope many of you have had the opportunity to enjoy our Christmas light switch-on nights and the fantastic events our teams have held during the year. I also hope that you have taken time to enjoy our parks and public facilities so well upkept by our estates, operational and gardening teams.
To those of you that will volunteer this Christmas, thank you for the work you do in our communities to help others, it does not go unnoticed and as Mayor I am very grateful for the difference it makes to other people’s lives.
2024 has brought many challenges and I hope also happy memories for us all, it is my wish that each of you enjoy the festive period, and I look forward to meeting many of our residents in 2025.
As Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, I would like to wish each and every one of you a peaceful and Happy Christmas.
Councillor Ciarán McQuillan
The Mayor, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
If you are feeling down, please don’t think you are alone, call a friend, talk to a neighbour, and if you need help, please call Helpline on 0808 808 8000 or the Samaritans on 03300945717.