A Message of Hope from a Community Development Worker in Ballymena

Gillian Forrest, Community Development Officer

by Gillian Forrest

In this time of confusion and fear, I have been overwhelmed by the response to our community’s need by local residents and groups.

I first witnessed the spark of generosity when the Craigyhill Bonfire Committee got creative and decided to use the money they had collected for their annual bonfire to make food hampers with essential items for the senior citizens and vulnerable people in their area.

The Craigyhill Bonfire Committee posted their care packages for those in need on Instagram.

I work across the Mid and East Antrim and Causeway areas as a Community Development Officer with Supporting Communities and over the past couple of weeks I have been humbled to see so many groups, organisations, and churches working together for the good of our estates, towns and cities.

Supporting Communities has sent out a survey to our members to find out what has been happening on the ground and we have been overwhelmed by the incredible responses.

We have heard from individuals and groups who are checking in on neighbours, making encouraging phone calls to let residents know they are not alone, helping to organise oil buying schemes and ensuring people have heat, light and electricity, providing food hampers and other essential goods - these are just a few of the kind gestures from volunteers across Northern Ireland. There has been so much goodwill and generosity shown in responding quickly to this crisis and supporting those who need our help.

As I sit here with a tear in my eye, I am hearted by these responses to all that is happening at this unprecedented time. Let us keep our spirits raised and continue to work together.