Celebrating the success of the Causeway Befrienders scheme

Befrienders and their clients enjoyed a day out at the Cromore Halt to celebrate their time and committement to the scheme.

Margaret McCormack and Linda McCleary, both volunteers themselves, were delighted with the turn out.

The idea was to bring those that are normally confined to their own homes, becaues of a physical disabilty or sensory impairment, out to a social occasion, for a bit of company and some entertainment.

Causeway Befrienders is a scheme run by the Causeway Volunteer Centre.

It has been in existance now for five years.

The project matches people who are willing to spend an hour or two each week, with others in our community who may be isolated in their own homes.

Margaret explained: “There is a growing number of people in the Causeway area who are extremely lonely because their health or their physical condition makes it very difficult for them to leave their own home.”

Margaret went on: “This new venture in taking people out to a social occasion only became possible thanks to Big Lottery funding.”

The day out was also used to recognise the continuing commitment of volunteers and the friendships that they have forged.

John Dallat MLA, presented awards to all of the volunteers present on the day.

If you would like to become a volunteer befriender and make a real difference, contact the Causeway Volunteer Centre on 703 58285