East Antrim group aids ex-security force members

Attending the constitution of the new County Antrim NI Phoenix Organisation group at Mossley Mill are (from left) - Paula Bradley MLA, Alderman Billy Ball, Cllr. Robert Hill, Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Frazer Agnew, Mayoress Mrs Lila Agnew, Minister for Social Development Nelson McCausland MLA, David Crabbe OBE, Chairman of NI Phoenix
Organisation. INLT 41-650-CON — Attending the constitution of the new County Antrim NI Phoenix Organisation group at Mossley Mill are (from left) - Paula Bradley MLA, Alderman Billy Ball, Cllr. Robert Hill, Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Frazer Agnew, Mayoress Mrs Lila Agnew, Minister for Social Development Nelson McCausland MLA, David Crabbe OBE, Chairman of NI Phoenix Organisation. INLT 41-650-CON

At a meeting in Mossley Mill, more than 40 individuals including a minister, MLA, and councillors attended the inaugural meeting to hear chairman David Crabbe outline the work of the organisation and its plans for the future. This was followed by the election of officers.

Ald William Ball of Newtownabbey Council hosted the event and spoke about the need in the area for such a group.

The audience heard that the organisation was set up in the aftermath of the Peace Process, at a time when many members of the security forces who served during the Troubles felt isolated and in need of support. This was recognised in a report called Caring For The Carers and supported by the EU Peace III fund which then funded the setting up of six groups across the country.

The new group will be known as the Co Antrim NI Phoenix Group and is interested to hear from any eligible person from Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus and Larne. They should ring the development officer on 91 815827.