Mid and East Antrim Support Hub has 'changed one hundred lives'

This is the view of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Department of Justice, PSNI, NIFRS and other statutory agencies, which have been working together to help vulnerable individuals get the right support.

The initiative involves representatives from various agencies, meeting regularly to discuss local individuals who may require support and how those agencies can work together to provide help.

Superintendent Davy Beck explained: “Each agency in the hub identifies vulnerable people and, with their consent, shares what relevant information they have with the other partners. This helps create a full picture of their particular circumstances.

“One example is of a young man living alone in a Housing Executive flat, suffering from mental health issues, alcohol and drug misuse. He had a close family circle, but younger men were taking advantage of him by using his property as a place to deal drugs. The support hub was able to help by securing him an appointment with health professionals, substance support services, as well as securing appropriate accommodation. He is now thriving as part of a volunteer group. This shows support hubs help deliver the right support at the right time.”

“Chief executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Anne Donaghy, said: “We are delighted to see this initiative across the borough working and changing the lives of families and individuals here. It truly is community planning in action by doing what it says, and putting people first. This is further evidence that a joined- p approach benefits us all and we are actively improving services for people in Mid and East Antrim.

“This is about a collaborative working approach to help the most vulnerable in our society. This shows council’s commitment to helping support and empower our citizens, building stronger and sustainable communities as a result.”

The Department of Justice’s head of community safety division Steven McCourt said: “At the heart of this scheme are individuals. Many of them are the most vulnerable people in our communities, men and women who need support. The right help from the appropriate agencies not only helps improve people’s quality of life, but it can also often steer them away from the justice system.

“Agencies working together and sharing information is an important component of the draft Programme for Government. Support hubs demonstrate how statutory partners working together can literally change lives for the better. I congratulate everyone who, working together, are now delivering this important service to those in need across Mid and East Antrim.”