Open Door Ballymoney is to establish drop-in centre in town

Open Door Ballymoney is set to open a drop-in centre in premises on Lower Main Street and is appealing for your assistance in sourcing some kitchen items.

Chairperson of Open Door Ballymoney Anne told the Times: “We have found premises on Lower Main Street which are ideal for the work we want to do.

“We want to open a cross-community drop-in centre which will be open four days a week. It will be run by volunteers and our aim is to empower and enable people in our community.”

Open Door Ballymoney will provide social interaction for people from all sections of the community through education cross-community social interaction and craft.

“It will be a community resource where individual needs will be addressed in a caring atmosphere with refreshments being served,” continued Anne.

She added that Open Door Ballymoney will be a community resource which will be open to all ages from school children through to the elderly, disabled people, ethnic minorities and lonely or isolated people.

The drop-in centre will also provide signposting to various courses for anyone who is interested by providing leaflets and information.

There will also be an opportunity for those calling in to try out cooking, knitting, crocheting and crafting.

Open Door Ballymoney was created a group of nine people and now has a committee of six people.

“We are a group of people who all came together to share in this work,” added Anne, explaining that all the volunteers are currently undergoing Child Protection and Food Hygiene courses.

So far the group has been completely self-funding, carrying out bag-packing in supermarkets and opening a pop-up shop.

They have applied for funding and are currently waiting for their charity registration number.

“Once we get that, we can really take off!” added Anne.

Local Ballymoney businesses have already shown great support for the venture.

“Jackie Brogan from Tesco in Ballymoney has already offered help through their community help programme.

“What we need now is to try to source as much equipment as we can.

“If anyone can help, please email [email protected] or call 07749476275.”