Ballyclare: visits highlight vital work of SupportCare and Ethnic Minority Healthcare Workers Advice Hub
The impact of recent disorder on two Ballyclare organisations – including reports of staff facing threats and intimidation while carrying out their duties – has been highlighted during a visit by Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt and South Antrim MLA, Dr Steve Aiken OBE.
The Ulster Unionist Party representatives met with teams from the Ethnic Minority Healthcare Workers Advice Hub and SupportCare.
The visits followed violent disorder that erupted in the wake of protests, relating to the stabbing of a man in north Belfast on June 8.
“I joined Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to visit two remarkable organisations here in Ballyclare that are making a real difference to people's lives every day,” Dr Aiken said.
"First, we met Sharon and the team at the Ethnic Minority Healthcare Workers Advice Hub. Sharon has served our community for more than 20 years as a nurse, carer and advocate.
"Her work now focuses on supporting legal migrants who have chosen to make Northern Ireland their home and who make an invaluable contribution across our health and social care services.
"We also visited SupportCare in Ballyclare, an outstanding organisation providing care services across South Antrim and beyond. With more than 150 staff supporting over 500 service users, they deliver essential care to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
"It was deeply concerning to hear that during recent disorder, staff members, who are all here completely legally to support our National Health Service, were subjected to threats, intimidation and fear while simply trying to carry out their duties.”
On the evening of Thursday, June 11, safety concerns prevented SupportCare from delivering some of its services, Dr Aiken added: “That is completely unacceptable. Our health and social care system relies on dedicated people working around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“The men and women who come here legally, work hard, care for our loved ones and contribute positively to our communities deserve our respect and gratitude. They should never be subjected to abuse, intimidation or violence.
"Regardless of where they were born, those who have chosen to make Northern Ireland their home and serve our communities through healthcare and social care are valued members of our society.”