A special event for parents and carers of children with disabilities and additional or complex needs has been hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Titled ‘We See You’, the event – held at Theatre at The Mill in Newtownabbey – offered practical advice, emotional support and opportunities for families to connect with others who understand the realities of caring.

Hosted by broadcaster Paul Clark MBE, the programme brought together a range of speakers who shared guidance, personal experiences and advice on issues affecting families and carers.

Attendees also heard from the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, who shared her personal experience as a parent-carer of autistic children and reflected on the challenges and rewards of family life.

Key speakers at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s ‘We See You’ carer’s event, from left: Susan Walls, Head of Programmes at Contact Northern Ireland; parent-carer Adenike Yisa; The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick with event host UTV broadcaster Paul Clark. Picture: Antrim & Newtownabbey BC.

placeholder image — Key speakers at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s ‘We See You’ carer’s event, from left: Susan Walls, Head of Programmes at Contact Northern Ireland; parent-carer Adenike Yisa; The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick with event host UTV broadcaster Paul Clark. Picture: Antrim & Newtownabbey BC.

Other guest speakers included Sasha Gillespie, law lecturer at Ulster University; Susan Walls from Contact Northern Ireland; Alma White from Caleb’s Cause and Adenike Yisa, a parent of children with special needs.

Host Paul Clark shared his moving personal experience of caring for his son who has Down’s syndrome and discussions by the panel focused on helping carers access support, navigate challenges and feel more informed and empowered in their caring roles.

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Alma White from Caleb’s Cause, parent-carer Adenike Yisa, The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick and Sasha Gillespie, Lecturer in Law from University of Ulster speaking at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s ‘We See you’ event dedicated to parents and carers of children with disabilities and additional or complex needs. Picture: Antrim and Newtownabbey BC.

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Mayor, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said: “Parents and carers of disabled children and those with additional or complex needs play an invaluable role in our community.

"Yet this often goes unacknowledged with many sacrificing career opportunities and personal well-being to meet the demands of caregiving. My message to them is, ‘We See You’, and I hope this remains my legacy as I step down as Mayor and continue to be an advocate on their behalf.

"The council is committed to building an inclusive borough and today’s event provided meaningful support for families by offering practical information, expert advice and emotional reassurance for parents and carers.

"It also created an opportunity to connect with others facing similar experiences, helping to build understanding, reduce isolation and strengthen peer support networks,” Cllr Kirkpatrick continued.

"I would like to thank everyone for attending today, especially the guest speakers for their valuable contributions and all the attendees for making the day such a success.”