Special assemblies at Carrickfergus College

The figures were reported at Monday night’s meeting of the Environmental Services Committee, with members told the packages were funded by slippage monies of £7000 from the agency.

The packs include items such as blankets, thermal under garments, scarves and gloves.

Through the funding, the council was able to distribute a total of 403 packs including 28 children’s packs, 29 homeless packs, 191 ladies’ packs and 155 gents’ packs.

All were handed out on a ‘first come, first served’ basis in the two weeks leading up to Christmas using criteria set out by the PHA. Some were given to individuals who self-referred and some were referred via an elected member.

Many more were handed out via contacts within the community such as churches, YMCA, NIHE, Carrick Community Forum, Citizens’ Advice Bureau, the Royal British Legion, Good Morning Carrickfergus and the Older People’s Forum as well as drop-in centres and residents’ associations.