Success for Lisburn 
Downtown Centre

The past few months have been particularly successful for the Lisburn Downtown Centre, with good news on several fronts.

On Thursday June 12, the Downtown Centre held a golf tournament at Lisburn Golf Club. The day began with 18 x fourballs teeing off to a ‘shotgun start’ at 1.30pm and thoroughly enjoying their round of golf.

Local businesses had kindly taken up the opportunity to sponsor a hole which brought in some much welcomed revenue, and after the golf had concluded an evening meal was served.

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The Downtown Centre Committee and several of its members and volunteers came along for the meal and enjoyed the lovely food on offer.

The evening ended with a prize raffle and an auction for some generously donated items, including a signed and framed Padraig Harrington painting, signed Ulster Rugby shirt and ball, a beautiful piece of jewellery and a set of Silver Spoons which had originally been gifted by the Queen Mother.

Gavin Hughes, Project Coordinator at the Downtown Centre, said: “On behalf of the Downtown Centre I would like to thank all of those who came along and supported us on the day, as well as the organising committee consisting of John Brackenridge, Ted Parks, Des Conroy, Cecil Russell, Helen Shepherd, Cecil Kirkwood and Noel Robinson, who put their time and effort into making sure the day was a huge success.

“We are still in the process of adding gift aid onto our total but we anticipate we will raise in excess of £5,000. A huge thank you to all who supported our event.”

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On the same evening of June 12, the Downtown Centre received yet more great news. Each of the groups which run at the centre had been nominated and shortlisted within their categories for the Mayors Awards for Volunteering.

“On the night itself, we were delighted to have our Friday Club, which helps individuals who are suffering from mental health illness, crowned as the Winner of the Best Small Group award,” continued Gavin.

“The award was gratefully received by Elma Watt and Margaret Perry, two of the Friday Clubs volunteers. This award is testament to the great work going on across all of the groups at the centre and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who make the centre the success that it is. Without them none of the work would be possible.”

The Downtown Centre will be taking a short summer break over July and August, however the Thursday Drop in will remain open between 2-4pm and is available to any member of the public, so feel free to pop in for a cup of tea and coffee and a friendly chat.

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The centre offers support to a wide variety of individuals, primarily those with a mild learning disability, mental health illness and anyone who is socially isolated within the community. If you think the centre could provide you with some support or advice, please contact the Project Coordinator, Gavin Hughes on 02892 672052.