Event day to help support families

Event day to help support families

28 May 2025

COMMUNITY Advice Newry Mourne and Down held a successful get-together in the Ballymote Centre in Downpatrick last week.

The event brought together a wide range of community organisations and support services from across Newry, Mourne and Down to foster stronger collaboration and improve referral pathways for local individuals and families.

With a focus on connecting services and sharing knowledge, the event saw participation from a number of local organisations.

Attendees set up information stands and gave brief presentations to introduce their services to colleagues and partners from across the statutory, community and voluntary sector.

Community Advice Newry Mourne and Down provides free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and support on issues including debt, benefits, employment, housing, and tribunal representation.

However, many clients present with additional needs that require wider support. Events such as last week’s get together this are essential for building awareness of available services and ensuring that people can be effectively referred to the right help when they need it most.

“Our work is deeply rooted in the community, and we know how powerful it is when organisations come together,” said Kellie Murray, CEO at Community Advice Newry Mourne and Down.

“This event gave us the chance to strengthen connections and learn more about the excellent work happening across the district. The feedback from attendees has been fantastic.”

Last week’s event follows the success of a similar initiative in Newry in 2024. Staff, volunteers, and partner organisations have praised the Downpatrick gathering as both informative and inspiring, and Community Advice Newry Mourne and Down is already exploring plans for future events in other areas of the district.

Community Advice Newry Mourne and Down extends its sincere thanks to all who took part and made the event such a success.