Bright start to 2016 by Good Morning Carrickfergus

Their annual lunch at the Church of the Nazarene was part of the overall programme offered by GMC, which is a telephone befriending and support service for older people and vulnerable adults

The initiative helps people remain independent in their homes whilst assisting them connect to other local statutory and community services and activities. It also aims to reduce social isolation by providing a wraparound service in the form of befriending and hosting social opportunities.

Good Morning Carrickfergus partners with Good Morning Larne - collectively known as Good Morning East Antrim. GMEA is currently funded by the Mid & East Antrim Age-well Partnership, which was awarded Big Lottery money to support projects for older people within Mid & East Antrim Borough Council.

Good Morning Carrickfergus has currently over 100 clients and calls operate five days per week, 52 weeks of the year.

Over 70 clients and volunteers tucked into a tasty and nourishing turkey dinner served by the dedicated catering volunteers of the Church of the Nazarene.

It was followed by armchair aerobics led by Denise from the local Sports Development Team, singing with Sarah Gilmore and a security talk from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team. The afternoon finished with a fun-filled photo booth.

GMC stated: “Everyone enjoyed the day and it was a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends and socialise on what can otherwise be a very lonely time.

“Good Morning Carrick is very fortunate to have a very dedicated team of volunteers. Their commitment to the service is the key to providing a successful, valuable service to those most isolated within our community. Being a volunteer brings great rewards and if you are interested please contact the office on 028 9332 9427.

“To quote one client: ‘There is somebody there if I need them’. If you feel you would benefit from the service please ring on us on 028 9332 9427. Alternatively if you need to contact Good Morning Larne or could benefit from their service, please contact 02828 278777/02828 273362.”

The Good Morning NI Network, of which Good Morning Carrick is a member, reaches more than 4,000 people across Northern Ireland.

Colin Dickenson, the Network Development officer commented: “The event at Good Morning Carrickfergus is a great example of service users enjoying companionship and conversation away from the all too often confines of their home environment”.

For further information on the Network, ring Colin on 02890 751070.