Chairperson Hosts Christmas Reception to Acknowledge Local Charities

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey held a reception in McCann’s, Newcastle on Friday 6 December to celebrate and thank local charities for the work they do to support families within the district.

In welcoming guests to the event, Councillor Casey said the theme he had chosen for his year in office was supporting families. “The family is the most fundamental part of our lives where we find the love, trust and support that we need to make each day matter,” he said.

“All our charities directly or indirectly work with and support local families throughout the district and as Council Chairperson, I am delighted to have an opportunity to meet with them and hear about the work they do. This event is a thank you to our charity and voluntary workers for the difference they make in many of our citizens’ lives and the support they offer their loved ones.”

At the event, guests were treated to an intimate monologue of the play ‘Removed’ by actor, Conor J Maguire from Prime Cut productions. Written by Fionnuala Kennedy, ‘Removed’ is based on the experiences of young people in Northern Ireland's social care system. The play was chosen by the Chairperson to be showcased at the reception as it addressed family issues such as addiction, foster care and adoption, and the impact this had on the whole family, and the charities that work to help them.”

Also attending the event were representatives of the Chairperson’s three chosen charities, Birthwise, Autism Families and Cuan Mhuire. Autism Families work tirelessly to increase both awareness and acceptance of autism and to support families in the district who are living with autism. Birthwise is a grassroots movement which is dedicated to supporting women and their partners around pregnancy, birth and the challenging period that is early parenthood. Cuan Mhuire has a rehabilitation centre which treats people who suffer from addiction and helps to support both them and their families with a national network of aftercare and family support. This aftercare also continues even after the treatment period.