Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, has chosen Women’s Aid ABCLN and the ‘This is Me’ Dementia Friendly Choir, Larne, as her official charities for the year ahead.
Alderman Mulvenna hopes to raise vital funds for these very worthy charities throughout her year in office through a variety of events and fundraising initiatives.
The Mayor said: “I am delighted and proud to be supporting these invaluable causes during my term as Mayor. Both of these charities are very close to my heart thanks to the vital work they undertake in our local communities.
“I aim to raise much needed funds and awareness for these fantastic organisations in my duties serving as Mayor and I hope residents will help me support them – so that we can all make a difference.”
‘This Is Me’ was set up in 2018 as part of a vision by Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna to provide a service for people living with dementia in her local area. It fitted perfectly into Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Dementia Friendly Communities programme.
The choir offers a safe and welcoming space for people to come together to connect and use the power and joy of singing and music to help improve brain activity and increase well-being. Sessions run every Wednesday afternoon 2pm-3.30pm in The Music Yard, Larne, and are open to people living with dementia plus carers, friends and family.
Women’s Aid ABCLN provides confidential support, information and emergency accommodation for women and children who are affected by domestic abuse across Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey. They offer one to one support, practical assistance and group work for women in the community. They also provide specialised services and support for children and young people affected by domestic abuse.
Through early intervention and preventative work, they seek to challenge attitudes and beliefs which lead to violence against women. The organisation works with partner organisations and communities to increase understanding and awareness about domestic abuse and equip them to recognise and respond to the issues faced.
For more information or to donate online to the Mayor’s charities go to The Mayor’s Charity page.
