M&S Junction One Antrim Outlet

Women’s Aid Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne & Newtownabbey (ABCLN) is dedicated to providing refuge, support, information and training to women and children who are suffering abuse within the home. 1 in 4 women will suffer domestic violence in their lifetime, be it physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or financial. We provide a Floating Support service in the community across all 5 areas providing crisis intervention to support women affected by Domestic Violence. Over 200 women access the floating support service at any given time. Community resettlement provides developmental work and training for women to build upon self-esteem, helping women to make informed choices for themselves and building upon support networks. We provide education and prevention work to over 5000 children and young people. Young people are often the hidden victims of domestic violence and are significantly at risk of school dropout, exclusion and risk taking behaviours.

Turning Point NI is an innovative project providing a much needed service to local communities within Northern Ireland. There are currently no other projects similar to this in the areas in which it operates. Turning Point is unique in that there is no limit on the duration of support offered to clients using the service. This gives individuals the chance to build meaningful therapeutic relationships which has the potential to change lives. The organisation is currently staffed by a team of dedicated volunteers who are trained to carry out assessments, counselling, deliver support and also signpost to other relevant organisations where appropriate. Turning Point NI, although a relatively new organisation which was founded in May 2015, has a grass roots ethos and a proactive approach. It has seen first-hand the detrimental health and well-being effects of drugs in the areas in which it operates, including anti-social behaviour, suicide and mental health issues. The organisation has made many vital links both with members of the local community and other groups working within the areas. The preventative work carried out by Turning Point NI enable individuals to make informed choices regarding their lives. The awareness raised gives both groups and individuals the opportunity to create links with the service and access support when required.

Men's Shed Steeple Antrim is a place for men aged 50+ to meet, discuss issues, share skills and explore new interests. What is Men’s Shed? Men’s Shed is a place for men to meet and discuss issues, share skills and explore new interests, with the aim of promoting their own health and development and putting something back into the community. It is a larger version of the typical man’s garden shed in their garden. What do Shedders say about their experiences in the Shed? “This is the first time I can honestly say I am enjoying my retirement” “It’s a place to go for a bit of craic and I’m trying things that I’ve always wanted to” What activities are carried out in the Men’s Shed? Shed activities include Horticulture, Joinery & Woodwork, Arts & Crafts, IT, Men’s Health groups and Healthy Cooking. If Shedders have a particular skill they would like to share, they are more than welcome to do so. The Shed can also be a place for the men to come and sit for a while, have a cup of tea and a chat or even play a game of darts. The origin of the Men’s Shed Most men have learned from our culture that they don’t talk about feelings and emotions. Men usually need encouragement to take an interest in their own health and well-being and they are often reluctant to ask for help. In general men are less healthy than women, as they often drink more, take more risks and can experience more isolation, loneliness and depression. Good health is based on many factors including feeling good about yourself, being productive and valuable to your community, connecting to friends and maintaining an active body and an active mind. Becoming a member of a Community Men’s Shed gives a man that safe and busy environment where he can find many of these things in an atmosphere of friendship, and, importantly, there is no pressure. Men can just come and have a chat and a cuppa if that is all they’re looking for. Members of Men’s Sheds (Shedders) can come from all walks of life – the bond that unites them is that they are men with time on their hands and they would like something meaningful to do with that time. Because men don’t often make a fuss about their problems, these problems have consistently been either ignored or swept under the mat by both our health system and our modern society. It’s time for a change and the Men’s Shed movement is a powerful tool in helping men to once again become valued and valuable members of our community.