Dundrum residents treated to gift bags

News
Home Improvements: Pictured from left is Amanda Ferguson and Sharon Murray from Dundrum Village Association with Rebecca Smyth from the Housing Executive.
Home Improvements: Pictured from left is Amanda Ferguson and Sharon Murray from Dundrum Village Association with Rebecca Smyth from the Housing Executive.

Dundrum Village Association used funding from the Housing Executive’s Community Grant Scheme to create care packages for older residents.

Funding of £500 allocated to the cross-community group was used for the packages in a bid to tackle social isolation and improve general well-being.

100 gift bags of jigsaws, puzzle books, crafts and recipes plus the ingredients for making an afternoon tea will all be distributed.

There will also be positive social interaction when volunteers deliver the bags.

Socially distanced visits are an opportunity for residents to discuss any concerns they may have whilst providing emotional support and reassurance.

Chair of Dundrum Village Association, Amanda Ferguson, thanked the Housing Executive for the recent grant allocation.

She said: “Dundrum’s senior community is the heart of our village and lockdown has decimated everyday social contact on top of cancelling events like the Christmas lunch.   

“With the generosity of the Housing Executive, Clanmil Housing Association and Down Rural Community Network we’ve been able to buy the 100 gift bags.

“We hope that this gesture, hand delivered with a socially distanced chat at the same time, shows we haven’t forgotten anyone and better times are on the way.”

Liam Gunn, the Housing Executive’s South Down Area Manager, explained how the Community Grant scheme helps local people.

He said: “Funding from our Community Grant Scheme can be used to support a range of initiatives that also promote health and well-being.

“This recent allocation to Dundrum Village Association is an excellent example of how communities are working to bring people together and help tackle social isolation and boredom due to the effects of Covid-19.

“Well done to the community group for using our funding to give people a special package to show they have not been forgotten about during this difficult time.”