Murder mystery night delights Newtownabbey seniors
Dark winter nights became a little brighter for a group of Newtownabbey senior citizens who enjoyed a creative eight-month programme of social events supported by The Housing Executive.
A Housing Executive Community cohesion grant of £5K and a further £5k from Clanmil housing was awarded to four cross-community groups to facilitate everything from mystery to history events for those potentially feeling isolated in South Antrim.
Stephen Gamble, The Housing Executive Good Relations Officer, South Antrim said,
“We have been delighted to provide funding in partnership with Clanmil Housing for the Newtownabbey Seniors Programme.
“As part of our commitment to safer more inclusive communities, it is important that those who attended this event, many from The Housing Executive communities, can enjoy the benefit of a bespoke good relations project.
“Newtownabbey advice charity Listening Ear administered the joint programme which involved three other senior citizen groups; The Breakaway Blues, a weekly social hub held in Whitehouse Working Men’s Club, Monkstown over 50’s, a social group set up post-pandemic and Church Road, Longlands, Arthur, Social Programme (CLASP), a group providing residents with activities, services and information to improve their quality of life.
“The Bawnmore, Longlands, Rathcoole, Monkstown and Whiteabbey areas benefited greatly from this cross-community project which enabled senior citizens to meet in warm friendly spaces on cold winter days and nights.
“The 1922-themed murder mystery event was just one hugely successful element of the overall programme.
“Murder-aside, a crowd of 80-strong gathered for the fun-filled evening so huge congratulations to Listening Ear for such a fantastic event.”
Clanmil’s Community Investment Officer, Gerard Rosato said, “Clanmil was more than happy to work in partnership to deliver this programme.
“The murder mystery event was such a joyful, innovative way to bring everyone together to enjoy each other’s company.
“Clanmil’s financial contribution towards the Neighbourhood Senior Citizens programme was delivered as part of the Housing for All initiative and funded through the Department for Communities.”
Pictured are Stephen Gamble, The Housing Executive’s Good Relations Officer, South Antrim (middle), Brian Kerr, Chairperson, Listening Ear and Karen Kerr, Manager of Listening Ear. This event was funded through The Housing Executive’s Community Cohesion fund.
Brian Kerr, Listening Ear Project Chairperson said,
“Listening Ear would like to take this opportunity to thank The Housing Executive.
“It was great to see socially isolated people join these groups and work together to maximise the output from the funding.
“It is hoped that this collaboration will be the foundation for future events and engagement across the groups.
“Listening Ear’s murder mystery night was the perfect environment to meet new people and make friends while enjoying hot food and much laughter.
“Since the event social media has been filled with positive comments and people asking when the next event is to be held.”