Council to hold ‘Making Life Better - Real Change for Real People’ event

May 26, 2016

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, in partnership with the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, would like to encourage residents to take steps to improve their health and well-being by coming along to the ‘Making Life Better - Real Change for Real People’ event, at Lagan Valley Island on Friday 3rd June, from 10.00am to 2.00pm.

The event not only continues the ongoing partnership between the Council and the Trust, but highlights three ‘themes’, which have been identified as important in relation to the “health and wellbeing” of our local population. The themes are; ‘carers’ and the important role they play within the care environment, ‘self-directed support’ and the potential this gives an individual to put together their own “care package” and, finally, ‘the uptake of benefits’ which continues to be of importance to many individuals and families. It is also vital that the correct benefits and rates of benefit are accessed by claimants.

Councillor Margaret Tolerton, Chair of the Heart City Steering Working Group, is calling for all residents to utilise this event as a way to enhance quality of life, she said, “The Council has been working with the local Trust on similar events for a number of years now. All of which have been focussed on practical matters that impact upon local residents.

“This event continues that approach, which has proven to be very successful and the outcomes of which have brought practical benefits to many individuals and families. The provision of timely information through our exhibiting organisations is also beneficial and those attending continually remark on how positive and useful they’ve found the events.”

Gabrielle O’ Neill, Health Development Specialist for Sexual & Disability for the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, also commented: "The partnership work between the Council & Trust in arranging these annual seminars provides a seamless platform to progress future planning influenced by the community”.

In addition to the various speakers who will present on the three themes, there will be an exhibition of invited organisations who provide services relevant to the chosen themes. These organisations will be available to provide information on their services to those attending the event.

By following such a format this will give an opportunity for both service providers and service users to come together to engage on these important themes.

For further information or if you would like to register your interest in attending, please contact Stephen Malcolm at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council on 028 9250 9491 or email stephen.malcolm@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or Gabrielle O’Neill (SEHSCT) 028 9250 1377 or email gabrielle.oneill@setrust.hscni.net