Mayor Stephen Martin introduces ADD-NI as one of two Mayoral Charities

July 26, 2021

Mayor Stephen Martin has introduced ADD-NI as one of two Mayoral Charities for his coming year as Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

ADD-NI are a children’s charity who work with those affected by Attention Deficit & Hyperactivity Disorder and provide help and understanding of the condition across Northern Ireland.

The charity, which has a base in Carryduff, was originally established in 1997 as a support network for children, young people and families of those affected by ADHD.

Mayor Martin explained why he chose ADD-NI as one of his charities for the coming year, he said: “My mayoral theme is ‘Joining The Dots’ and ADD-NI join the dots for many people in our local community.

“This particular charity is really important to me because I have ADHD and I found navigating some of the processes around all that to be quite challenging.

“I would welcome any and all support whether that’s with fundraising or volunteering with some of the events we have planned this year and to come along and even just learn a little bit more about what it is and what it means to have ADHD.”

Sarah Salters, the Chief Executive of ADD-NI, shared her excitement at being chosen by the Mayor as a charity for his term in office: “We were absolutely delighted and very honoured by the Mayor’s choice. ADHD is one of those conditions that is misunderstood.

“Very often these are regarded as bad children who are poorly parented and we know they are not.

“It’s peoples’ understanding that this is a genuine medical condition as any other and needs help, support and intervention to enable young people to achieve their full potential.”

You can find out more about the work they do and meet Keith Anderson, who is an Admin Officer for ADD-NI and his own story with ADHD, in the video below.

You can also visit their website HERE.