Issue 120 - Lisburn BT25 • BT26 •BT27 •BT28 • BT29
CLINIC HELPS SLASH WAITING LISTS
A new Physiotherapy ‘One Stop Shop’ designed to provide tailored, on the spot treatment and advice for patients across the South Eastern Trust is helping to improve patient recovery and reduce waiting times.
Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Cllr Tim Mitchell, pictured with representatives from successful grant aid recipient groups
Community groups celebrate major funding boost
Community groups across Lisburn and Castlereagh are celebrating a significant funding boost after securing support through a range of council grant aid programmes designed to deliver events, programmes and initiatives that enrich local life. A total of £464,799.05 has been awarded to 185 successful applicants, empowering communities to deliver inclusive, vibrant and engaging programmes that strengthen community connections, encourage participation and promote wellbeing across the borough.
The funding will support a wide variety of initiatives, bringing people together through culture, heritage, the arts and familyfriendly activities, creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike while celebrating the diversity and creativity of local communities.
Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Cllr Tim Mitchell, said: “Our community groups play a vital role in bringing people together and showcasing the diversity, passion and creativity that exists across our borough. “We are delighted to support these organisations
and wish them every success as they deliver their initiatives for local communities.” Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council congratulates all funded organisations and looks forward to seeing these exciting programmes and events come to life throughout 2026–27.
More than 200 patients took part in the Trust’s first-ever Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy Community Appointment Day, held at Lisburn Primary and Community Care Centre. The innovative initiative invited patients currently on Physiotherapy waiting lists, to attend a single appointment where they received a one-toone assessment with a Physiotherapist, were signposted to relevant services, classes and information and supported to better manage their specific MSK condition. The clinic enabled patients to access timely and effective Physiotherapy care on the day, rather than remaining on a waiting list. Patient Margaret
Brannigan shared how she has been living with Sciatica and how much she benefitted from her one-toone with Physiotherapist Reuben McIlrath. Margaret said, “I have had a real understanding about my condition from the Physiotherapist. It has been so beneficial to know that I am not alone, that I can get help and that I am not a lost cause.” Margaret also praised the overall set up of the day, “It has been great. I have been on the waiting list for Physiotherapy for a year and coming here has been so informative. I have been steered towards a class in the Leisure Centre which incorporates chair exercises. Coming today has been so helpful for me and I feel so much better.”
Page 2
The Lisburn Advertiser
Your Community News – Got a story? Call 02897 511002 or email editorial@edamedia.co.uk
Issue 120 - Support Local
Issue 120 - Support Local
The Lisburn Advertiser
Ballymacash Sports Academy celebrates the King’s Award for Voluntary Service Ballymacash Sports Academy celebrates The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has hosted a special celebration event to recognise Ballymacash Sports Academy’s receipt of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), in recognition of its outstanding work promoting health, inclusion, and active living for people of all ages. The KAVS is equivalent to an MBE and represents the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the United Kingdom. The award honours the best of local volunteer-led groups, showcasing how they create a positive impact in their communities. Ballymacash Sports Academy is Northern Ireland’s first community-owned sports and recreational facility. Since its founding in 2017, the organisation has fostered community growth and development by making sport accessible to everyone while encouraging participants to develop skills, confidence and connections through volunteering. Based at the Bluebell Stadium, home of Ballymacash Rangers Football Club (BRFC), the Academy has established a state-of-the-art community hub featuring a gym, modern sports facilities and changing rooms, with a community hall currently under development.
The event was opened by Mayor Alderman Amanda Grehan. Guests enjoyed dinner followed by a video presentation from Ballymacash Sports Academy, introduced by Chair Philip Trimble, along with special video messages from Northern Ireland football legends past and present to congratulate the group on their achievement. The Lord Lieutenant, Mr David McCorkell, formally presented the King’s Award crystal, certificate and badges. Philip Trimble, Chairman of Ballymacash Sports Academy said: “This is a tremendous achievement and honour for all of those connected with Ballymacash Sports Academy. From our BRFC coaches to our fantastic craft club members, school and club
partnerships, we are simply delighted to have our vision and hard work recognised by His Majesty The King.” Closing the formal proceedings, Chair of the Corporate Services Committee, Councillor Brian Higginson, paid tribute to everyone involved with the organisation. Councillor Higginson said: “This award is the highest accolade a voluntary group can achieve and I am delighted to see the work of Ballymacash Sports Academy recognised in this way. “While sport is at the heart of what they do, the positive impact of their work reaches far beyond the field of play. It shows the power of sport as a tool to bring people together and make life happier and
healthier for individuals and communities alike. “This award recognises the hard work, persistence and collective effort it takes to do this vital work and reminds us that dedicated volunteers are the people who make it all possible. “The Council takes pride in supporting organisations like Ballymacash Sports Academy through our Community Investment Fund. Tonight highlights the positive change that can be achieved when local government and the voluntary sector work in collaboration.” Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council offers heartfelt congratulations to Ballymacash Sports Club and extends our appreciation to the volunteers, participants, staff and supporters.
Page 3