Ballymena community invited to beat the January blues at FREE Wellbeing Monday event!

Residents across Ballymena and the surrounding area are being encouraged to prioritise their mental health this January as a free community wellbeing event returns to the town.

Radius and Triangle Housing Associations, working in partnership with Turning Point NI, will host their annual Wellbeing Monday event on 19 January, offering a welcoming space for anyone who may be struggling with the post-Christmas slump or simply in need of a boost.

Taking place at the Adair Arms Hotel between 11am and 4pm, the event coincides with Blue Monday, often described as the third Monday in January and one of the most challenging days of the year for mental wellbeing.

Organisers say the aim of Wellbeing Monday is to give people the opportunity to take positive, practical steps towards improving their wellbeing in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Throughout the day, attendees will be able to access a wide range of support and therapy services. These include advice and signposting from local support organisations, Pharmacy Health Checks, and specialist input from the Northern Health Trust, with representatives from Homeless Health, School Nursing and Health Visiting teams available.

Adding a strong community element to the event, The Barber Collective will offer free haircuts, while visitors can also take part in free Complementary Therapy taster sessions and Wellbeing Workshops.

Food and refreshments will be available throughout the day, alongside opportunities to socialise and connect with others. A free raffle will also be held for those attending.

The initiative is supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme, which has its roots in the NI Executive’s Together: Building a United Community strategy.

The programme reflects a wider commitment to strengthening community relations and promoting a more inclusive and shared society.

Wellbeing Monday also highlights the scale of shared housing investment currently underway in Ballymena.

Radius Housing has delivered a 135-home development at the former St Patrick’s Barracks site, while Triangle Housing has provided 64 new homes across Shared Housing schemes at Regents Park, Galgorm Road and Broadway Avenue, catering for families and over-55s.

Together, these projects represent a combined shared housing good relations investment of approximately £22 million.

All developments are supported by Good Relations Plans, including ‘Bridging’ events designed to engage the wider community and promote outcomes across health and wellbeing, education and training.

Speaking ahead of the event, Trudi Hall from Turning Point NI said:

“Turning Point NI look forward to raising awareness of local support services in the Ballymena and surrounding areas alongside the Housing Associations.

“Turning Point NI realise that January is going to be a long, tough month for everyone, so why not come along to this free event and reach out to the appropriate services where required.

“Again, Turning Point would encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out and get the support they very much deserve.”

Lisa Mooney, Communities Officer for Ballymena at Radius Housing, added:

“The two Housing Associations involved look forward to this event on 19th January, traditionally known as ‘Blue Monday’. We are hoping that it will help in some small way to bring these support services together.

“This year we have also added a school’s hour to kick the event off at 11am and some Wellbeing Workshops; learning Thai Head Massage and Sound Bath. We look forward to welcoming the Ballymena Community to join us again this year.”

Wellbeing Monday is free to attend and open to everyone. The event will run from 12pm to 4pm, with a dedicated schools-only hour from 11am to 12pm, offering young people the chance to engage with wellbeing activities in a supportive setting.