Northern Trust colleagues honoured in King’s New Year’s Honours for service to communities

(L-R): Current Northern Trust staff member Alison Irwin from Portstewart, and former colleague Yvonne Carson from Cloughmills.

Two colleagues from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust have been recognised in The King’s New Year’s Honours List, with one current staff member and one retired colleague awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for their outstanding contributions to health and social care.

Yvonne Carson, a current member of staff, and former colleague Alison Irwin have both been honoured in recognition of the significant impact they have made through decades of dedication, professionalism and commitment to improving the lives of others across Northern Ireland.

Interim Chief Executive of the Northern Trust, Suzanne Pullins, said the awards were a source of pride for the organisation and its communities.

“We are delighted to see both Yvonne and Alison recognised in the New Year’s Honours. Their achievements reflect the dedication, professionalism and compassion that underpin everything we do, and we are immensely proud of the difference they have made to service users and our wider Northern Trust community.”

Recognition for Tackling Loneliness in Rural Communities

Yvonne Carson, from Cloughmills, has been recognised for her work in tackling loneliness and building lifesaving connections within communities, particularly in isolated rural areas.

She began her career in the Northern area in 1984 and qualified as a Registered General Nurse in 1987. Her early nursing career was spent at Mid Ulster Hospital in Magherafelt, before moving to roles at Waveney Hospital and Braid Valley Hospital in Ballymena.

In 2004, Yvonne moved into a health promotion role, where she has worked ever since. Her award citation highlights how she has worked tirelessly to raise awareness, enable collective action, influence policy and lead countless individuals in communities to develop meaningful social connections that improve health and wellbeing.

Reacting to the announcement, Yvonne said she was both surprised and deeply grateful.

“I feel very humbled to receive this unexpected honour. It has been hugely rewarding to drive positive change and develop initiatives which have brought about positive change in our local communities including those in isolated rural areas.

“This award also belongs to all those who have supported the work including Trust colleagues and community partners.”

Championing Equality and Inclusion in Health and Social Care

Former Northern Trust colleague Alison Irwin, from Portstewart, has been recognised for services to health and social care in Northern Ireland following a 28-year career, before retiring in 2024.

Alison began her career in the Northern Health and Social Services Council, carrying out patient-led research focused on improving services. She later went on to establish and lead the first Equality Unit within Homefirst Community Trust and subsequently the Northern Trust.

A strong advocate for partnership working, Alison has been recognised for her role in identifying and addressing health inequalities. Throughout her career, she worked closely with community and voluntary organisations to support ethnic communities, disabled people and family carers.

Speaking following the announcement, Alison said the award reflected the collective efforts of many people.

“I am honoured to receive this recognition. It’s a reflection of the incredible people I worked with in the Trust, local community and voluntary sector.

“This award belongs to everyone who believes all voices should be heard and valued.  It reminds us that recognising diversity and promoting inclusion strengthens communities and changes people’s lives for the better.”

Celebrating Service and Commitment

The Northern Trust said the recognition of both colleagues highlights the vital role that compassionate, community-focused work plays in improving health outcomes and tackling inequality across Northern Ireland.