Northern Trust highlights inspiring work of Day Opportunities volunteers in Mid & East Antrim

(L-R) Northern Trust Day Opportunitues volunteers Lee, Kerry, Shop Manager Shirley Kearney, Chris, Annette and Sandra.

A group of dedicated volunteers from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Day Opportunities service are being celebrated for their commitment to supporting a local charity shop in the heart of Carrickfergus.

Lee, Kerry, Chris, Annette and Sandra – described as the “fab five” – give up their time each week to volunteer at the Action Cancer store, where they play a key role in sorting donations and handling the day-to-day tasks of a busy retail environment.

Their efforts are supported by long-serving shop manager, Shirley Kearney, who has helped guide and encourage the group during their placement.

Volunteering, the Trust notes, offers valuable opportunities to help local communities, develop new skills and pursue personal goals. For many involved in Day Opportunities, it also provides a meaningful pathway towards greater independence and potential employment.

Day Opportunities Coordinator, Sarah Mildenhall, said the experience has been rewarding for everyone:

“Some of our service users had previous experience working in other charity shop environments but for others this was their first step into the world of retail with the ambition of progressing into employment.

“We sought out volunteering opportunities and supported each of them as they settled into their roles. It has been very encouraging to see how they have developed, and we remain on hand to offer ongoing support, a friendly face and listening ear and it is fantastic to see that they have become an integral part of the shop team.”

Alongside their volunteer roles, the five are actively involved in a diverse range of activities through Day Opportunities. This includes time spent at Carrickfergus Base, engagement with Trust-funded social enterprises such as Access Employment Limited in Larne and Triangle Housing Association’s Alternative Angles, and paid employment in local businesses for some.

They also take part in accredited and leisure courses delivered by Northern Regional College, Access Employment Limited and Belfast Works Connect. Their active social lives involve several clubs and societies, including a Special Olympics club, while Annette has proudly served as a Mencap NI Ambassador for many years.

Day Opportunities Coordinator, Allen Rankin, paid tribute to both the volunteers and manager, Shirley:

“We are incredibly proud of what Lee, Kerry, Chris, Annette and Sandra have achieved in all aspects of their lives, as well as their continued commitment to Action Cancer. Shirley’s support has been invaluable since the very beginning, and she has been instrumental in making this opportunity a huge success.

“It’s apt to be celebrating her part in this as she prepares for retirement after 21 years. We know she will be sorely missed, but our volunteers will not forget her kindness and will continue to carry on her good work.”

The Day Opportunities service supports adults with a learning disability across the Northern Trust, helping individuals achieve their potential and live fulfilling lives.

As the service marks its 20th anniversary, the Trust is shining a spotlight on stories like those of the “fab five” to highlight the transformative impact of opportunity, inclusion and community support.

To read more stories in the series, visit the Northern Trust’s ‘Opportunities for All’ page: (link signposted in original press release).