Northern Trust launches new support programme for unpaid carers across community
- Love Ballymena
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Members of the carers walking group pictured in Antrim Castle Gardens with Claire Campbell and Louise Feeney from the Northern Trust’s Carer Hub.
Unpaid carers across the Northern Trust area are being offered new support through a wide-ranging programme of wellbeing classes, peer support groups and activities designed to help them look after their own physical and mental health.
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has launched its latest Carer Support Programme during Carers Week, which runs from 8 to 14 June and highlights the contribution made by unpaid carers across society.
Running until March 2027, the programme includes both in-person and online activities aimed at helping carers connect with others, reduce isolation and take time away from the pressures of caring responsibilities.
Activities include a walking group at Antrim Castle Gardens, peer support “carer connections” sessions in Maghera, Ballyclare, Ballymena and Bushmills, alongside online book clubs, mindfulness sessions, journaling and self-care workshops.
Carers helping shape and lead the programme
The Trust said this year’s programme was co-produced alongside informal unpaid family carers, with carers themselves now helping to lead some of the activities for the first time.
These include gardening and craft sessions facilitated by people with lived experience of caring responsibilities.
One carer involved in the programme said the approach reflected the wider abilities and identities of carers beyond their daily responsibilities.
“This is important because it shows not only the value I have got out of the Carer Hub, but also to show that we are more than simply carers,” they said.
“Many of us are talented people and have used these talents in other parts of our lives so why not with Carer Hub?”
The Trust’s Carer Pathway Steering Group Chair Sam Bell and Deputy Chair Virginia Maxwell said the programme had been directly shaped by carers themselves.
“As carers, we know how important it is to feel heard and understood,” they said.
“This programme has been shaped by the carer members of the Carer Pathway Steering Group who have worked together with the Trust to bring a programme that has variety, feels supportive, practical and made for us.”
Support aimed at reducing isolation and protecting wellbeing
The programme comes as many unpaid carers continue to balance caring responsibilities alongside work, family life and their own health challenges.
Northern Trust Carers Coordinator Claire Campbell said the initiative aimed to ensure carers feel recognised and supported throughout the year, not only during Carers Week.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside carers in developing this programme,” she said.
“Their insight, honesty and lived experience have been central to shaping something that is meaningful and accessible.
“During Carers Week, and beyond, we want carers to know that they are valued, recognised and not alone.
“We hope this programme not only provides practical support, but also encourages carers to take time for their own health and wellbeing.”
New five-year carer strategy also due later this year
Alongside the support programme, the Northern Trust has confirmed it plans to launch its updated Carer Strategy for 2026–2031 later this year to coincide with Carers Rights Day.
The consultation period on the draft strategy has now been extended until Tuesday 30 June, with unpaid carers, families, Trust staff and voluntary and community organisations invited to submit feedback.
The strategy is intended to improve coordination of support services for carers and help create what the Trust describes as a “smoother caring journey” where carers feel valued, informed and confident accessing services.
The draft strategy has been developed following engagement events with carers and staff and focuses on six key themes:
• carer health and advocacy
• identification
• information
• communication
• navigation
• transitions
People can read the draft strategy and submit feedback by visiting:
The full Carer Support Programme is available at:
The Northern Trust Carer Hub can also be contacted on 028 2766 1210 or by email at carer.hub@northerntrust.hscni.net between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
The latest programme marks a significant push by the Trust to place carers more directly at the centre of support services, while recognising the growing pressures faced by thousands of unpaid carers across the community.