Stewart Suite opens at Hollybank, Magherafelt in tribute to respected former manager

Connor Stewart cuts the ribbon to officially open the Stewart Suite at Hollybank short break unit.

A new facility named in memory of a much-loved former colleague has officially opened at the Hollybank short break unit in Magherafelt, offering vital support to adults with learning disabilities during times of crisis.

The Stewart Suite, unveiled this week, is named after Arlene Stewart, who managed the Hollybank unit for nearly 30 years until her retirement in 2016.

Stewart left an indelible mark on the service, remembered fondly for her dedication, compassion and vision for more personalised care.

Hollybank, which forms part of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, provides short break respite services to adults with learning disabilities. The new suite will serve as a dedicated space for service users in crisis, providing specialist support and intervention in a more familiar and comfortable setting, and crucially, reducing the need for hospital admission.

Connor Stewart with his wife Roberta at the official opening of the Stewart Suite at Hollybank short break unit.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Arlene’s son Connor Stewart performed the honours in front of gathered service users, family members, and staff, many of whom had worked alongside Arlene over the years.

Angela Reid, Head of Respite and Supported Living at the Northern Trust, said the naming of the suite was a fitting tribute to a manager who had done so much for Hollybank:

“Arlene dedicated so much to Hollybank during her long association with the unit, and those who knew her will remember her as a passionate, committed and forward-thinking manager, with a real focus on the empowerment of service users.

“The concept of the Stewart Suite was something that Arlene had always envisaged and we are very proud to now see this come to fruition.

“We are grateful to Arlene’s family for their support and we hope this gesture will help us all to remember her legacy and her contribution to Hollybank’s ongoing development.”

The Stewart Suite marks a significant step forward in community-based, person-centred care, ensuring individuals with learning disabilities can access immediate and appropriate support when they need it most, in a setting tailored to their needs.