“We See You”: Carers honoured in moving International Women’s Day gathering
- Love Ballymena
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
(L-R) Joleen Cunningham, Carers NI; Oscar winning actor Dr. James Martin MBE; Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick; Deputy Mayor, Councillor Julie Gilmour and Prof Suzanne Martin at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s special International Women’s Day celebration shining a light on carers.
Carers from across the borough were placed firmly in the spotlight on Friday morning as Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council hosted a powerful International Women’s Day celebration recognising the often unseen work of those who care for others.
Held at Theatre at The Mill in Newtownabbey on 6 March 2026, the event – titled “We See You” – brought together carers and the people they support for a morning of reflection, connection and recognition.
For many attending, it was a rare opportunity to step back from daily responsibilities and share experiences with others who understand the realities of caring.
The gathering celebrated the dedication, resilience and compassion of carers who quietly provide vital support in homes and communities across Northern Ireland. Many of those present offer that care unpaid and often without public recognition.
A central moment of the event came with a keynote address from Professor Suzanne Martin, academic and researcher in Occupational Therapy at Ulster University.
Drawing on both her professional expertise in health and social care and her personal experience as a carer and mother, Professor Martin delivered a deeply personal reflection on the realities families face.
Her message was reinforced by the presence of her son, Oscar-winning actor Dr James Martin MBE, who attended the event to show support for carers and their families.
During the morning he warmly engaged with guests, adding a personal touch to the event’s message that carers deserve to be seen and appreciated.
Attendees also heard from Joleen Cunningham of Carers Northern Ireland, who highlighted the “invisible but indispensable” nature of caring and the particular challenges faced by women who balance caring responsibilities with employment.
The Quirky Choir from the Bridge Association entertaining guests at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s International Women’s Day celebration.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, emphasised the immense social and economic contribution made by carers.
“This work has real social and economic impact. Unpaid care contributes greatly to the economy yet often goes unacknowledged, and many carers sacrifice career opportunities and personal well-being to meet the demands of caregiving.
“International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity to recognise these contributions. As a parent of Autistic children, I fully understand how vital that recognition and support can be.
“Celebrations like the ‘We See You’ event help bring carers together, offer support, and highlight the need for greater awareness, resources, and respect for those who dedicate their time to caring for others. In doing so, we honour not only women but the health of our whole community.”
Throughout the morning, carers were able to visit information stands and connect with organisations offering advice, services and community support networks. The aim was not only to celebrate carers, but to ensure they leave with practical guidance, reassurance and stronger connections to support systems.
The atmosphere inside Theatre at The Mill was one of solidarity and shared understanding — a reminder that behind every caring role is a person balancing responsibility, compassion and often significant personal sacrifice.
By highlighting carers as part of its International Women’s Day programme, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring carers feel recognised and supported throughout the year.
Information, services and support for carers are available online at:
At a glance
Carers from across Antrim and Newtownabbey gathered at Theatre at The Mill on 6 March for a special International Women’s Day event.
The event, titled “We See You”, aimed to recognise the dedication and often unseen work of carers.
Professor Suzanne Martin delivered a keynote address reflecting on both her research and personal experience as a carer.
Oscar-winning actor Dr James Martin MBE attended to support carers and their families.
Carers Northern Ireland highlighted the vital but often invisible role of carers, particularly women balancing work and caring responsibilities.
Attendees accessed information stands, advice and support services designed to help carers in their daily roles.
The council says the event reflects its ongoing commitment to recognising and supporting carers across the borough.