Council Chairperson announces charities for term of office

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey has announced the names of the three charities he will be supporting throughout his term of office - Autism Families, Birth Wise and Cuan Mhuire.

Speaking about the charities and his reasons for choosing them, Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “I have chosen Family as the theme for my term in office. I believe that for each of us, families are the most fundamental part of our lives – this is where we all find the love, trust and support that we need to make each day matter. The three charities that I will be supporting are very much family focussed and they each make a real difference to people in Newry, Mourne and Down.

“One of the Council’s strategic objectives is to empower our communities and one of the ways in which I can do this is to help to support valuable organisations such as these and help raise the profile of the vital work they do.

Chairperson, Cllr Casey continued, “I am currently working with Autism Families, Birth Wise and Cuan Mhuire on a fundraising plan for inclusive and enjoyable events, which will take place in locations throughout the district that everyone can take part in. Details of the events will be announced in due course and I am asking that the community of Newry, Mourne and Down will, as always, give their full support.”

The Charities

Birthwise

Birth Wise is dedicated to supporting women and their partners around pregnancy, birth and the challenging period that is early parenthood.  It is a grassroots movement of expectant and new parents and those who support them.  The Charity connects, empowers and informs and supports new parents.  They campaign for continuous improvements in maternity care and other relevant services.

Autism Families

Autism Families work tirelessly to increase both awareness and acceptance of autism and to support families in the Newry, Mourne and Down area who are living with autism.  They provide activities and outings in a safe, stable and engaging environment and help young people with ASD, their parents and siblings to form friendships within the group.

Cuan Mhuire

Cuan Mhuire has a rehabilitation centre in Newry that treats people with alcohol and gambling addiction. Their programmes support both those suffering from addiction and their families, as they progress through a systematic 12 week programme for alcohol and gambling and a 20 week programme for substance misuse. These programmes may be extended, as Cuan Mhuire recognise everyone is unique. After treatment, they continue to provide support through a national network of Aftercare and Family Support. At any one time, Cuan Mhuire has in excess of 570 people in their centres nationwide. Regretfully the number of people suffering from addiction has increased significantly over this past 10 years.