'Hello NMD' aims to help and support newcomers to our area

A new project, called Hello NMD, has just been launched to help newcomers to Newry, Mourne and Down find out about the area.

Hello NMD is part of the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s PEACE IV Action Plan, supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and is ideally suited to support recently arrived evacuees from Ukraine and other newcomers to the district. 

Participants of the programme will take part in a guided programme which will entail orientation and trauma support workshops and a learning programme.  These will be supported by visits to the local library, health centre, Jobs & Benefits office, Housing Executive, Ethnic Minority Support Centre, Civic Centre and community groups. Also, as part of the project the participants will take part in trips to local places of interest to enhance their knowledge of our local culture and traditions.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage said, “This new programme will be a lifeline for newcomers to our district who plan to call it ‘home’. It can be a very confusing and disorientating time and we are delighted to be able to provide this service to support and welcome them to Newry, Mourne and Down.”   

Talking about the new Hello NMD programme, Newry, Mourne and Down PEACE IV Partnership Chairperson, Councillor Terry Andrews said, “I would like on behalf of the Council and the PEACE IV Partnership to welcome all new arrivals into the district and would encourage any newcomers to avail of this opportunity to discover and explore the fantastic communities, people and services that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has to offer.”

Two information events have already taken place to provide an introduction to the Hello NMD Programme in Newry Town Hall and Down Arts Centre, which included an overview of what will be happening during the programme and an opportunity to meet others taking part. 

If you or anyone you know would benefit from taking part in the programme, please get in touch with the co-ordinators on 07753937543 or email: admin@marianfitzpatrick.com.

Match-funding for the project has been provided by the Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland.