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A newly registered road safety charity has been officially launched at a special event in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry last week.
The Road Ahead NI is dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by road traffic collisions. The group was founded by Monica Heaney, Ciara Sands, Rita Bentley, Tricia O’Neill, Jenny O’Connor, Sinead Dillon, Judith Boyd, Marian Magill & Marie Mulcahy, most of who had first-hand experience of the trauma and loss following a road traffic collision. Their vision was to ensure no one would have to navigate the aftermath of such traumas alone.
in Newry.
Originally established as a support service under the umbrella of the Charity Road Safe NI, The Road Ahead NI grew significantly over the past five years. As more services developed to meet community need, including peer support, trauma counselling, and wellbeing workshops, the committee made the decision to register The Road Ahead NI as an independent charity, in its own right.
The launch event welcomed over 150 guests, including people affected by RTC’s, bereaved families, emergency services, elected representatives, and community partners. The evening was hosted by Mary-Kate McKevitt, Watch Commander with the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and Committee member of The Road Ahead NI and Road Safe NI.
Founding members Rita Bentley, Monica Heaney, and Ciara Sands shared their personal stories and explained their inspiration behind the charity’s creation. Guests were then invited to view the premiere of the new ‘Road Ahead NI’ promotional video (see left) which powerfully captured the charity’s mission and impact.
The audience also heard compelling contributions from a range of guest speakers. Davy Jackson, Chairperson of Road Safe NI, reflected on the charity’s roots and community partnerships. Stevie Dickson from the PSNI Collision Investigation Unit offered insight into the realities of his frontline work. Rosemary Rooney, Lead Trauma Counsellor for The Road Ahead NI and CEO of Davina’s Ark, spoke about the emotional and psychological impact of road traffic trauma. Ms Liz Kimmins MLA, Minister for Infrastructure, expressed her support for the charity’s work and the importance of improving road safety and post-collision care.
Looking ahead, Tricia O’Neill, Charity Development Officer for The Road Ahead NI, shared the organisation’s future goals and vision for growth. The evening concluded with uplifting live music from The Uplifted Gospel Choir (The Choir Studio), accompanied by a finger buffet and refreshments, leaving guests inspired and united in support of the charity’s journey.
Davy Jackson, Chairperson of the Road Safe NI Charity commented, “After many long meetings, late nights, and heartfelt discussions, our Road Safe NI, Newry Sub-Committee developed the concept that would become The Road Ahead NI. Their goal was simple, yet profound: to offer meaningful, timely, and local support to those impacted by road traffic incidents, when they needed it and where they needed it.
At Road Safe NI, we were proud to be with them from the very beginning. We backed them 100%, helped promote their mission, and welcomed them as an integral part of our charity. And we watched with admiration as they rolled up their sleeves and got to work, quietly, compassionately, and effectively supporting hundreds of people who might otherwise have had nowhere to turn.
Their success speaks for itself. So much so, that they felt the time had come to take the next step, becoming a charity in their own right. And tonight we celebrate not only that achievement, but also the opening of their new premises and the launch of their new website, milestones that mark a new chapter in their journey”.
About The Road Ahead NI
The Road Ahead NI provides trauma-informed support, peer connection, and therapeutic programmes for people impacted in many ways by a road traffic collision. Through personal stories, advocacy, and community engagement, the charity seeks to improve post-collision support and raise awareness of the lasting impact road crashes have on individuals, families, and communities.
Check out www.theroadaheadni.co.uk
Donate: The Road Ahead Support - JustGiving
