Kindness Postboxes
The Kindness Postbox started in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. It links children and older people by encouraging children, young people and families to write a letter, draw a picture or make a card and post it into a Kindness Postbox. The letters, pictures and cards are then collected and distributed to older residents in the community. Older residents may then send letters back. This has kick-started links between groups of older and younger people across Northern Ireland and the world! The project has brought groups of people together across the generations, developing connections and understanding between young and old.
Loneliness Awareness Week - 10-16 June 2024
During Loneliness Awareness Week 2024, the Loneliness Network delivered various activities to raise awareness and build social connection. These included a social media campaign and a Loneliness Recognition and Champion Celebration event. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council buildings were also lit up in support of Loneliness Awareness Week.
The Loneliness Recognition and Champion Celebration event provided an opportunity for Loneliness Champions to be awarded certificates by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Mayor Councillor Neil Kelly, to recognise their contributions and for members to reflect on some of the key achievements throughout the past year, including the launches of further Chatty Benches and Chatty Cafes across the Borough.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly commented, “I would like to congratulate the four Antrim and Newtownabbey Loneliness Network Champions who provide friendly and invaluable support to those who are feeling lonely. I look forward to continue working with the Antrim and Newtownabbey Loneliness Network to promote the Chatty Benches and Chatty Cafes as we tackle the issues of loneliness and isolation within our Borough together’’
Loneliness Network Spring Social
On 20 March 2025, the Loneliness Network held its first ever Spring Social at Mossley Mill. It was a spectacular evening in celebration of Spring, complete with music, dancing, games, creativity and lots of laughter. The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly and over 70 guests of all ages and abilities from across the Borough attended the event.
A highlight of the night was the lively music played by the Action Mental Health – Antrim Men’s Shed Band. Guests made paper flowers with positive messages, competed in Bocce and enjoyed a Creative Writing workshop with James Murphy, in between dancing and dinner. The Spring Social was a successful intergenerational and inclusive event celebrating social connection in Antrim and Newtownabbey.
Loneliness Network Spring Social