Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has congratulated Down Lisburn Carers’ Forum on winning a prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Paying tribute to the Forum at a reception at Hillsborough Castle, Michael McGimpsey said: “This Award ranks alongside the MBE in status and prestige.
“It represents the highest level of achievement by a Voluntary and Community Sector organisation and, given the values and standards set by the Voluntary and Community Sector in Northern Ireland, Lisburn Carers’ Forum is therefore among the best of the best.
“The significance of this achievement is even greater in view of the fact that members of your organisation are themselves carers. In that context the work you have done in improving the lives of so many people humbles us all.”
Notes to editors:
- Down Lisburn Carers’ Forum was founded in 1990 to represent the views of children and adults with a learning disability in the Down Lisburn Trust area. The forum has a membership of over 300 parents and carers whose ages range from 20 to 85 years. These parents and carers provide dedicated 24 hour care and personal support to their family members or relatives with a learning disability.
- The Forum Committee work closely with service providers and other agencies to bring about improvements in service provision and delivery within the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.
- The Forum received the award for its work in providing a voice for people with a range of learning disabilities and their families and carers, by representing their needs in pursuit of their vision of an inclusive society.
- One of the Forum’s most notable achievements has been the award of £3.4million to refurbish the Lisburn Assessment and Resource Centre at Wallace Avenue. This will ensure much improved facilities for adults with learning disabilities, including a day centre and training unit. In addition, in 2006 the Forum established the Lisburn Independent Advocacy Service which provides parents/carers and people with a learning disability with support and advice on all issues from form filling to representation at meetings.
- The Award was presented by the Mrs Joan Christie, Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim.
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