Red Cross 'Community Connectors Programme' Makes Strategic Connections

Elizabeth Boyd visited the members of Treetops Probus Club in Belfast to talk about the work of the Red Cross in Northern Ireland.

Charlotte King, Senior Fundraiser, Red Cross explains the importance of developing a strategic network for the programme: 

"While the Red Cross is obviously well known for our work overseas, including responding to situations like the recent, devastating Cyclone Idai, our volunteers are also very active locally. We are currently supporting lonely and isolated people as part of our growing Community Connectors programme, helping people to gain confidence, try new things and get out and about to socialise again. 

"We are also helping patients at the Ulster hospital to get home sooner by providing an assisted discharge service. And of course, we are always on standby to provide emergency response support across Northern Ireland to people affected by fire, flood and a host of other unexpected emergencies."

Charlotte adds: "Like any programme of activity, for the Community Connectors Programme, it is important to have a strong network of contacts in the private and public sector to successfully deliver meaningful support. Networking events like this one help to expand our base and enable us to do more. 

"We do have an extensive range of donors, who provide vital funds to allow us to run our programmes and we are very grateful for their commitment and input, though we are always seeking new donors and sponsors and networking events like this help us in this regard."

Dr Terry Cross OBE, President of the Red Cross in Northern Ireland, discusses the event: 

"Red Cross is working across Northern Ireland and it has a strong, active team of volunteers. Some people, groups and organisations are not aware of how they can get involved and networking events show stakeholders just what's possible. I would like to thank everyone who attended."

Red Cross Speaker, Elizabeth Boyd, adds:

"It was a pleasure to be invited along to this meeting and raise awareness of all our local Red Cross services.  Loneliness and social isolation span all ages and all backgrounds and the research shows the power of connecting with communities to reduce these feelings.  The more people we can engage with in the community as a whole, the more people we can identify for support."

George Bratty, Social Secretary and Vice Chairman of Treetops Probus Club, and organiser of the event said:

"We were delighted to welcome Elizabeth Boyd to find out more about the work of the Red Cross here in Northern Ireland. Our members were truly impressed by the local services being delivered on the ground.”