Residents, staff and family members from residential care homes under threat of closure across Northern Ireland gathered together for two days of tea parties, dancing and discussion this week.
On Monday 19 August around 40 people from care homes in the Western Trust area met to dance along to entertainment from Harry ‘Trixie’ Hamilton and the Pink Ladies – a choir of cancer survivors who sing alongside friends and family.
Residents were greeted by the new environment minister, and local MLA, Mark H Durkan.
As tea, pastries, and sandwiches were served, those in attendance discussed the best way forward in the fight to keep their care homes open. The event was fun but also instructive.
The next day, UNISON welcomed approximately 70 residents, staff and family members to Belfast for a boogie and a bun.
As residents from three trusts (Northern, Southern and Belfast) mingled and discussed the Save Our Homes campaign, the Lord Mayor of Belfast – Mairtin O Muilleoir – and Larne MLA and UUP health spokesman Roy Beggs spoke with those in attendance.
The Lord Mayor even made some residents honorary mayor in respect of their longevity and tireless campaigning. One resident in attendance was 103 years old.
After the event, the overwhelming consensus was that the homes will not close and UNISON will fight alongside residents, staff, family, politicians and campaigners to ensure they stay open.
