Good Morning Down

26/06/2026

MANAGING THE HEAT

I hope everyone is enjoying this glorious spell of weather, please see below advice below from the Public Health Agency and Cancer Focus:

Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen (and reapply every 2 hours)
Wear a hat and sunglasses
Seek shade during peak UV hours (11am-3pm)
Stay hydrated (even when you don’t feel thirsty)
Stay cool

Prolonged heat poses a particular risk to older people, young people and those with heart and lung conditions.

Look after yourself and your loved ones, and check up on neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.

🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞😎

25/06/2026

Seniors Tourism Events

Have a look at the attached flyer and you will see a fabulous range of community based activities, all geared towards those of an older age 🧐🤗

All within the geographical area covered by our fabulous Good Morning Down service

Booking details are listed on the flyer 🤗😎

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13/06/2026

Safeguarding Training

An essential element of delivering our Good Morning service is for everyone involved in our service to be trained and well rehearsed with all aspects of Safeguarding 👍🤗

This morning Dan, Patricia, Suzanne, Anne, Gary, Ann and Canice attended training - professionally lead by Jim from Volunteer Now and under a program managed by County Down Rural Community Network

Sure what else would we be doing on a lovely Saturday morning 🥹

08/06/2026

Loneliness Awareness Week

The Beyond Loneliness Group are promoting Loneliness Awareness Week, which runs from the 15th – 21st June.

The attached flyer highlights events taking place during the week.

Loneliness can affect anyone, and the campaign reminds us that small moments of connection matter. Have a look and see if there is an event you would like to join.

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03/06/2026

Parliament 2026: Survey Now Live

The NI Assembly Engagement team have confirmed that the survey which will determine the topics for the Older People’s Parliament (15 October 2026) is now live: https://consult.nia-yourassembly.org.uk/engagement/older-peoples-parliament/

Please note:

The survey is open until Friday 24 July 2026.

If you have any queries about the survey, send an email to: [email protected]

To help make the survey as accessible as possible, the team have told us they are developing BSL and ISL signed survey translation videos. We will let you know when these videos are available.

Paper copies of the survey will also be available. If you would like copies for your group or organisation, please request how many you require and the address they should be sent to by emailing [email protected]. They can also provide prepaid return envelopes for completed responses.

For anyone who would prefer to complete the survey by phone, telephone surveys will be available on 028 9052 1761 or 028 9052 1440. Phone lines will be open Monday to Friday, from 10am to 2pm.

The dedicated Older People’s Parliament 2026 webpage on the NI Assembly website is also now live and can be accessed by clicking here. We will be keeping this webpage up-to-date throughout each stage of planning the Parliament. On the webpage, there is a link to the survey, further information about the Parliament, and the option to view the stream of the 2024 Older People’s Parliament.

Finally, the Assembly Engagement team would also be delighted to visit your local age-friendly group to speak about the work of the Assembly, the background to the Older People’s Parliament, and to support members in completing the survey. If this is something your group would be interested in, please get in touch and by emailing [email protected] and you can arrange a suitable date.

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02/06/2026

GOOD MORNING DOWN - fundraiser

This - Saturday 6th June 2026

Please see details of this fantastic annual musical 🎶 event at the Ballydugan Mill - “Splinters Bash” - proceeds going to two local charities inc Good Morning Down

Tickets available at the door on Saturday or via attached link - please do consider supporting this event 👍🤗🎶🎹🎤

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https://www.ticketsource.com/gmdfundraiser/splinters-bash/2026-06-06/14:00/t-qmmokgl?fbclid=IwdGRjcASLctRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEexUWVXjctSG-XBG-t8CtUEhIY2B1r_C3pqjmHvujkhVYuSCzx4jLHRoRhNrI_aem_fGgMJKLfr5d4UJK0eeMowg

Tickets are now available for Splinter's Bash at The Mill at Ballyduggan, Downpatrick on Sat 6 Jun 2026 at 2:00PM. Click the link for further information and to secure your tickets now!

01/06/2026

It’s national volunteer week and we want to acknowledge our fabulous volunteers who continue to give up their time to assist in the delivery of our fabulous service 🤗👏🌞

Thank you to all 21 volunteers - all stars 🌟

A few photos of the team & board Chairperson 👏🌞

28/05/2026

Excellent training and would recommend for anyone who would benefit from having it!!

27/05/2026

This morning, x4 GMD volunteers and GMD manager attended a volunteer recognition event organised through the wonderful locally based Down Senior Forum 👍🤗

Our manager Dan, sits on the forum and was delighted to attend this morning along with other community volunteers from the Rowallane, Slieve Croob and Downpatrick DEA areas .. 👏

Held in the “Preaching House Pottery” in killough, those attending tried their hand at a variety of art & craft activities including an opportunity to make some chutney .. big thanks to Heather & Paula from CDRCN and DEA officers Katrina, Priscilla & Nicola and of course our hosts Peter & David 🤣🤗🌞

Lovely to see Bronagh from Volunteer Now and her words of encouragement to all those who volunteer 🙏👍🙂

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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust
County Down Rural Community Network

22/05/2026

Important information for everyone regarding Urgent & Emergency care provision this coming Monday Bank Holiday

Emergency care provision this coming bank holiday Monday

If you or someone you love needs urgent or emergency care this Bank Holiday we are here to help👇

Please remember that your Pharmacist can also assist with common minor ailments.

GP out of hours cannot issue repeat prescriptions or attend to dental emergencies.

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