Bolster Community

Bolster Community A charity and social enterprise supporting individuals and families facing life's tough challenges.

Bolster Community (bolstercommunity.org) is a practical, hands-on charity and social enterprise working alongside individuals, families, and communities to improve health and wellbeing for everyone. OUR VISION
A connected community where everyone has access to services and opportunities, enabling them to reach their full potential. OUR MISSION
We work alongside individuals, families and the commun

ity, to support improved opportunity, and health and wellbeing. Through our charity services, weโ€™ve had the privilege of helping countless children, parents, young people with mixed ability and seniors to reach their full potential. We support ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges from early years right through to later years. With an uncompromising, people-first approach, we go the extra mile to complement existing services. In our social enterprise, our products are lovingly handcrafted by young adults of mixed ability and all profits go back into supporting our vital work. Shop and support us to do more good: bolstercommunity.org/shop

๐ŸŒŸ Volunteers' Week โ€“ A Spotlight on Our Lady's Grammar School's  Volunteers ๐ŸŒŸThis Volunteers' Week, we're shining a spot...
05/06/2026

๐ŸŒŸ Volunteers' Week โ€“ A Spotlight on Our Lady's Grammar School's Volunteers ๐ŸŒŸ

This Volunteers' Week, we're shining a spotlight on the incredible volunteers from Our Lady's who have made a real difference at our STAR BITES 57 Social Kitchen throughout the year ๐Ÿฅฐ

Our Social Kitchen is a referral-based service supporting current Housing Executive tenants and those on the Housing Executive waiting list. It provides a warm, welcoming space where people can enjoy a cuppa, a bite to eat, catch up on the craic, browse the paper, and access practical support such as form-filling assistance, appointment booking, and signposting to local services.

Our Lady's volunteers have played a vital role in creating that welcoming atmosphere. Through every conversation shared, every cup of tea served, and every helping hand offered, they have brought kindness, compassion, and enthusiasm to the people who use our service.

Their experience has also been transformational for them:

๐Ÿ’ฌ "This was such a valuable experience for me. I got real hands-on experience with people and learned a lot."

๐Ÿ’ฌ "Volunteering at Social Kitchen has made me realise I want to work in the Community Sector."

๐Ÿ’ฌ "The service users have taught me so much. From their own life experiences and stories to their wicked sense of humour. So many were so giving of their time and energy and I will never forget that."

These reflections remind us that volunteering is a two-way journey. While our volunteers give their time, support, and energy, they also gain invaluable experience, confidence, knowledge, and connections that stay with them long after their placement ends.

๐Ÿ’œ To all of our Our Lady's volunteers, your contribution has enriched our STAR BITES 57 Social Kitchen community, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you have brought to the service.

Another brilliant afternoon bringing seniors together at Discover & Connect in Whitegates, Newry ๐Ÿ’œFrom dancing and raffl...
04/06/2026

Another brilliant afternoon bringing seniors together at Discover & Connect in Whitegates, Newry ๐Ÿ’œ

From dancing and raffles to making new pals and having great craic, the day had it all! Our seniors also got a chance to chat to various different companies providing vital services for them and the area. ๐Ÿ•บ

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us and made it so wonderful!

We would also like to extend a massive thank you to:
Liz Kimmins MLA, our guest speaker for taking time to share this day with us and show her support along with Dรกire Hughes MP and Cllr Valerie Harte.

Liz Boyle for capturing all the moments (keep your eyes peeled on socials for these coming up).

Our sponsor Bank of Ireland for their continued support.

All of our exhibitors: Alzheimer's Society, Clanrye Group, Age NI, and & Mourne Community Transport Southern Health and Social Care Trust Dementia Navigation and social work (Southern GP Federation Support Unit (SFSU), My Care App.

All of our dedicated staff, volunteers & partner organisations who worked behind the scenes and on the day.

And a special huge thank you to for all of her hard work and dedication๐Ÿ’œ

๐ŸŒŸ Volunteers' Week, A Spotlight on Our Board of Trustees ๐ŸŒŸThis Volunteersโ€™ Week, we also want to recognise our incredibl...
04/06/2026

๐ŸŒŸ Volunteers' Week, A Spotlight on Our Board of Trustees ๐ŸŒŸ

This Volunteersโ€™ Week, we also want to recognise our incredible Board of Trustees ๐Ÿ’œ

Working behind the scenes, our Board carries out some of the most important work within our charity. They generously give their time, expertise and support to help guide our organisation, make key decisions, and ensure we can continue delivering opportunities and services for our community.

While they may not always be visible in our day-to-day activities, their impact is felt in everything we do. None of the groundwork we deliver would be possible without the strong leadership, encouragement, and commitment they provide ๐Ÿค

To every one of our Trustees, thank you for your dedication, passion, and belief in our mission: bringing people together and providing practical support that makes a difference.. We are incredibly grateful for everything you do and proud to have you as part of our community.

๐ŸŒŸ โœจ ๐ŸŽ‰ ๐Ÿ™Œ

๐ŸŒŸ A Spotlight on Our Home2Hospital Drivers ๐ŸŒŸMeet the incredible volunteer drivers behind our Home2Hospital service! Ever...
03/06/2026

๐ŸŒŸ A Spotlight on Our Home2Hospital Drivers ๐ŸŒŸ

Meet the incredible volunteer drivers behind our Home2Hospital service!

Every day, our dedicated volunteers help rurally isolated older people across the Mournes and South Armagh access vital hospital appointments throughout Northern Ireland. Their kindness, commitment, and willingness to give their time make a real difference to so many lives.

Since the service began, our Home2Hospital volunteers have completed more than 5,500 hospital journeys๐Ÿš—๐Ÿ’จ

That's 5,500 journeys providing not just transport, but reassurance, companionship, and support when it's needed most.

One of our drivers shared:
"Volunteering with Home2Hospital has shown me how much a simple journey can mean to someone. Every trip reminds me that even a small act of kindness can make a big difference in a person's day." ๐Ÿ’œ

Whether travelling rural roads or busy towns, our drivers are always ready to help. Their dedication was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they continued supporting vulnerable people accessing essential healthcare. In recognition of their outstanding contribution, the drivers were visited in Warrenpoint by then Health Minister Robin Swann.

Behind every journey is a volunteer who has chosen to give their time to help someone else. Their compassion and community spirit embody everything volunteering is about.

To all our Home2Hospital drivers... thank you for every mile travelled, every conversation shared, and every person you've helped reach the care they need.

We are incredibly grateful for your dedication and proud to celebrate you during Volunteers' Week. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in the lives of others ๐Ÿฅฐ

Bolster Community is all about people and today we celebrated two very special members of our team, Katie and Shannon. K...
02/06/2026

Bolster Community is all about people and today we celebrated two very special members of our team, Katie and Shannon.

Katie has made an impact across all of our programmes and is heading back to complete her Master's at Queen's University Belfast. Thankfully, she loved working at Bolster so much that she'll still be supporting Autism Connect along the way! ๐Ÿฅฐ

Shannon has been a vital part of both our An Droichead โ€˜The Bridgeโ€™ programme and Autism Connect, going above and beyond, and is now setting off on an exciting & well- deserved new chapter!

You are both absolute stars, and we all can't wait to see you achieve your dreams. We'll be cheering you on every step of the way โœจ

โ€“ Team Bolster ๐Ÿ’œ

๐ŸŒŸ Volunteers' Week, A Spotlight with Donna ๐ŸŒŸMeet Donna! ๐Ÿ’œDonna has been volunteering with us for years and has become an...
02/06/2026

๐ŸŒŸ Volunteers' Week, A Spotlight with Donna ๐ŸŒŸ

Meet Donna! ๐Ÿ’œ

Donna has been volunteering with us for years and has become an invaluable part of our community! Whether she's working alongside our Bolster Buddies in the candle room, lending a hand at our STAR BITES Social Kitchen, or helping behind the scenes at events, Donna is always ready to get stuck in. With her vibrant purple hair, tattoos, warm smile, and trademark can-do attitude, Donna brings energy, kindness, and positivity wherever she goes. She is one of those people who never hesitates to roll up her sleeves and help out wherever needed ๐Ÿ’ช

Donna often says: "I learn so much from the young people here; they remind me that I can do so much more than I initially thought."

Her willingness to learn, connect, and support others embodies everything we value. Donna's presence is a true gift to our organisation, and we are incredibly grateful for her kindness, dedication, stories, laughter, and unwavering support.

๐Ÿ’œ Thank you, Donna, for everything you do. We are so lucky to have you as part of our community.

๐ŸŒŸNewry DEA presents... ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿž Wildlife in the City! ๐ŸŒฟ A free, family event that includes face-painting, arts & crafts, and s...
01/06/2026

๐ŸŒŸNewry DEA presents... ๐ŸŒŸ

๐Ÿž Wildlife in the City! ๐ŸŒฟ

A free, family event that includes face-painting, arts & crafts, and so much more!!

๐Ÿ“ McClelland Park
๐Ÿ“… Saturday 20th June
โฐ 10amโ€“1pm

Get involvedโ€ฆ sure why not? ๐Ÿ˜‰ Bring the family along for a great day out in the community ๐Ÿ’š

๐ŸŽ‰ Happy Volunteers' Week! ๐ŸŽ‰A huge THANK YOU to our amazing volunteers who give their time, skills & kindness to support ...
01/06/2026

๐ŸŽ‰ Happy Volunteers' Week! ๐ŸŽ‰

A huge THANK YOU to our amazing volunteers who give their time, skills & kindness to support our community. You make a real difference every day & we couldn't do it without you ๐Ÿ’œ Throughout the week, we'll be sharing some stories about more of our volunteers, so stay tuned! ๐Ÿ‘€

Interested in joining our volunteer team?

Pop along to our Volunteer Recruitment Drop-In this evening with Victoria & Sarah from 5.30pm to 7.00pm. Come for a cuppa, a chat & find out how you can get involved. โ˜•โœจ

Tag or share with a volunteer who deserves a special thank you today! ๐Ÿ‘

๐Ÿšจ REMINDER POSTโ€ฆ HAPPENING TOMORROW! ๐Ÿšจ๐Ÿ“ Recruitment Evening๐Ÿ—“ Monday 1st Juneโฐ 5.30pm โ€“ 7.00pm๐Ÿ“Œ Bolster Community, Whiteg...
31/05/2026

๐Ÿšจ REMINDER POSTโ€ฆ HAPPENING TOMORROW! ๐Ÿšจ

๐Ÿ“ Recruitment Evening
๐Ÿ—“ Monday 1st June
โฐ 5.30pm โ€“ 7.00pm
๐Ÿ“Œ Bolster Community, Whitegates Unit 1

For volunteer details, join us on the day or visit: https://bit.ly/43jnp5z

Volunteers' Week

โœจ HAPPENING SOON. This Wednesday 3rd June! ๐Ÿ’™โœจ๐Ÿ“Whitegates Community Centre, Newry Join us for a relaxed & welcoming after...
29/05/2026

โœจ HAPPENING SOON. This Wednesday 3rd June! ๐Ÿ’™โœจ

๐Ÿ“Whitegates Community Centre, Newry

Join us for a relaxed & welcoming afternoon filled with great company, local community services, a tasty light lunch ๐Ÿฅช and brilliant live entertainment from Billy Finnegan ๐ŸŽถ

Tickets are just ยฃ5 and spaces are filling up fast! Donโ€™t miss this chance to connect, chat, laugh & enjoy a lovely afternoon together ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ˜Š

Grab your ticket today, weโ€™d love to see you there! ๐Ÿ’ซ This is the FINAL CALL.

Address

Unit 1, Whitegates Industrial Estate
Newry
BT356UA

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