Good evening everyone.

Firstly I want to thank Anne for her kind invitation.  As you know, this is volunteer’s week and I am very happy to be here with you tonight to celebrate the work of your centre.

Volunteers have a profound effect on those around them: their generosity can offer a lifeline to the most vulnerable; their commitment can bring communities together; and, their example can be an inspiration to us all.

Volunteering changes lives. It can build bridges and can empower individuals and communities to tackle the issues that are important to them.

In fact, Ballymena Family and Addicts Support Group itself came into being when a group of concerned parents made the decision to work together to tackle their children’s addictions.

We all want to live in better, closer, friendlier neighbourhoods.  We all need care and support to face the many challenges that life can throw up from time to time like illness, bereavement, loneliness or worry.  These are universal needs and we cannot tackle them alone – we need to work together.  

I was very encouraged to learn of the relationship you have built up with local businesses and with the local Northern Ireland Housing Executive office. I understand that Housing Executive staff raised the funds to buy the paint to help you redecorate and even came along to help with the painting as well.

I have no doubt that the Hope Centre is making a real difference to the lives of people in Ballymena, and even further afield, through your outreach services.

The work you do in programmes like Life Tools and My Life Matters gives people the skills, knowledge and confidence to turn their lives around.

Shortly I will be presenting certificates to some volunteers here.  But before I do I want to thank you all your good work.  I know that the work you do to combat substance abuse is not easy.  It is appropriate that we are here at the Hope centre today as your work to combat substance abuse has brought hope to so many people. Thank you for your kindness and for your generosity.

Thank you.