Ballymena Substance User Support Group (Working Name P.A.U.S.E.)
Chairpersons Annual Report For The Year 2025/2026
on behalf of the Trustees
I am once again pleased to report that this year has been yet another very positive year for the PAUSE group. We are pleased to see that our attendances have been sustained, and indeed increased slightly and therefore extend a warm welcome all new members to the group.
The numbers attending our group meetings and secking additional support perhaps indicate that unfortunately there is still significant demand for support in area of addictions within the local community. We hope that those who have had contact with us throughout the year will be able to begin to live the life they seek.
The group attendances demographically represent a older age group and therefore life’s age related health issues continue to be an additional burden for some to bear. As always we place a great deal of emphasis on treating the whole person, not just the addiction. We spend considerable time looking at all health related issues but with particular attention to the mental health aspect of addiction. We try to promote and create a different mindset about quality of life and personal happiness.
This year with thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund we launched a new activity based project using Art Therapy. This has proved to be a massive success with our group, with much enjoyment, laughter and indeed so much open discussion generated throughout the project about some difficult subjects. This was a new approach by our team of volunteers and as usual they embraced the activities with energy and enthusiasm always. I want to thank them once more for all their hard work and the generosity shown with their time and their patience.
I would like to also take this opportunity once again to thank the National Lottery Community Fund, for their continued support of our projects. Without their support we would find it extremely difficult to continue the work we do within the community and indeed at the level we provide. A big mention also to the North Area Community Network who provide fantastic support, by way of information and signposting to various community issues and events that are relevant to our program of support. In addition this year, our networking with the renewed Regional Service Users Network has provided us with up to date developments and issues relating to addiction support.
Last but not least I would like to also share in the gratitude of all our group members who have regained their health and their place back in the community family as a result of the support we provide. We endeavour to do our best in some small way to contribute to the bigger and wider Community Benefit.
Our ethos has always been, as long as we treat each other with patience, respect and understanding and we continue to see each other as people with huge potential and talent which deserves to be appreciated, we can continue to look forward to another year of growth, learning, support and healing.
Thank you all,
John Keenan
(Chair PAUSE - Ballymena Substance User's Support Group) on behalf of the Trustees)