Following months of uncertainty due to funding difficulties, Action For Children Rossorry Grove Supported Accommodation has finally been able to celebrate that it would remain open, following a period of uncertainty.

Lorna Ballard, National Director, Action For Children Northern Ireland, announced in a statement in April that the necessary additional funding required to run the service safely had been allocated, and the service could continue to operate – ensuring its young residents would continue to have their home.

The news was welcomed by staff and residents who had been campaigning in the area. To celebrate the news, they applied for funding through local organisation, YouthAction’s Inspire Fund.

The Inspire Fund is a one-off payment used to lead events based around social action in the local community.

The residents at Rossorry Grove pitched the idea to a panel of YouthAction staff and young people and were successful in their pitch to fund a celebration day for the residents and staff, aiming to lift spirits after recent challenging times.

And so, in late June, staff and residents joined together to celebrate with live music from local musician Sean Magee, BBQ food, a bouncy castle assault course, and a visit from an ice cream van to help them celebrate the great news.

Lorna Ballard attended alongside Tim O’Neill, Managing Director of Children’s Services, Action For Children UK, to thank and honour the efforts made by staff and residents throughout the process.

Martina Murphy, Team Lead at Action for Children Rossorry Grove Supported Accommodation, said: “It meant a lot to both staff and young people to be able to carry out an event like this after such an uncertain time.

"We wanted to give the residents the chance to relax and experience some new things they hadn’t before.

“When we can do something together, it strengthens the relationship between young people and staff.

"Days like these are truly invaluable. Seeing these young people switch off from life’s stresses and enjoy themselves and have fun is just so special.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Youth Action for providing the funds to allow us to take a day to celebrate and give the residents a day of fun together,” she added.

Dwayne Lyons, YouthAction, said: “It was a pleasure to be able to be part of this event which was planned and organised by the residents of Rossorry Grove.

“The residents and staff together were more than worthy recipients of the Inspire Fund [share which was] awarded, and all at YouthAction are delighted with the outcome of the event."

If you would like further information on the support services available in your area, see actionforchildren.org.uk/northernireland.