Dickson and Williams Visit the Sparrow Centre, Larne

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, and Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Noel Williams, celebrated the opening of the Sparrow Centre in Larne, last Friday morning.

Mr Dickson said: “The Sparrow Centre is a place of dignity and hope, housing the compassionate projects of Antrim Coast Vineyard Church, which aims to serve the local Larne community.

“Within the Sparrow Centre, there is a ReFresh Pantry, which aims to give dignity in self-care. As a Community Partner of the Hygiene Bank UK, which aims to combat hygiene poverty, ReFresh is stocked with basic toiletries of all varieties. However, the Pantry also provides self-care products such as makeup and skincare”.

Alderman Williams said: “It is also great to see the Sparrow Centre empowering and equipping people to find employment through their ReStart Project. They offer help with CV writing, interview skills training, and even advice on how to present at interviews in terms of outfit choice and personal care.

“Referrals to both the ReFresh Pantry and to the ReStart Project can be made via Community Partners or via self-referral, and volunteers will be ready to assist anyone who seeks help”.

Mr Dickson concluded by saying: “We want to thank Andrea Howard, Co-ordinator of the ReFresh Pantry, and Davy McNeilly, Co-ordinator of the ReStart Project, not just for showing us around the Sparrow Centre, but for all they do in the Larne community, and for the wonderful team of volunteers they lead”.

For more information please email The Sparrow Centre: info@antrimcoastvineyard.org or contact them directly through their Facebook page @thesparrowcentre: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085531125374