Williams Launches the Start of the Big Dander on behalf of EMERGE Advocacy Charity

East Antrim Alliance Councillor, Alderman Noel Williams, the walkers on their way from Carrick to Portrush for the Emerge Advocacy Charity on Friday 25 June.

Alderman Williams said: “Emerge Advocacy exists to help and support young people of all faiths and none. I very much support the charity’s ‘Big Dander’ that will take walkers through Mid and East Antrim and up to Causeway Coast & Glens and will arrive in Portrush suitably blistered, tired but hopefully richer by all the financial support they are offered.

Emerge Advocacy is a registered charity run with the support of local churches and their work is motivated by the shared faith of the whole team. It values diversity and offers unconditional care and compassion to all, and only discuss matters of faith if a young person asks.

Mr Williams added: “The charity mobilises, equips and supports local Christians in meeting the need for more support for young people struggling with mental health issues in their own communities. It is committed to excellence in youth work and interactions with professionals, taking seriously its responsibilities in safeguarding and proper governance.

“I am delighted to note that just this month Emerge Advocacy received the ‘Queens Award for Voluntary Service’ in recognition of all the hard work, comfort and care that its volunteers give through their support of young people in crisis.”

The Alderman set walkers on their way saying: “Big it surely is, as 80 miles cannot be described as a mere ‘dander’. And for those either daft enough or kind enough, to go for an eighty-mile hike, it’s time to set off, and along with your blisters, I hope you collect a whole load of sponsorship money to support Emerge Advocacy.”