Issue 120 - Lisburn BT25 • BT26 •BT27 •BT28 • BT29
CLINIC HELPS SLASH WAITING LISTS
A new Physiotherapy ‘One Stop Shop’ designed to provide tailored, on the spot treatment and advice for patients across the South Eastern Trust is helping to improve patient recovery and reduce waiting times.
Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Cllr Tim Mitchell, pictured with representatives from successful grant aid recipient groups
Community groups celebrate major funding boost
Community groups across Lisburn and Castlereagh are celebrating a significant funding boost after securing support through a range of council grant aid programmes designed to deliver events, programmes and initiatives that enrich local life. A total of £464,799.05 has been awarded to 185 successful applicants, empowering communities to deliver inclusive, vibrant and engaging programmes that strengthen community connections, encourage participation and promote wellbeing across the borough.
The funding will support a wide variety of initiatives, bringing people together through culture, heritage, the arts and familyfriendly activities, creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike while celebrating the diversity and creativity of local communities.
Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Cllr Tim Mitchell, said: “Our community groups play a vital role in bringing people together and showcasing the diversity, passion and creativity that exists across our borough. “We are delighted to support these organisations
and wish them every success as they deliver their initiatives for local communities.” Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council congratulates all funded organisations and looks forward to seeing these exciting programmes and events come to life throughout 2026–27.
More than 200 patients took part in the Trust’s first-ever Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy Community Appointment Day, held at Lisburn Primary and Community Care Centre. The innovative initiative invited patients currently on Physiotherapy waiting lists, to attend a single appointment where they received a one-toone assessment with a Physiotherapist, were signposted to relevant services, classes and information and supported to better manage their specific MSK condition. The clinic enabled patients to access timely and effective Physiotherapy care on the day, rather than remaining on a waiting list. Patient Margaret
Brannigan shared how she has been living with Sciatica and how much she benefitted from her one-toone with Physiotherapist Reuben McIlrath. Margaret said, “I have had a real understanding about my condition from the Physiotherapist. It has been so beneficial to know that I am not alone, that I can get help and that I am not a lost cause.” Margaret also praised the overall set up of the day, “It has been great. I have been on the waiting list for Physiotherapy for a year and coming here has been so informative. I have been steered towards a class in the Leisure Centre which incorporates chair exercises. Coming today has been so helpful for me and I feel so much better.”