£135k approved to support ‘phenomenal work’ of Antrim and Newtownabbey social supermarket

The borough council’s Community Development Committee, which met at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, on Monday evening, approved almost £135k and the ongoing engagement of Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey.

The committee also approved the ongoing engagement of Save the Children charity to deliver a £20k family support programme in the borough during 2026/2027. Financial support by the local authority has been allocated through funding from Department of Communities (DfC).

A committee report said from April 2025 until March 2026, the social supermarket scheme locally supported 307 households of 373 adults and 223 children with £115k worth of food vouchers distributed.

Eighty-two clients were offered tailored advice and support on budgeting and debt. Seventy-eight were referred from partner organisations.

Save the Children supported 124 families including 238 children through its family support programme, from April 2025 until March. Vouchers worth £32k and early learning support packs were provided.

Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey marked its 60th anniversary in March of this year.

The charity said the milestone “marks six decades of providing free, confidential, and independent advice to people across the borough, supporting those facing financial pressure, housing challenges, welfare issues, and a wide range of complex life situations”.

Lorraine Adamson, area manager for Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey (CAAN), said at the time: “Sadly, the pressures facing households across our community today mean that our services are needed more than ever.

“It’s clear that CAAN, with the support of our partners, will continue to play a vital role for many years to come.”

The charity reported that each year, CAAN handles more than 40,000 client enquiries “ensuring that individuals throughout the borough receive the guidance, advocacy, and support they need to navigate increasingly complex social and financial pressures”.

CAAN also helps to generate around £8.5m annually in income for local individuals and families, which it says, can be “life‑changing at a time when rising costs continue to place strain on many households”.

CAAN also reported 88% of clients indicated the advice they received “improved their well-being”.

The charity says it “remains committed to ensuring that people across Antrim and Newtownabbey can continue to access high‑quality, free advice when they need it most”.

“Partnerships with local government, community organisations and funders will remain central to meeting the growing demand for support,” it stated.

Speaking at the committee meeting, Glengormley Alliance Alderman Julian McGrath proposed accepting the recommendation to approve funding to both organisations for 2026/27 saying: “I am absolutely delighted to propose. I do not think the report does justice to what has been achieved on the ground."

Ald McGrath went on to say the impact of the social supermarket is “really very clear”.

“The collaborative working with Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey and Save the Children has been absolutely superb. The value coming back from it is absolutely immense,” he added.

The proposal was seconded by Dunsilly Ulster Unionist Cllr Stewart Wilson.

Macedon Sinn Fein Cllr Taylor McGrann commented: “Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey is doing phenomenal work. It is great to see this funding come before us again.”

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter