Friends of Ward 15 enjoy 50th anniversary celebrations at a dinner in the Great Hall
A momentous milestone has been marked as Friends of Ward 15 celebrated the groups 50th anniversary at a dinner in the Great Hall in the Downshire Hospital in Downpatrick.
Last Saturday (7th September 2024) saw the Golden Jubilee celebrations for The Friends of Ward 15, a vital support group at the Downshire Hospital in Downpatrick.
The group has given hope to thousands of patients with addictions since it was first created fifty years ago in 1974. Made up of former patients, the Downe Hospital’s Friends of Ward 15 offers a crucial lifeline to those on their road to addiction recovery.
The Friends also facilitate a support group in the Downshire on a Sunday morning which is attended by over 50 people, and they co-deliver a therapy session on the ward every three weeks.
The occasion was truly a night to remember. Among the guests was Chief Medical Officer Sir Michael McBride who thanked them for all their incredible work over the years. Also in attendance were Baroness Margaret Ritchie and Chris Hazzard MP who heaped praise on the group for their vital and life saving work.
The Friends Of Ward 15 Chairman Colum Polly described how the event was attended by “many of the former staff as well some of the patients who were treated in the 1970’s and who remain clean and sober. It was truly a night of celebration.”
Colum added: “None of this could have been achieved without the help of a dedicated group of ex-patients who work tirelessly and selflessly in the background to help the still suffering addict.”
When asked why they continue to do it, Colum explained that their response is always “out of gratitude” for what they received while going through treatment at the Ward.
Director of Adult Services Mental Health, Rachel Gibbs said: “Addiction in Ireland remains one of the biggest taboo subjects.
“Tonight was a celebration of the Friends of Ward 15 who have helped save so many lives. They are incredible.”
South Eastern Trust Chief Executive Roisin Coulter who was presented with a trophy to thank the Trust for all of its support to the group said: “It is so important to be here.
“I want to say thank you and offer such gratitude for the Friends of Ward 15 and all of the staff who work there.
“This is service-user involvement and partnership working at the highest level. The work that the Friends of Ward 15 do is absolutely amazing.”
Jim Mageean Peer Support, Addiction Services added: “This evening is a massive celebration for the treatment received by those dealing with their addictions, this is a thank you from them, for their families and their employers.
“Life cannot get any better for anyone sitting in this room tonight and who do not want to lift a drink, or not want to swallow a tablet, or inject or sniff something.
“Miracles do happen in the Downshire.”
