Upcoming Events
Loneliness Awareness Week 9th - 15th June 2026
Past Events
Mid Ulster Loneliness Network Hosts Inspiring Community Events Across the Region
The Mid Ulster Loneliness Network recently hosted two impactful community events in Pomeroy and Aughnacloy, bringing people together to tackle loneliness, foster connection, and promote wellbeing across the region.
Both events showcased the Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing initiative - Be Active, Connect, Keep Learning, Take Notice, and Give - through engaging, interactive sessions designed to support mental and emotional wellbeing in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Pomeroy Event: A Day of Connection, Creativity and Celebration
The event in Pomeroy brought together participants from rural communities who relished the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and form new bonds. Guests took part in a range of uplifting activities, including group singing, chair-based exercises, mindfulness, gratitude, and gift-making - all delivered in a fun, supportive environment. A key highlight was the screening of the short play ‘Sure I’m Only 76’, which sparked important conversations around planning ahead and writing a will. Attendees also received valuable information on Advance Care Planning in Northern Ireland, highlighting the importance of preparing for the future as a part of overall wellbeing. During the event, the MULN celebrated the dedication of three incredible volunteers who make a real difference in their communities. Sandra McKenna, Chair of the MULN; Wendy Gibson from Mid Ulster Victim Empowerment; and Kane McAuley from Agewell were each presented with Loneliness Recognition Champion Certificates in honour of their work to reduce isolation and support others. Information stands from a range of local support services were available throughout the day, and the event concluded with a delicious hot lunch, giving everyone more time to connect and reflect. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with one guest saying, “I haven’t attended an event like this before and it was absolutely brilliant.”
Aughnacloy Get Together: Spotlight on Wellbeing
Held on Monday 14th April 2025 at the Aghaloo Community Centre, the Aughnacloy event welcomed individuals, community groups, and health professionals for a day filled with connection, learning, and inspiration. The programme opened with tea, coffee, and scones, as attendees explored a range of information stands showcasing local resources. Chair Sandra McKenna welcomed guests before a full schedule of presentations and activities aligned with the Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing: Take 5 Overview – Elaine Devlin introduced the five wellbeing steps. Connect: The Voice Within – Karen Diamond highlighted the value of human connection. Keep Learning: Plan Ahead – Sharon Williams encouraged forward-thinking and lifelong learning. Be Active: On The Move – Rebecca Williamson led an energising activity session. Take Notice & Give – Elaine Devlin delivered a reflective poem and led sessions on mindfulness and gratitude, joined by Tracey Powell who showcased the inspiring work of local Loneliness Champions. The event concluded with closing remarks, a raffle, a light lunch, and further chances to engage with service providers and fellow attendees
Initiatives:
Chatty Benches locations, Kindness Post Boxes, Chatty Cafes, Chatty Libraries
Through simple but powerful initiatives like Chatty Benches, Chatty Cafés, Chatty Libraries and the Kindness postbox the Network helps people reconnect with others and improve their wellbeing.
🪑 Chatty Benches – Sit, Chat & Connect
Chatty Benches are clearly marked public benches that encourage people to sit and strike up a friendly conversation. Whether you’re taking a break or simply passing through, these benches offer a gentle invitation to connect.
📍 Chatty Benches can be found at:
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Dungannon Park
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Ballyronan Marina
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The Roundlake, Fivemiletown
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Ballysaggart Lough
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Portglenone Riverside Walk
☕ Chatty Cafés – Warm Drinks, Friendly Faces
The Chatty Café Scheme creates dedicated spaces in local cafés where people can meet and talk. Each participating café designates a ‘Chatty Table’—a spot where anyone can sit, relax, and enjoy conversation with others.
🏠 Chatty Café Locations in Mid Ulster:
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Café Connect – Creive Centre, Stewartstown, Dungannon
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The Killymaddy Centre – Ballygawley Rd, Dungannon
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Hope Café – 78 Rainey Street, Magherafelt
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The Olive Tree – 3 Rainey Street, Magherafelt
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Café Latte – 36 Scotch Street, Dungannon
Each café sets its own schedule for Chatty Table availability—just look out for the signage and enjoy a warm welcome.
📚 Chatty Libraries – Read, Relax & Connect
In partnership with local libraries, The Chatty Library sessions offer a relaxed, informal setting where people can gather, chat, read newspapers, and enjoy everything their local library has to offer - free of charge.
📖 Chatty Library Times & Locations:
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Fivemiletown Library – Every Friday morning need to confirm time
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Dungannon Library – Thursdays, 10:30am – 1:00pm
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Cookstown Library – Mondays, 10:30am – 1:00pm
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Magherafelt Library – Fridays, 10:30am – 1:00pm
These sessions are perfect for anyone who wants a gentle way to meet others, especially in a quiet, supportive environment.
💌 Kindness Post-box – Sending Smiles Across Generations
Launched by the Mid Ulster Loneliness Network on 23rd February 2022, the Kindness Post-box initiative is a heartwarming project that brings joy to older residents in care homes through handwritten letters, drawings, and cards—delivered by local children, families, and community members.
🌈 How It Started
Originally inspired by a project in Enniskillen during lockdown, the Kindness Post-box was introduced in Mid Ulster as a pilot in 2022, connecting Holy Trinity Primary School, Cookstown with Fairfield’s Nursing Home. Children created messages of hope and kindness just before Christmas, spreading cheer to those most affected by loneliness and isolation.
✉️ Growing Connections
Following the success of the pilot, the initiative expanded to include:
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Primate Dixon PS, Coalisland with Ashbrooke and Sanville Private Nursing Homes
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Ampertaine Primary School with Benbradagh Residential Home
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Bellaghy Primary, St John Bosco, and St Mary’s Primary Schools linked with The Open Door Complex and wider community members.
After exchanging letters, schools and community groups even held Christmas events, including carol singing, to deepen intergenerational bonds.
🧰 Built by the Community
Men’s Shed groups across the council area have supported the initiative by building the Kindness Post-boxes, making it a truly community-driven project from start to finish.
This simple gesture of kindness is helping bridge generations, tackle loneliness, and remind everyone that they matter.
💬 Why These Initiatives Matter
Whether it's a quick hello on a park bench, a warm chat over coffee, or a heartfelt letter through the post, these small acts of connection can have a big impact.
The initiatives help:
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Increase social interaction
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Reduce loneliness and isolation
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Promote mental wellbeing and self-worth
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Foster intergenerational understanding
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Ease the burden on health services
📣 Get Involved
Whether you're a school, café owner, care home, or community member, there are many ways to be part of this movement.
🔗 Learn more on the initiatives by contacting a member of the steering group.
Let’s make Mid Ulster a place where everyone feels welcome, valued, and connected—one smile, one conversation, one letter at a time.
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