Supporting Vulnerable Individuals After Storm Éowyn

Last updated
30 January, 2025
Graphic for Storm Eowyn support available

Storm Éowyn has left over 63,000 homes across Northern Ireland without electricity. While local councils have established support centres providing essential services, and many organisations in our sector have opened their facilities where possible, there are still vulnerable individuals who cannot access these resources.

Local Councils have secured additional funding to support people affected and they often have excellent links with our sector, but we want to ensure organisations and groups know about the vital role we can all play in identifying those most in need and accessing this additional support.

Together, we can play a crucial role in identifying those in need and ensuring they receive the support they require.

Please note that individuals with clinical needs are part of another support plan involving the Department of Health. This support is focused on those who cannot attend the existing centres and that’s where our sector plays a critical role.
 

How you can help

Can you identify people in your networks who:

  • Are currently without power
  • Cannot access council support centres
  • Need immediate assistance
  • Are elderly, have young children, or have mobility issues

Can you check on these individuals to assess their needs:

  • Food and water
  • Batteries and torches
  • Blankets
  • Other essential items

Emergency Funding Resources Available

Local councils have secured additional funding to respond to this crisis. Resources can be deployed quickly once needs are identified, and reasonable expenses incurred as part of this effort will be reimbursed. Please liaise with your local council in advance before incurring any costs.

How to report needs

When you identify individuals that need extra help, please contact your local Council directly (using the contact details provided below). Councils are ready to receive these calls/emails and can then arrange the support via you or another organisation. This is about immediate support; we are really concerned about people who are isolated and need help now.

Has your organisation been affected?

If your organisation has suffered damage due to the storm or is facing other challenges, please reach out to NICVA directly. Understanding the impact on our sector is vital as we work together to recover from this crisis.

Contact Details

For further information or to report the needs of vulnerable individuals, please contact your local council. 

Council

Detailed Received

Ards and North Down BC

Community Development Team

[email protected]

0300 013 3333 

Antrim and Newtownabbey BC

 Ronan McKenna

Head of Community Planning

T: 028 9034 0070

[email protected]

 

Armagh Banbridge Craigavon BC

0300 0300 900 

Community Development Department

[email protected]

Belfast City Council

 [email protected]

077 87 42 11 77

Derry City and Strabane DC

[email protected] 

 

Please also use the Council Contact number 028 71 253253 and ask for the Community Services Section.

Causeway Coast and Glens BC

 Louise Scullion in the first instance:

[email protected]

Mob. 07725958141

Fermanagh and Omagh DC

Deirdre O'Connor 0300 303 1777

 

[email protected]

Lisburn and Castlereagh CC

LCCC contact Angela McCann, Head of Communities.

 

[email protected]

Mobile No. 07971954077

Mid Ulster DC

[email protected] 

 03000 132 132

Grants and Capacity Building Manager

 

Mid and East Antrim BC

Catherine Black 

028 2826 2458

[email protected]

Newry, Mourne and Down DC

 [email protected]

 

03301374689

Shauna
O'Neill
Communications Manager