16/10/2026
Shared Solace – What an Incredible Journey So Far!
Shared experiences. Stronger connections. Changing lives.
When we launched Shared Solace, we had a simple but powerful ambition: to tackle loneliness and social isolation by bringing people together through new experiences, shared challenges and a sense of achievement.
We believed that by encouraging people to step outside their comfort zones, try something different and share those experiences with others, we could create friendships, build confidence and strengthen our communities.
And what a journey it’s been!
Artisan Woodworking – We started with traditional craftsmanship, bringing people together to learn new skills, create something with their own hands and discover the satisfaction of a shared achievement.
Mackerel Fishing – We took to the waters off Portrush, introducing people to the excitement of fishing, many for the very first time. There was laughter, a little apprehension, plenty of fish and some unforgettable moments. One participant even described it as “the best day of my life.”
Wild Camping and Bushcraft – Another adventure, taking people into the great outdoors to experience woodland skills, fire lighting, woodcarving and life around a campfire. New challenges, new friendships and memories that will last.
The Portrush Pop Up Choir – And now we’ve brought more than 50 people together through the joy of singing! From Dancing Queen to One Day Like This, the enthusiasm, laughter and wonderful sound of people singing together has been extraordinary. We’re building towards our final concert on 10th November, and what a celebration that promises to be!
Different activities. Different people. One common purpose.
Every one of these projects has demonstrated something we passionately believe: loneliness and social isolation can be challenged when we create opportunities for people to connect, participate and achieve something together.
We’ve seen nervous first-time participants become confident and enthusiastic. We’ve watched strangers become friends. We’ve witnessed the pride that comes from discovering a new skill, overcoming a challenge or simply being part of something special.
And none of this would have been possible without the tremendous support we’ve received.
We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and the Public Health Agency, whose significant funding has enabled us to turn our ideas into real opportunities for local people.
Their confidence in Shared Solace, and their investment in our communities, means an enormous amount to us.
And we’re only just getting started!
We already have exciting plans taking shape for 2027, with more imaginative activities designed to challenge, inspire and bring people together.
And we’re particularly excited about a major new cross-border project which we hope to announce very soon.
This ambitious initiative will bring two communities together in a unique and challenging shared experience, creating opportunities to explore and better understand each other’s culture, traditions, heritage and artistic expression.
It’s exactly the sort of project that captures the spirit of Shared Solace: bringing people together who might otherwise never meet, working towards a common goal and discovering just how much we have in common.
We can’t wait to share more!
But perhaps the greatest achievement of Shared Solace isn’t the number of activities we’ve organised or the funding we’ve attracted. It’s the difference we’re beginning to make in people’s lives.
A new friendship. A moment of confidence. A sense of belonging. The excitement of trying something for the first time. The simple pleasure of being part of a group.
These are the things that really matter.
To our funders, volunteers, contractors, partners and, most importantly, everyone who has taken that first step and joined us on one of our adventures — THANK YOU!
We have come a long way in a short time, but we have so much more we want to achieve.
Shared Solace is more than a programme of activities. It’s about people, friendships, community and the belief that shared experiences really can change lives.
Here’s to an even bigger and more exciting 2027!
