Easter Holidays

As Easter approaches and schools get ready to close for the holidays, many families in the Whitehead, Ballycarry and Islandmagee area will be feeling the extra pressure. For some, the break means quality time together and a chance to enjoy the season. But for others, it can bring added worry — especially when it comes to making sure there’s enough food on the table.

At Whitehead Storehouse, we understand how tough school holidays can be. When children are home all day, it often means extra meals, extra snacks, and extra expenses — all at a time when many household budgets are already stretched.

We want to remind everyone in our community that you’re not alone. Whether you’re facing a temporary setback or things have been difficult for a while, the Storehouse is here to offer a hand. There’s no judgement, no awkward questions — just friendly faces and practical help when you need it.

What We Can Offer

• Emergency food parcels
• Toiletries and essential household items
• Friendly advice and a listening ear

If you or someone you know could use a little extra support this Easter, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Everything is handled with care and confidentiality, and our volunteers are here because they care about this community.

How to Reach Us

Telephone: 0759 621 3763

email: Whiteheadstorehouse@gmail.com

Facebook Messenger – DM us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/storehousewhitehead

Let’s look out for one another this Easter. A kind word, a shared meal, or a helping hand can make all the difference.

Together, we’re stronger.

Some parts of Whitehead will suffer a full power outage overnight from about 10 pm on Monday 24th March 2025 to about 6am on Tuesday 25th March 2025. This means some people will be in full darkness with possibly no heating overnight. Others may have brief power cuts while they are place on a generator. Check with any vulnerable neighbours, make sure they are alright and have all they need BEFORE the outage. This could be part of your PAY IT FORWARD for the week 23 to 30 March 2025.

Prepare now

🚨 Overnight Power Outage Alert: How to Prepare 🚨

NIE Networks has notified us of a planned power outage from 10 PM to 6 AM for urgent maintenance. Here’s a checklist to help you stay prepared and comfortable during this time.

🔋 Before 10 PM: Get Ready!

✅ Charge all devices – Phones, tablets, power banks, rechargeable torches.
✅ Prepare lighting – Have torches, battery-powered lanterns, or candles (in safe holders) ready.
✅ Stay warm – Fill a hot water bottle and place it in bed before 10 PM. Keep extra blankets nearby.
✅ Preserve food – Avoid opening the fridge/freezer overnight to keep food cold.
✅ Fill water bottles – If your water supply depends on electricity, store enough drinking water.
✅ Prepare essentials – Have snacks, medications, and anything else you might need. Get hot water in a thermos flask if you need a hot drink at night and don’t have any means of heating water. Consider how to safely heat baby bottles if necessary.
✅ Check alarms & security – Corded landlines may work, but cordless phones and those that use VOIP may not. Have a backup plan for any medical devices.
✅ Set a battery-powered alarm clock if you need to wake up early.

🌙 During the Outage (10 PM – 6 AM):

🔦 Use torches or lanterns if you need to move around.
🛏 Layer up if it gets chilly.
❄ Keep fridge/freezer doors closed to maintain cold temperatures and keep food safe.

🔄 After Power is Restored:

⚡ Check appliances – Reset clocks and any devices that may have switched off.
🧊 Check food in the fridge/freezer – If it stayed closed, food should be fine, but check for any thawing.
🔋 Recharge devices & batteries for future use.

Stay safe and prepared! Feel free to share this post with others in our area. 🏡💡

NIE Networks provides the following advice:

Planned Interruptions – What to do

• Know where your household fuses and trip switches are located.
• Keep a supply of batteries for radios, torches and candles in the house.
• Have a battery-powered or wind-up radio to hand.
• Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours or relatives. Customers dependent on electrical equipment for healthcare should join our critical care register.
• Make sure you have a charged mobile to hand with all important numbers stored
• Keep your freezer door closed and cover with a blanket, helping to keep it cold.

Whitehead Storehouse is Here for You

Recent storms have left many in our community facing unexpected challenges. Power outages, damage, and disruptions can make it difficult for some families to prepare meals or access food. While Whitehead Storehouse primarily exists to support those in economic distress—such as people who are unemployed, working on low incomes, or coping with illness—it is also here to lend a hand to anyone in Ballycarry, Islandmagee and Whitehead, struggling to put food on the table during tough times.

HELP

If you or someone you know could use a little help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s a confidential, judgement-free service that exists to support our community. Whether you’re finding it hard to make ends meet at the moment or facing a longer-term difficulty, we’re here to help.

Need Food

For those who can’t cook due to the storm, or who’ve lost perishable food during the power cuts, Whitehead Storehouse might be able to provide non-perishable items to help tide you over. The support isn’t limited to any one group—it’s for anyone in Whitehead, Islandmagee or Ballycarry who is struggling to feed themselves or their family.

The food bank operates thanks to the generosity and kindness of neighbours helping neighbours. Let’s continue to look out for one another, especially during these challenging times.

For information about how to access the food bank, please see below. Together, we can ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

Telephone: 0759 621 3763

email: Whiteheadstorehouse@gmail.com

Facebook Messenger – DM us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/storehousewhitehead