Guests and dignitaries convened on Tuesday 5th September at Millisle’s Copelands residential and dementia care home for its official opening and celebration of its first two years in operation.

The home is owned and operated by Belfast Central Mission, a charity which delivers social care and outreach across Northern Ireland and is an agency of the Methodist Church in Ireland.

The charity is one of the oldest in Northern Ireland, having originated in inner-city Belfast during the late 19th century. In more recent times the organisation has moved successfully into the older person’s residential sector. This event took place almost 30 years ago to the day since the opening of Kirk House residential home in East Belfast. 

Respective focus more recently turned towards the Millisle site that now hosts Copelands- formerly a children’s home and conference centre which operated for many generations through the local Methodist church circuit. This site was repurposed in 2018 after the site’s full closure in 2011. Chief Executive Officer Nicky Conway has been involved with the Copelands project since its inception over ten years ago:

“Copelands is now one of many landmarks on the North Down coast and is a shining exemplar of what can be achieved in residential and care provision here in Northern Ireland. Here at Belfast Central Mission, our mission it to provide quality compassionate support to people at their point of need.

We now offer a wide portfolio of services, with residential services at the heart of that offering. At the outset of this project, we recognised that Northern Ireland still lags behind other parts of the UK in residential space and facilities for older people, and so we sought to address that in the Ards area, using the latest design and methods for residential care.”

Former Director of BCM Brian Burns spoke on the day about the early development of the residential home, which is distinguished by its household led approach.

“Our research, and our determination to provide innovative, person-centred, high-quality care led us to viewing many new care facilities in Ireland, the UK and even as far afield as Australia.”

Such was Mr Burn’s passion for the project, that he continues to volunteer his own time at the home on a weekly basis even after his retirement.

The original official opening for Copelands was delayed due to COVID 19 in 2021, and then again last year due to the passing of HM the Queen. Mr Conway commented further:

“Because we have had to wait, it has certainly made the day more special, as not only are we revelling in this uplifting location and beautiful warm weather today, but also the community of over 40 older people that have become so well established. We hear the word ‘family’ a lot here, and we have been amazed at how quickly that sense of belonging and purpose has developed here for our residents. We are also delighted to welcome a host of local dignitaries on this occasion, which has made the event feel very special for attending guests and most importantly our residents.”

The official opening ceremony was conducted by Gawn Rowan Hamilton, Lord Lieutenant of County Down, and an act of dedication was overseen by the Reverend David Turtle, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, who richly commended the efforts of those involved with planning, building and launching the service.

The Rev David Campton, Superintendent of BCM read his own poem entitled Haven, which offered both a moment of poignant reflection on later life and an allusion to the heritage of the former Childhaven home. In closing, chair of Trustees for BCM Mr Rowan Black, gave his own heartfelt thanks on the day to those who had fundraised and contributed to the project in many different ways. 

Since its opening in 2021, Copelands has steadily expanded, having most recently welcomed the opening of a new purpose-made ‘Harbour Way’ household, and with future openings for specialist care needs on the horizon. Mr Conway concluded:

“We are a charity with ambitions to change the lives of many people here, and this project has been the meeting point for our rich heritage as an organisation, and an exciting future as we evolve to face emerging needs.” 

1. The President of the Methodist Church in ireland Rev Turtle and the Lay Leader Mr Tom Wilson along with some Copelands residents

2. View of rooftop terrace at Copelands during celebration

3. Unveiling of commemorative plaque