fonaCAB

12/10/2026

The fonaCAB Community Fund – Phoebes Christmas Appeal Carrickfergus

There’s a saying – “Everyone wants a village, but no one wants to be a villager” It means that we all want the love and safety of a supportive community, but we do not always want to be the one to have to do the hard work or face the inconveniences required to support others. Phoebe Cullen is someone who is doing that hard work.

At fifteen, Phoebe already has her hands full as a GCSE student at Ulidia Integrated College in Carrick as well as volunteering for her local St Johns Ambulance, but she wanted to do more.

Touched by her grandfather Sammy’s struggles with dementia, Phoebe decided to do something to support those elderly members of our community who live in isolation, or who have little in the way of support from family or others.

Phoebe’s idea was to provide Christmas gifts for nursing home residents in her local area, those who perhaps might not normally receive anything at a time when isolation can hit hardest. In 2024 with support from the community, she was able to provide one hundred of these gifts, and this grew to four hundred and fifty in 2025.

Christmas 2026? Phoebe’s goal is to give a gift to every Care Home and Fold resident in Carrickfergus and that’s an ambition we are delighted to support.

If you’d like to contribute to Phoebe’s Christmas Gifts Appeal, or if you are inspired to emulate her initiative in your own area, you can find out more by visiting her page at https://www.facebook.com/PhoebesChristmasAppeal

09/10/2026

The fonaCAB Community Fund – MENtality Banbridge

In a World where we have access to more information and resources that ever before, and so many more channels through which to express ourselves and our opinions, why then do so many of us struggle, and struggle silently?

With pressure to succeed, increasing demands on our time, and the stress of meeting our financial commitments a lot of men are struggling, feeling that they must contend with these issues on their own. Often the way they choose to deal with them is unhealthy, perhaps through alcohol, drugs, or worse

MENtality was formed in January 2026 with the aim of supporting men of all ages facing these difficult challenges by providing a safe space to address them, talk openly, and meet others perhaps facing the same issues they do.

Members assist and sustain each other and take part in a wide range of physical activities from football, and recovery saunas, to cold water swimming and walks – activities to encourage friendship and teamwork, and avoid the downsides of staring at a screen or sitting in the pub.

Aaron Thompson (pictured) is one of the founders of the MENtality Group and draws on his personal experience as well as SafeTALK training to help provide leadership and direction for the Group and its members. Aaron applied to the fonaCAB Community Fund to be able to resource more positive activities for their members and it’s an inspirational initiative which we’re delighted to be able to support

The group is open to boys and men from16 plus, and is always open to new members with the welcoming message of “Don’t do life alone” If you’d like to find our more, or get involved, you can do so on their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/men.tality2026/ # and by joining their WhatsApp Group at https://tinyurl.com/4xmzz9en

06/10/2026

The fonaCAB Community Fund – The STIG Initiative

Su***de claimed the lives of 290 people in Northern Ireland in 2024. That’s 290 where the cause of death can be attributed to su***de, in reality, there were likely many more.

For those family members and friends affected by su***de, the effect on their lives can be both devastating and long lasting, and something which needs significant time and support to help recover from, if ever.

Lynne Metcalfe’s son, Jack, took his own life on 9th November 2024.

Aged just 20, and with his life ahead of him, to those around him he was full of fun, energy, and liked by all – this was no more evident than in the name, the STIG, the PlayStation nickname his friends affectionately knew him as.

Jacks su***de left “a space that can’t be filled” but to remember and honour Jack and all those who have lost their lives to su***de, as well as those struggling, Lynne set up the Jack Murray Trust, now known to the public as The STIG Initiative.

With so many calls on our health services, the support available for those contemplating, or affected by su***de is never going to be enough.

The STIG Initiative has a simple objective at a time when resources are tight, but su***de numbers continue to rise – They don’t want this to happen to others, but if it should, they want to be able to support those left behind. Their mission is clear, to ensure no one faces mental health struggles alone.

Of all the initiatives we’ve been proud to contribute to over the years, this is among the most worthy. We’re privileged to be able to help raise awareness of the issues around su***de and support the ambitions of the STIG Initiative.

If you’d like to find out more, please visit www.thestiginitiative.com for information on their support services, events, and to find out how you can get involved.

02/10/2026

The fonaCAB Community Fund – The Banbridge and District MS Society

This is Neil Rooney, local advocate for the Banbridge and District MS Society and someone who lives with MS. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It cannot currently be cured, but treatment can often help manage it.

A native of Newry, Neil was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 35 in March 2020. The life changing symptoms he experienced which resulted in his diagnosis at the time, have through proper treatment and medication improved to allow him to thankfully lead a more normal life.

Neil's own experience has inspired his involvement with the Banbridge and District MS Society and he, and many others with the condition, work hard to support people living with MS from across the area.

With more than fifty members, they meet monthly at the J29 Project in the heart of Banbridge to offer support to those living with MS, their family members, and carers. This support covers a broad range of services including reflexology for people with MS, days out, advice on treatments and PIP / financial support - plus support and guidance from others living with the condition.

Neil applied to the fonaCAB Community fund for funding to allow the Society to help subsidise more reflexology sessions for group members, something which we are very happy to contribute to.

If you’d like to find out more about the Banbridge and District MS Society, you can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087543916544 or by emailing them at [email protected]

Donations to help support the activities that the Group provides are always welcome, and if you’re in a position to contribute, and would like to, you can find their fundraising page at https://msgroups.enthuse.com/pf/banbridgegroup

30/09/2026

SQUAD DROP 📸

This week’s graffiti squad — Greenisland FC
Big smiles. Good mates. Football.

29/09/2026

Want to become a Taxi Driver, but don’t know how?

The fonaCAB Driver Academy has helped hundreds of men and women just like you gain their taxi licence – And we’re ready to take on more applicants now!
We offer expert tuition at a time and format that suits you, both online and in person, and our 90% + pass rate proves we must be doing something right

Becoming a taxi driver isn’t just about gaining your licence though – Once you’ve passed, we offer a full induction programme and a range of incentives to get you on the road earning quickly and efficiently.

If you’re currently unemployed, we can also offer advice on how to avail of financial support that may be available to you to help with any costs you might incur.

To find out more, call us on 02890 330 333 during office hours, or just go to www.fonacab.com/academy and leave us your contact details anytime. One of our Academy team will be in contact for a confidential no commitment chat – We can’t wait to hear from you

21/09/2026

It was our privilege to help. If you'd like to help too, you can do so at https://gofund.me/9250c2a4e ,and as that big supermarket says, Every Little Helps

Good luck with the production!

🚕🎬 It’s all in the details!

A huge thank you to fonaCAB Belfast for supplying us with a taxi sign for the filming of Paper Hearts.
The team were extremely helpful, and having the sign made such a difference in helping us turn our car into a convincing Belfast taxi for the screen! 🚕🎥

Making a film really is a team effort. From the people in front of and behind the camera, to the local businesses and organisations who have supported us along the way, every contribution, big or small, has helped bring Paper Hearts together.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has played a part in our journey so far. ❤️

Thank you fonaCAB Belfast for helping us add that little bit of movie magic! 🎬✨