Engaging Across Rural Boundaries – Sharing and Supporting Together

Kicking off patient experience week......

On Saturday 25th, people from across Dromore, Dromara, Banbridge and the wider rural area came together for a welcoming and inspiring community event focused on sharing, supporting one another and living better. The event was organised and hosted by local community partners, creating a friendly and inclusive space for people from rural communities to come together.

🏥 Working Across Trust Boundaries

Colleagues from the Southern Trust and South Eastern Trust attended by invitation, supporting the promotion of Care Opinion as a safe, independent way for people to share their experiences of health and social care.

---

It was encouraging to see such a diverse range of attendees, including members of the public, representatives from community and voluntary organisations, health and social care colleagues, and MLAs and local politicians. The breadth of voices in the room reflected a shared commitment to listening, learning and helping people to live better at the heart of services.

Throughout the day, many conversations we had with people focused on why feedback matters — not only when things are difficult, but also when care goes well. We heard so many examples of experiences of our public from across the regional.

We even took the opportunity to promote Care Opinions latest connections to MyCare App.

---

Experiences shared through Care Opinion help staff understand what’s working, where improvements are needed, and how small changes can make a meaningful difference. Just as importantly, these stories can reassure others who may be using services and wondering what to expect.

 “Rural voices must be heard – and community‑led spaces like this help make that happen.”

🌄 Hearing Rural Voices

People living in rural communities can sometimes face additional barriers to accessing services or feeling listened to. Events like this help reduce those barriers by creating accessible, welcoming spaces for learning and sharing.

Sincere thanks to the community organisers and everyone who attended, contributed and supported the event.

---

💬 Why feedback matters

• Feedback helps staff understand what’s working well
• It highlights where improvements are needed
• Shared experiences reassure others using services
• Small changes can make a meaningful difference

🗣️ Share your experience

If you, or someone you know, would like to share an experience of health or social care, Care Opinion provides a safe and independent space to do so. Every story helps shape services for the better.

Together, by listening and learning, we can continue to improve care for everyone.