Jen Edwards Smith, Secretary of Saintfield Development Association, has been presented with an award by the Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Charlie Casey.
Jen was recognised for starting, along with Sarah Walker, the Saintfield Baby Cafe which provides a weekly “drop in, cafe-style” baby group at Saintfield Community Centre. This is a vital service for parents addressing isolation and providing peer support within Saintfield’s wider rural community. When accepting the award Jen said she and Sarah were very keen to get the Cafe up and running again as soon as possible.
Jen moved to Saintfield just a few years ago from England, where she had worked in community development. In spite of having two young children she decided to get involved with the community in Saintfield. She came along to an open day and volunteered to help Saintfield Development Association. Within a short time she was elected as the secretary of SDA and has contributed as a member of the coordinating team ever since. Her role includes organising SDA meetings, taking meeting notes and circulating information to members, which she manages to fit in with looking after her two young sons.