Mayor launches care home visits initiative to connect with older residents
24 July 2026
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council has launched a new initiative that will see her visit residential care homes across the city and district throughout her mayoral year.
As part of the year-long programme, Mayor Grace Uí Niallais will spend time meeting residents, listening to their stories and sharing memorable afternoons of music and conversation. Joining the Mayor on each visit will be the Hive Cancer Support Choir, providing entertainment with a selection of much-loved songs from years gone by.
The initiative aims to strengthen connections with the older community, celebrating cherished memories through music while bringing joy and companionship to care home residents.
This week, the Mayor officially launched the initiative with a visit to Longfield Care Home, where the Hive Cancer Support Choir performed a range of classic favourites, including Elvis Presley’s Love Me Tender and Sweet Caroline as well as the ever-popular Danny Boy. Residents, staff and visitors enjoyed an afternoon filled with music, laughter and conversation.
Mayor Grace Uí Niallais said she was delighted to begin the initiative.
“I am really excited to launch this initiative and was given such a warm welcome at Longfield Care Home. The staff and residents were incredibly friendly, and we spent a wonderful afternoon enjoying fantastic music from the Hive Cancer Support Choir and hearing so many lovely stories from the residents. It was also lovely to be able to celebrate some birthday’s while I was there.
“I would also like to thank the staff for their continued dedication and commitment to caring for others. They provide compassion, kindness and support every single day, and I hope this initiative helps shine a light on the invaluable work they do.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit and can’t wait to spend more time in care homes across the city and district throughout my year as Mayor.”
Hive Cancer Support is the Mayor’s chosen charity for her year in office. Throughout the year, the Mayor will support the charity by raising funds through a range of events and fundraising campaigns.
Care homes interested in arranging a visit from the Mayor are encouraged to contact the Mayor’s Office on 028 71 376508 or by email at [email protected].