Northern Trust celebrates staff recognised for tackling loneliness and promoting equality

The Northern Trust is proud to celebrate two colleagues – one current member of staff and one retired, who have been recognised in The King’s New Year’s Honours.

Congratulations to current staff member, Yvonne Carson and former colleague, Alison Irwin who have both been awarded the British Empire Medal.

The honours acknowledge the significant impact both individuals have made through their dedication and commitment while at Northern Trust.

Interim Chief Executive, Suzanne Pullins, said: “We are delighted to see both Yvonne and Alison recognised in the New Year’s Honours. Their achievements reflect the dedication, professionalism and compassion that underpin everything we do, and we are immensely proud of the difference they have made to service users and our wider Northern Trust community.”

Yvonne, from Cloughmills, has been recognised for her work in tackling loneliness. Having started her career in the Northern area in 1984, she went on to qualify as a Registered General Nurse in 1987. She spent the early part of her career in the Mid Ulster Hospital, Magherafelt, followed by a number of years working in both the Waveney and Braid Valley Hospitals, Ballymena.

In 2004, Yvonne started in a health promotion role and has worked in this area ever since. In her award citation, it was noted that she has worked tirelessly to raise awareness, enable collective action, influenced policy and led countless people in the community to experience lifesaving connections.

Speaking following the announcement, Yvonne, said: “I feel very humbled to receive this unexpected honour. It has been hugely rewarding to drive positive change and develop initiatives which have brought about positive change in our local communities including those in isolated rural areas.

“This award also belongs to all those who have supported the work including Trust colleagues and community partners.”

Alison, from Portstewart, worked in health and social care services for 28 years before retiring in 2024. She started her career in the Northern Health and Social Services Council carrying out patient led research focused on improving services. Alison then headed up the first Equality Unit in Homefirst Community Trust, and then in the Northern Trust.

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Having been recognised for services to health and social care in Northern Ireland, Alison is a strong advocate for good partnership working and how it helps to identify and address health inequalities.

She has worked closely with local community and voluntary organisations to support ethnic communities, disabled people and family carers.

Alison, said: “I am honoured to receive this recognition. It’s a reflection of the incredible people I worked with in the Trust, local community and voluntary sector.

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“This award belongs to everyone who believes all voices should be heard and valued.  It reminds us that recognising diversity and promoting inclusion strengthens communities and changes people’s lives for the better.”