By Julie Waters
PLANS are in the pipeline to honour Jaidyn Rice’s commitment to her community with a memorial bench that will throw a vital lifeline to those in need.
Sixteen year-old Jaidyn, a youth leader and army cadet, was tragically killed when she was struck by a car on the West Circular Road near her home, in Bangor, last July. A 30 year-old man has been charged in connection with Jaidyn’s death.
Now a notice of motion is being brought before Ards and North Down Council to recognise the profound impact Jaidyn’s death has had not only on her family but on the wider Clandeboye community, in which she played such a vibrant role.
It has been proposed that the bench will be a place of ‘reflection, connection and outreach’ and it will incorporate the council’s ‘Here to Help’ app that signposts people to support services dealing with issues such as domestic abuse, substance abuse and counselling.
The proposal has been brought by Mayor Gillian McCollum and councillor Pete Wray, and acknowledges the other seven lives recently lost on local roads – a figure that is amongst the highest of all council areas.
The borough’s first citizen explained the proposal was being brought forward after the elected representatives met with Jaidyn’s family.
“We are personally very minded to do something to reflect on the contribution Jaidyn made, she was an extraordinary young woman, just 16 years of age, and she really had taken life with both hands,” said the Mayor. “She believed strongly in the power of community and her ability to raise her community up and she was determined to do what she could.”
Ms McCollum said she hoped the bench would also provide support to the wider community.
“We are hoping that it becomes a place of focus for Jaidyn’s friends and family but also the wider community and younger people who are maybe feeling isolated. There will also be a QR code which will connect to the council’s ‘Here to Help’ app.”
Councillor Wray said he hoped the bench would honour Jaidyn’s legacy.
“Jaidyn had such an impact not only on her family and the wider community but lots of different youth groups. I think something like this will not only help her family but will help the young people who are grieving.”
Said the Ulster Unionist councillor: “It is in recognition of Jaidyn, of what she achieved within her tragically short life. It is somewhere where people can sit and reflect but also somewhere where they can get help.
“The council’s app ‘Here to Help’ provides details of support services for issues including victims of domestic abuse, substance abuse as well as counselling services.”
