Carla Lockhart MP Commends “The Reach” Outreach in Portadown

Carla Lockhart MP • August 5, 2025

Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has praised the long-running outreach programme “The Reach,” hosted by Bethany Free Presbyterian Church, following a visit to the initiative held in Killicomaine Junior High School, Portadown.

Running faithfully for almost 20 years, “The Reach” has welcomed hundreds of young people through its doors offering a packed week of sports, games, crafts, and, most importantly, the life-changing message of the Gospel.


Speaking after the visit, Carla Lockhart MP said:


“It was such a joy to spend time at The Reach and to chat with the many young people and the incredible team of volunteers who make it all happen. This is a fantastic example of Christian outreach at its best grounded in love, run so well, and making a real difference in young lives.


A special word of thanks goes to Alan, Margaret, Jim, Naomi, Sharon, Jene and every single volunteer who gives so sacrificially of their time and energy. Your labour is not in vain in the Lord.


It was also a real encouragement to join with Mr Chris Killen a local man who was taking the daily meetings with the kids.


Bethany Free Presbyterian Church should be greatly commended for their continued vision and commitment to this work. As Scripture reminds us, ‘Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God’ (Mark 10:14).


May God continue to bless this vital ministry for many years to come.”



Share

By Carla Lockhart MP August 6, 2025
Confirmation that UK pork products are destined for the Mexican market has been welcomed by the DUP’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 5, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has met with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, alongside senior representatives from Marie Curie UK, to call for urgent reform and investment in palliative and end of life care across Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 5, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has welcomed a major £500,000 investment secured for the refurbishment of the football and hockey pitches at Lurgan Junior High School, describing it as a “huge win for local sport and young people.”
By Carla Lockhart MP August 5, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has appealed to the public to rally around the family of Grace, a brave five-year-old girl from Donaghcloney who has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive lymphatic condition, for which there is currently no cure.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 6, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has praised Brownstown Bears FC for hosting a fantastic Super Cup Challenge event focused not only on football but also on the vital issue of men’s mental health.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 5, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has congratulated Clogher Protestant Boys Flute Band on delivering a fantastic day of cultural celebration in Waringstown, with both their well-attended Big Breakfast in Clogher Orange Hall and impressive evening parade drawing large crowds from across the community.
By Carla Lockhart MP August 5, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has joined David and Sara Watson, along with a large gathering of friends and supporters, for a special memorial walk at Craigavon Lakes in memory of their much loved wee boy, Adam, and in support of his legacy charity, B Positive.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 31, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has secured a meeting with senior executives from Belfast International Airport following deeply concerning reports from constituents, who described humiliating and intrusive experiences during airport security screening, involving their stoma bags.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 31, 2025
Figures released by the Office of National Statistics confirm that UK farmers are being pushed to the brink, with more than 6,000 agri-sector businesses folding since Labour came to power just over twelve-months ago.
By Carla Lockhart MP July 30, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has met with the Minister for Health, Mike Nesbitt, alongside senior representatives from Marie Curie, to highlight the urgent need for strategic investment and reform in palliative and end of life care across Northern Ireland.