What’s on?

What is On? and Events Listing for Adults with a Learning Disability in the Western Trust

---

April 2025 – Events and Opportunities

Cancer Services Roadshow 

To mark World Cancer Day 2025, Macmillan in Northern Ireland Cancer Support provided funding for Western Trust to develop two new resources to support people with a learning disability using cancer services. With the help of Lilliput Theatre Company, we have developed a series of short videos and an easy read story book co-produced with adults with a learning disability and their carers. These resources provide information on what service users can expect if attending screening appointments in both Altnagelvin and community, attending North West Cancer Centre and the support services available.

We invite anyone with a learning disability, their family/carers or anyone working or volunteering in Cancer Services or Learning Disability to come to our roadshows.

• Tuesday 8th April | 10:30AM – 12:30PM | Omagh Leisure Complex
• Friday 23rd May 2025 | 10.30am – 12.30pm | Macmillan Support Centre, Altnagelvin
• Friday 6th June 2025 | 10.30am – 12.30pm | Westend Community Centre, Enniskillen

If you would like to attend, phone 02871611272 or email: HWB.Campus@westerntrust.hscni.net
These will be relaxed events and we encourage attendees to drop in at any stage during the time slots.

Omagh Roadshow

---

Fresh Focus

Service Users from Fresh Focus have been enjoying some mindfulness sessions including the use of sound baths and enjoying the outdoors in Enniskillen. Video was completed by Niamh McAndrews, South West College

---

Glenside visit to Butterlope Social Farm

Service Users and Staff from Glenside Centre, Strabane enjoyed a fantastic visit to Butterlope Farm, Plumbridge. Service Users had the opportunity to see many of the animals, assist with feeding and learn how to best care for them, all whilst taking in the spectacular views of the Glenelly Valley. Thank you to Annie and Vincent for their kind welcome and warm hospitality. A great day was had by all.

---

Llyod’s Walk for Autism 

Lloyd has completed his Walk for Autism Challenge!
Over the last 8 days Lloyd set himself the goal of walking 16,000 steps and he crossed the finish line yesterday with the help of the Dragonfly team at Evergreen. Lloyd explored different parts of town including the Peace Bridge, local parks and nearby woods, meeting new people and raising awareness of autism. Thank you to everyone at Evergreen for supporting Lloyd on his journey and well done to Lloyd, we are very proud of you.

---

Killadeas Day Centre Celebrate World Autism Day

---

Benbradagh Day Centre

Benbradagh Day Centre Pool team kicked off their competition with their first match at the Centre alongside a great group of Service Users from the Tower Centre, Ballymena. Both teams played brilliantly and had a lot of fun.
Special thanks to McReynolds Bar, Dungiven for sponsoring T-Shirts for the players.

Service Users and Staff at Benbradagh Day Centre have been making the most of the good weather, enjoying games and ice cream in the sun.

---

Parents/Carers Event

Are you caring for an Adult with a Learning Disability?
Our Carers Support and New Directions Services are hosting a Parent/Carers Event

• Thursday 1st May 2025
• 11:00AM – 1:00PM
• Fermanagh House, Enniskillen

There will be free health checks from Bradley’s Pharmacy, Free Complimentary Therapies (to be booked in advance) and light refreshments served.
For more information, please contact Geraldine McLaughlin, Carers Co-ordinator on 028 7135 5023 or Gabrielle McAloon, Carers Development Worker on 028 6634 4000

---

 

Workshops for Adults with a Learning Disability February – April 2025

• Learn to Jive with Tina from Modern Country Moves | Wednesday 5th and 12th February 3:30PM – 4:30PM |
  Recovery College, 5B Woodside Avenue, Omagh
• Healthy Eating Workshop by Health Facilitator Bridin McAleer | Wednesday 19th February 3:30PM – 5:00PM | Recovery College, 5B Woodside Avenue, Omagh
• Arts and Crafts with Laverne | Wednesday 26th February 3:30PM – 5:00PM | Recovery College, 5B Woodside Avenue, Omagh
• Arts and Crafts with Laverne | Wednesday 5th March 3:30PM – 5:00PM | CKS Community Centre, O’Kane Park, Omagh
• Zumba with Julie | Wednesday 12th and 19th March 3:30PM – 4:30PM | Recovery College, 5B Woodside Avenue, Omagh
• Bog Day Out | Wednesday 26th March 11:00AM – 1:00PM | An Creagan
• Woman’s Cancer Awareness Talk | Wednesday 2nd April 3:30PM – 4:30PM | Recovery College, 5B Woodside Avenue, Omagh – POSTPONED
• Jive with Tina | Wednesday 9th April 3:30PM – 4:30PM | Recovery College, 5B Woodside Avenue, Omagh
• Easter Clay Modelling with Clayful Minds | Wednesday 16th April 3:30PM – 5:00PM | Recovery College, 5B Woodside Avenue, Omagh

To book, please contact New Directions Service on 028 66 382180 / 028 82 835316 or email: NewDirectionsSS@westerntrust.hscni.net

Please provide: Name, contact details, medical issues (e.g. epilepsy / Speech and Language Therapist recommendations) etc. Individuals who require support can be accompanied by their personal assistant.

*Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.*

---

• Ongoing ALD Events and Opportunities

  Ongoing Opportunities 2025

  Lilliput Theatre Company – It’s Your Time to Shine

  • Are you an Adult with a Learning Disability?
  • Are you looking for somewhere new to go?
  • Do you want to try something new?
  • Do you want to add something special to your week?

  Activities include Leisure, Crafts, Games, Drama, Music and Dance.

  If you are interested: Call Lilliput on 073 4206 1591  or talk to your social worker or transition officer

  9 Artillery Street, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6RG

  _________________________________________________

  Family Fund – Helping Disabled Children – Your Opportunity

  Help for Young Disabled Adults Aged 18-24

  Your Opportunity is a dedicated grants programme which aims to enhance the life of a disabled or seriously ill young adult.

  Can we help you? You can apply for a Your Opportunity grant if you:

  • are the main parent or carer of a disabled, or seriously ill, young adult aged 18-24, who lives at home with you
  • have not had a Your Opportunity grant on behalf of your disabled young adult, in the past 12 months
  • have lived in the UK for the last six months
  • have a low household income, or receive a benefit such as Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit etc.

  Please visit our website to see our full eligibility criteria and more about the scheme, at: familyfund.org.uk/help-for-18-24-year-olds

  You can get grants for digital equipment, clubs and activities, musical instruments, sports equipment, day trips and much more…

  Download and Print the leaflet for more information.

  ---

  Experiences of Social Work

  Have you or someone you know engaged with Social Work services in Northern Ireland? We are keen to learn from the experiences of people of all ages who have used social work services, have cared for someone who has used them or are close to someone who has used them. The data collected will be used to inform practice and service improvement and social work training.
  The survey can be accessed through the website www.10000morevoices.hscni.net
  You can request a printed copy by contacting us: Call: 02895 362868 (office hours) or email 10000morevoices@hscni.net
  All data collected will be anonymous.

  You can download/print the survey below:

  • Survey
  • Survey Easy Read
  • Client Easy Read 

  ---

  Tuned In Project 

  The Tuned In Project uses the digital and creative arts, media and music to support people with Learning Disabilities to be different.

  To find out more, visit the Tuned In Project Website.

  ---

  Leonard Cheshire in NI

  Leonard Cheshire help graduates with long term conditions or disabilities to secure placements with leading NI companies. More information.

  ---

  ARC NI – TILII TV Questionnaire

  ARC NI are seeking your help. We are looking to understand what you think about TILII TV.

  Click here to download/print the short Easy Read Questionnaire.

  ---

  NOW Group

  Funded Short Academies 16+

  

  Including expenses, completion bonus and support into employment.

  Upskill, Retrain and Gain Qualifications in:

  • Tourism
  • Hospitality
  • ICT
  • Data Analytics
  • Cyber Security

  Click here to register your interest.

  Specially delivered to assist people with learning difficulties, hidden disabilities or neurodiverse conditions. Subject to eligibility requirements.

  NOW Connects
  Now Connects is our Community Day opportunity, part funded by the Western Trust that operates four days a week in both Omagh and Enniskillen.
  Enniskillen – 27c East Bridge Street – Monday – Thursday, 9:30am-1:30pm

  Omagh – Ground Floor, Anderson House – Tuesday – Friday 10am – 2pm

  NOW Connects is a structured pre-employment programme working on supporting, developing, building independence and life skills alongside promoting health and wellbeing, to those with a learning disability, learning difficulty or neurodiverse condition across Omagh and Enniskillen. Criteria for this is 18+ and participants need to be known to the Western Trust.

  Essential Skills
  We deliver essential skills in Maths and English. Essential Skills is on a Monday from 1pm- 2pm in
  Enniskillen – currently this is via zoom, participants are encouraged to come into the Enniskillen HIVE and are
  supported by NOW staff.

  Essential skills are delivered in Omagh HIVE on a Wednesday. These are separated into two different groups, a beginner group between 2pm-3pm and an advanced group between 3pm-4pm.

  ---

  NCEPOD – Moving from Child to Adult Healthcare Services (Transition)

  NCEPOD is a national organisation that uses data to help improve the quality of care for future patients in the UK. For this work they are collecting data on young people between 13 and 24 years old.

  If you are a young person, parent/carer of a young person, who has moved from child to adult healthcare services, and would like to take part in a group discussion, or fill in an online survey to
  share your experiences to help future patients, please contact us by post, phone or email:
  transition@ncepod.org.uk Please ask permission from your parent/carer if you are under 16*

  Download/Print the Flyer Here.

  ---

  Patient Client Council – Opportunities to Get Involved 

  • Calling all those who have a learning disability and use services. A chance to tell us your ideas about how YOU want to be supported and how you think health and social care services can be better for YOU. There are different things to do with Learning Disability services that you might want to talk to us about. Our staff are experienced in working alongside YOU to support and make sure YOU HAVE YOUR SAY. If YOU would like to join this group, call Suzanne Collins, Projects Co-Ordinator 07423 810015 or email suzanne.collins@pcc-ni.net . Click Here to download/print the flyer.

  ---

  Get Out Get Active (GOGA) Programmes

  Get Out Get Active (GOGA) Programmes are available in Derry/Strabane. The programme aims to engage people who do not traditionally participate in physical activity, particularly people with a disability.

  More information on the clubs and opportunities.

  ---

  

  NOW Connects Group

  NOW Connects is a pre-employment programme for people with learning disabilities or autism.

  The programme builds independence, confidence and develops key skills. It promotes independent living and develops social skills through a variety of activities and training.

  NOW Connects supports individuals on their journey to a job with a future or into further training.

  Opportunities include OCN accredited Training and a range of Soft Skills courses:

  • Personal Development
  • Route Training/Road Safety
  • Money Management
  • Health & Wellbeing

  Contact:

  Aisling O’Doherty : 073 9456 5134

  Niamh Jones: 074 6795 8322

  Visit the NOW Connects website

• March 2025 - Events and Opportunities

  Workshops – March 

  Service Users and Staff enjoying the Bog Day Out at An Creagan and the Zumba Class with Julie as part of the Workshops being held by the New Directions Service.

  

  Zumba Workshop (1)

  

  Zumba Workshop (2)

  

  Zumba Workshop (3)

  

  Bog Day Out At An Creagan (1)

  

  Bog Day Out At An Creagan (2)

  

  Bog Day Out At An Creagan (3)

  

  Bog Day Out At An Creagan (4)

  

  Bog Day Out At An Creagan (5)

  

  Bog Day Out At An Creagan (6)

  ---

  Mother’s Day Coffee Morning – Benbradagh Day Centre

  Service Users and staff at Benbadagh Day Centre held a very special Mother’s Day Coffee morning today. Centre Manager Orla Bradley said: “I would like to thank all the parents and carers for coming and making it so special and to Friends of Benbradagh for your support and help in running the event. Also, thanks to Trish Crooks for all the beautiful handmade decor and to Gregory Kearney for the beautiful music. Finally thanks to the all our staff for all their continued hard work.”

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (13)

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (14)

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (15)

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (16)

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (1)

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (2)

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (3)

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (4)

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (5)

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (6)

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (7)

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (8)

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (9)

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (10)

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (11)

  

  Benbradagh Day Centre Mother's Day Coffee Morning (12)

  ---

  World Down Syndrome Day

  Glenside ATC

  Service Users at Glenside ATC celebrated World Down Syndrome Day with a BBQ and a disco followed by a visit from the ice cream van.

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (1)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (2)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (3)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (4)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (5)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (6)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (7)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (8)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Gelnside ATC (9)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (10)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (11)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (12)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (13)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (14)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (15)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (16)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (17)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (18)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (19)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (20)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (21)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (22)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Glenside ATC (23)

  Benbradagh Day Centre

  Service Users and Staff at Benbradagh Day Centre were Rocking Red on Friday 21st March in support of World Down Syndrome Day. All donations collected on the Day were donated to Foyle Down Syndrome.

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Benbradagh Day Centre (1)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Benbradagh Day Centre (2)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Benbradagh Day Centre (3)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Benbradagh Day Centre (4)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Benbradagh Day Centre (5)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Benbradagh Day Centre (6)

  

  World Down Syndrome Day At Benbradagh Day Centre (7)

  Omagh Centre

  Service Users and Staff celebrated World Down Syndrome Day last week by wearing odd socks! Well done everyone for taking part

  

  Omagh Centre World Down Syndrome Day (1)

  

  Omagh Centre World Down Syndrome Day (2)

  

  Omagh Centre World Down Syndrome Day (3)

  ---

  St Patrick’s Day at Valley Centre

  

  9ea64f3b 1ecb 49e3 Aca8 C590e4ebc821

  

  95a8a56d 2078 4b02 9bb7 737e4cf90ccf

  

  16044ce2 0d8f 4e47 8584 Ea28be5bec3e

  

  Bc616a3f Eb56 421f Aada 458b808f784f

  

  D61f1196 C160 43fc B589 Ac8f37442faa

  

  Dfb3de8d 76c9 4e53 9486 6ef9edc12e5a

  ---

  

  Benbradagh Mother’s Day Coffee and Tea Morning

  Friends of Benbradagh are inviting you to their Mother’s Day Coffee and Tea Morning.

  Benbradagh Day Centre on Thursday 27th March 2025 from 10:00AM – 12:00PM

  There is a raffle on the day – £2 per entry – contact the Centre to purchase

   

  ---

  New Directions Service Workshops

  Photos below from the Workshops held by the New Directions Service.

  

  Healthy Eating 3

  

  Jiving 2

  

  Jiving 6

  

  Jiving 9

  

  Jiving 10

  

  Healthy Eating 1

  

  Arts And Crafts 9

  

  Arts And Crafts 10

  

  Arts And Crafts 11

  

  Arts And Crafts 12

  

  Arts And Crafts 2

  

  Arts And Crafts 5

  

  Arts AND CRAFTS 7

  

  Arts And Crafts 8

   

  ---

  Pancake Tuesday

  Service Users and staff at Benbradagh Day Centre enjoying Pancake Tuesday!

  

  501930a9 2d7b 4077 9fa0 91651ca7ce84

  

  B1cad239 D80d 4d84 Bcb1 9826143e22e4

  

  Bf919b1f 241a 4443 A345 1c722b32f652

  

  Ed3ab761 0bd0 41c9 815f 3f015a4425fb

  ---

  Rossville Complete Cooking Programme

  Congratulations to Rossville Group members who completed the Cookery Step Up Programme in Larry Hills Bistro, North West Regional College, Derry/Londonderry. Read more here

  

  Rossville Group members who completed the Cookery Step Up Programme 3

  

  Rossville Group members who completed the Cookery Step Up Programme 2

  

  Rossville Group members who completed the Cookery Step Up Programme 1

  

  6f4a7a6f A22c 42c9 80b1 E9774329dfd8

  ---

  Lackaghboy Visit to Enniskillen Fire Station

  Service Users and Staff from Killadeas Day Care, Lackaghboy enjoyed a visit to Enniskillen Fire Station.

  

  SFo2

  

  SF2

  

  SF

  

  SF KM

  

  RC 2

  

  KM2

  

  Inside

  

  Group2

  

  CC

  

  BL6

  

  BL4

  

  AC4

  

  AC2

  

  TF

  

  Side Door

  

  Side Door 2

  ---

  Glenside ATC visit Strabane Fire Station

  Service Users from Glenside Adult Training Centre recently attended the Fire Station in Strabane. Staff in Glenside would like to thank the firemen who provided the Service Users with a great experience on the day!

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  ---

  Are you caring for an Adult with a Learning Disability?
  Our Carers Support and New Directions Services are hosting a Parent/Carers Event

  • Wednesday 5th March 2025
  • 11:00AM – 1:00PM
  • CKS Community Centre, Omagh

  There will be information stands from providers and services, free health checks from Bradley’s Pharmacy, Free Complimentary Therapies (to be booked in advance) and light refreshments served.

  For more information, please contact Geraldine McLaughlin, Carers Co-ordinator on 028 7135 5023 or New Directions Service on 028 6638 2180 / 028 8283 5316

• February 2025 - Events and Opportunities

  Creamery House

  Tom at Creamery House has been busy working hard on his Valentine’s Day Cake! It looks amazing. Well done Tom!

  

  4c95e90e 7097 425d 8145 D77182722b05

  

  5b12abcd A201 4dde B525 63ef6ecc92bc

  

  561fad70 C2d0 43e0 8bf5 3789a70805fb
• January 2025 - Events and Opportunities

  Rossville Group

  Congratulations to Rossville Group members who participated in a traditional music workshop as part of Imbolic Music Festival in Pilots Row Youth and Community Centre, Derry/Londonderry.

   

   

   

  ---

  Creamery House 

  A number of staff at Creamery House completed the Belfast Marathon relay in May 2024 to raise money for Mellon Educate Charity.

  Ann and Tina travelled to South Africa in November where they took part in a school building blitz, working with children in under privileged townships in Capetown.

  Creamery House residents Amanda and Tom are pictured presenting Ann and Tina with the £1000 raised.

  ---

  Lilliput Theatre Company

  

  Members of the Lilliput Theatre Company are pictured with Laura from Pennyburn Credit Union who has generously gifted a sponsorship for “Lilliput’s Variety Show” on Wednesday 29th January at 7pm in the Playhouse Derry.
  Visit www.derryplayhouse.co.uk to purchase tickets or call 02871268027

Archived 2023 and 2024 Events and Opportunities

Archived 2021 and 2022 Events and Opportunities