What is On? and Events Listing for Adults with a Learning Disability in the Western Trust
Summer 2024
Valley Centre visit the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council
Staff and Service Users were warmly welcomed by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Lilian Seenoi Barr, earlier this week. Not only did they all experience her wonderful hospitality, over morning tea, coffee and tray bakes, but service users also enjoyed the experience of seeing where the politics of the areas actually occurs. Read more
Stage Beyond Newsletter
Download and Print the Stage Beyond August Newsletter showing Stage Beyond’s activity for the year to date and looking ahead to the autumn/winter schedule.
Fresh Focus trip to Extern Angling Club
Service Users from Fresh Focus Day Opportunities enjoyed going fishing last week with Extern Angling Club. A lot of the Service Users had never tried fishing before and were delighted when they successfully caught some fish.
Thank you to Extern for giving our Service Users this great opportunity!
Lilliput at St Columb’s Cathedral ‘Festival of Cloaks’
Members of Lilliput are pictured after performing at St Columb’s Cathedral Festival of Cloaks event that is running throughout the Summer.
The group will be performing again on August 30th. There are various workshops being held during the Summer and everyone is welcome.
For more information or to get involved email: linda@stcolumbs.net
Mantlin Court
Service Users and Staff at Mantlin Court had lots of fun recently at their Summer Party!
Garden Project
Garden Project enjoyed a trip to The Lakes at Moorbrook, Castlerock recently. Service Users thoroughly enjoyed a day of fishing finished off by a lovely lunch at their cafe.
Staff and Service Users from the Garden Project would like to thank the staff at Moorbrook for their amazing help and making their visit a wonderful experience for everyone!
Lilliput
Lilliput were busy last week before their summer holidays. Members watched a match at the Foyle Cup in Brook Park, went fishing at Ballyheather Fishery and had a party with the Rossville, Berries and Sow and Grow Groups.
Clare-Ellen would like to thank all staff involved who made the day run so smoothly and to Senior Horticulturist Liam McCloskey at Sow and Grow for hostin the event. Special thanks also to Siobhan and Phelim from Curran’s Bakery for the delicious food.
A great start to the holidays!
Benbradagh Day Centre
Groups from Benbradagh Day Centre and Satellite Units have enjoyed trips to various locations.
Trips have included visits to the beach, Portrush, North Coast Alpacas, Tropical World, Jet Centre Cinema and a train journey to Derry/Londonderry.
Everyone is looking to more trips throughout the Summer.
Foyle Down Syndrome Trust
Peace Games Soccer Event
Foyle Down Syndrome Trust are hosting a 3rd Annual Peace Games Soccer event:
- When – Wednesday 25th September at 10.30am-2.00pm
- Where – Waterside Shared Village, 3G Pitch
- Who – Day Opportunity providers
This event will bring together members of the local adult disability community to play inclusive, non-contact football, have fun and make social connections. It will be supported by coaches and will take the form of a fun football tournament.
If you wish for your group to take part contact Connor via email on connor@fdst.org.uk or phone 02871343991.
Down Right Fit Programme
Foyle Down Syndrome Trust are excited to launch our innovative, new “Down Right Fit” programme aimed at adults with a learning disability. We are inviting Day Opportunity groups to engage in inclusive sports, games, movement and dance sessions which are planned and facilitated by adults from Foyle Down Syndrome Trust. The venue and programme of activities are fully accessible.
Where- Foyle Arena, Main Halls
When- Starting Friday 13th September, running each Friday until Friday 29th November 2024, 11am-12noon.
How to Register- To register your group contact Connor via email to connor@fdst.org.uk or phone 02871343991. Please note places are limited.
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Ongoing ALD Events and Opportunities
Ongoing Opportunities 2023
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
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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:
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-1:30pmOmagh – 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
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Learning Disability Week 2024
Learning Disability Week 2024
Learning Disability Week was celebrated this year from the 17th to the 23rd of June.
The theme of the week is ‘Do you see me?’ all about being seen, heard and valued and challenging the barriers people with a learning disability face and celebrating what they bring to society.
Lisnaskea Day Centre
Service Users and Staff at Lisnaskea Day Centre enjoyed Learning Disability Week, taking part in a range of activities including a colour walk and visit to the farm!
Lackaghboy Day Centre Ranch
Creamery House
This is a video put together by some of the residents at Creamery House showing the fun filled week had by staff and residents to celebrate Learning Disability Week.
Fresh Focus
The Service Users at Fresh Focus have had a great time celebrating Learning Disability Week with a Sports Day, taking part in an interactive session with the BBC and finished off their week with a BBQ and disco.
Omagh Centre
The Service Users have had a fun filled week at the Omagh Centre with a variety of activities organised to celebrate. We had a session with Joe Jingles, Petting Farm, visit from the Fire Service with a Fire Safety Talk and demonstrations, then a trip out bowling and to finish the week they had a Colour Party and music/party extravaganza. Michelle Owens from Music Matters provided a wonderful music session and a colour disco in the afternoon.
The staff at the Omagh Centre are extremely proud of all our service users for all the wonderful unique things they bring to our centre and lives each day. The colour party was to symbolise that they are like a Rainbow each bringing their own colour, sparkle and joy into the world every day.
Cityside Supported Living
Service Users and Staff at Cityside Supported Living have been celebrating Learning Disability Week with a variety of activities.
Crafty Creators provided a workshop where service users made decoupage plant pots and planted sunflowers. Service Users were treated to some reflexology when Ann McElhom, reflexologist, visited and also had an outing to the bowling alley, enjoying a lovely lunch also!
Evergreen Day Centre
The Service Users and Staff at Evergreen have been having a blast this week with workshops, music, dancing and a BBQ to celebrate.
Glenside Strabane
Service Users from Glenside Satellite Unit in Strabane have had a fantastic time enjoying a cinema outing to Eclipse Cinema, Lifford as well as a delicious BBQ and visit from the ice cream van!
Dromore Outreach Centre
Service Users at Dromore Outreach Centre have had a busy Learning Disability Week enjoying a lovely walk around Lakeland Forum and lunch at KFC, visiting the Croft Farm Shop and Erin Grove Café and showcasing their artistic skills.
Foyleside Shopping Centre – Spectacular LD Week Performance
As part of Learning Disability (17-23 June), the Western Trust in conjunction with the Tuned In Project, the Collective and the Hub are hosting a ‘Spectacular Performance’. This event will showcase the talent of our wonderful Service Users during Learning Disability Week keeping with the theme of the week – “Do you see me?”
Strathroy Day Centre
Unit 4 enjoyed a visit from Fun Farm and finished their week off with a movie day!
Unit 6 learning disability week celebrations with an afternoon tea, a visit to Glenpark estate and a visit from the icecream van.
Tir Navar
Tir Navar Day Centre, Derrygonnelly started their inclusive week for Learning Disability with a visit from local primary schools.
Castlederg Outreach Centre
So far during Learning Disability Week, Castlederg Outreach have had a visit from Mr Whippy, went ten pin bowling in Brunswick Alley, enjoyed a trip to Castle Archdale and enjoyed some craft creations.
Benbradagh Day Centre Learning Disability Week Celebrations
Service Users and Staff at Benbradagh Day Centre are enjoying LD Week, taking part in Sports Day, ‘Go Fly your Kite’ workshop and a visit to the Arts and Cultural Centre, Limavady for a cinema experience. Service Users have made the most of the good weather with a trip to Benone Beach with Maw Murray Foundation. Activities continued throughout the week with Service Users enjoying a session with Zen Crafts.
Lilliput Theatre Company
Service Users from Lilliput Theatre Company, Day Opportunities, visited the Iosas Centre and enjoyed lunch at the Galliagh Community Centre as part of Learning Disability Week. The group found the garden very tranquil and peaceful and would like to thank the community centre for their kind hospitality.
Safer Eating and Drinking Awareness Sessions
Service Users at Glenside Centre, Strabane and Tir Navar Centre, Derrygonnelly have recently took part in ‘Safer Eating and Drinking’ Awareness Session facilitated by the Speech and Language Therapy.
Service Users were presented certificates by Siobhan Hood, Speech and Language Therapist Technical Instructor Blaithin Donnelly and Rosemary Rosborough at Glenside Centre and by Siobhan and Annie Masterson, Speech and Language Therapist at Tir Navar. Well done everyone
Event at Foyleside Shopping Centre
As part of Learning Disability (17-23 June), the Western Trust in conjunction with the Tuned In Project, the Collective and the Hub are hosting a ‘Spectacular Performance’. This event will showcase the talent of our wonderful Service Users during Learning Disability Week keeping with the theme of the week – “Do you see me?”
- Wednesday 19th June
- Foyleside Shopping Centre
- 12:00PM – 1:00PM
Stage Beyond Performance
Stage Beyond Theatre Company presents AVAILABLE LIGHT dedicated to Catherine Campbell
- Millennium Forum
- Wednesday 19th June
- 7:30PM
- Book tickets: Box Office 028 7126 4455 or www.millenniumforum.co.uk
For more information visit https://www.stagebeyond.com/event/available-light/12
Stage Beyond members are day opportunities service users who attend the local theatre company for adults with learning disabilities based in the Millennium Forum.
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June 2024 - ALD Events and Opportunities
June 2024
Friends Together Choir – Summer Performance
The Friends Together Choir for Adults with a Learning Disability held a special Summer Performance in the Main Foyer, Altnagelvin Hospital!
Benbradagh Day Centre
Certificate Presentation
It was a very proud day for all the Service Users in the Roeleap Group at the Benbradagh Day Centre as they were presented their certificates on completion of their English and Maths Skills course at the North West Regional College.
Centre Manager Orla Bradley would like to thank Michelle from NWRC for all her help and support to everyone. The Service Users thoroughly enjoyed the course and are looking forward to the next course commencing in September.
We were joined by all the parents and carers for the lovely presentation, thank you to Margaret and Andrea, staff members in Roeleap for organising the fantastic morning.
Well done everyone!
Carnival Promotions
Benbradagh Service Users and Staff enjoyed a fun filled day with special thanks to Carnival Promotions with their Bubble Bike and music. The fun and entertainment they brought was immense.
Orla Bradley, Day Centre Manager would like to thank ‘Friends of Benbradagh’ for very kindly funding this event that was a great success.
Castlederg Outreach Centre
Service Users at Castlederg Outreach Centre have been busy recently visiting Glenpark Estate and Costa in Omagh and also taking part in the ‘Safer Eating and Drinking Group’ in conjunction with the Speech and Language Department.
Service Users and Staff at Castlederg Outreach Centre gratefully acknowledge a kind donation of gifts by Pat O’Donnell whose brother Francis attends the Centre.
The gifts were presented to Service Users by Mrs Isobel O’Donnell (Francis and Pat’s mother) on behalf of Pat, who carried out charity fundraising for the centre.
Service Users have took part in the First Aid Group completing training as part of the Safer Eating and Drinking Workshop in conjunction with the Speech and Language Team. Speech and Language Therapists Siobhan and Gillian provided the training.
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May 2024 - ALD Events and Opportunities
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council #WalkThisMay Inclusive Walk
Service Users and Staff from Fresh Focus and Kesh Day Centre were recently invited by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to an inclusive walk as part of #WalkThisMay at the Lough Erne Resort, Ennsikillen.
Tir Navar enjoy Mindfulness Meditation
Service Users at Tir Navar Day Centre enjoyed practicing Mindfulness Meditation yesterday with The Happy Mind Studio – Fermanagh ! A perfect way to enjoy the good weather!
Service Users enjoying the good weather at Benbradagh Day Centre
Service Users at Cedarwood Group at Benbradagh Day Centre enjoying ice lollies and activities in the good weather. Service Users also went for a trip to the beach and enjoyed a picnic and a cake to celebrate Charlie’s Birthday! They also received a kind invitation from Lucy at Dowland Doggies to come and see the dogs at the daycare and boarding kennels. Orla Bradley, Centre Manager said: “We appreciate this very much and it was very kind of Lucy and staff to take this time out with our Service Users, thank you!”
Tir Navar Service Users enjoying the outdoors!
Service Users at Tir Navar Day Centre have been making the most of the good weather, taking part in activities outside and enjoying a trip to Lough Navar!
Recent Activities at Castlederg Outreach Centre!
Service Users at Castlederg Outreach Centre have been keeping busy with outings and activities recently including a trip to Bob and Bert’s Strabane, Ten Pin Bownling in Brunswick Alley, Cookery Creation Classes, a visit from MrWhippy Ice Cream Van and a Coffee Morning at Auld Banks, Gortin.
Glenside Centre and Satellite Unit enjoy the good weather!
Mr Whippy made a visit to Glenside Centre and Satellite Unit recently. Service Users and Staff enjoyed a nice treat in the good weather.
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April 2024 - ALD Events and Opportunities
Special Retirement tea party for Kitty at the Omagh Centre
Staff and service users at Omagh Centre held a special tea party to mark the retirement of Catherine (Kitty) McMenamin.
Ciara Rodgers, Omagh Centre Manager said: “Catherine (Kitty) has been a much loved and dedicated care assistant the Omagh Centre for over 17 years and also worked in Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex for many years. We wish Kitty a very happy and health retirement and thank her very much for the many years of caring and supporting our service users. We will miss her greatly.”
Benbradagh Service Users attend North West Regional College!
Service Users at Benbradagh Day Centre commenced their Woodwork Course that is being coordinated by North West Regional College. This is a great opportunity for our Service Users to learn a new skill. Everyone is enjoying the class and are looking forward to learning more!
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March 2024 - ALD Events and Opportunities
Castlederg Outreach Centre
Evergreen Day Centre
Glenside Day Centre
Omagh Centre
Strathroy Day Centre
Tir Navar
March 2024
Lilliput Service Users take part in football coaching sessions!
Recently Service Users at Lilliput had their last day of football coaching sessions with Trojans at Bishops Field Sports Centre. The Service Users had a great time and enjoyed keeping active with their friends!
World Down Syndrome Day at Glenside
Special Visitors at the Omagh Centre
The Omagh Centre had a visit from two local musicians, Philomena Begley and Andrew Dolan! All the Service Users and Staff enjoyed their evening of music and dancing and some even joined Philomena and Andrew for a song!
Glenside Day Centre enjoy the lead up to St. Patrick’s Day
Service Users and staff at Glenside Centre and Satellite Unit had a busy week celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. A disco, ice cream treats and a tea party were greatly enjoyed by everyone!
Omagh Centre Service Users complete Safer Eating and Drinking Programme
Service Users at the Omagh Centre recently completed a six week programme on Safer Eating and Drinking. The Service Users enjoyed all the sessions, learning safe eating and drinking strategies. Read more
Glenside Day Centre
Staff at Glenside Day Centre Strabane held a special ‘Afternoon Tea’ to treat all the ladies who support the centre throughout the year. Everyone enjoyed their tea and treats!
Centre Manager Victoria Young would like to thank all of the staff for their hard work in organising the tea party and to all of the parents, carers and friends who came along!
Service Users at Glenside celebrating World Book Day on Thursday 7th March
Benbradagh Day Centre
Lynda McMullan, Senior Care Worker, Heather Powell, Craig Powell and Ita Conway, Day Care Worker are pictured receiving items bought with the funds raised by Shirley Nicholl for Ginger Room of Benbradagh Day Centre, Limavady. Shirley knitted Christmas gifts and sold them, raising £535. Thank you to Shirley for your generosity and kindness.
Lilliput Theatre Company – International Women’s Day
Lilliput celebrated International Women’s Day yesterday by watching Mamma Mia whilst the boys made afternoon tea for lunch!
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February 2024 - ALD Events and Opportunities
Castlederg Day Centre
Leap Day Birthday Celebrations at Glenside
Lilliput Service Users visit Macmillan ‘Cancer: Through Our Eyes’ Art Exhibition
Members of the Lilliput Theatre Company, a day opportunity facility for Adults with a Learning Disability, visited the ‘Cancer: Through Our Eyes’ creative art exhibition last week. The exhibition was held by the Western Trust in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and other local cancer charities at the Playhouse.
More about the art exhibition.
Glenside Day Centre – Clayful Minds
Service Users at Glenside Centre, Strabane had great fun at Clayful Minds with Tanya. This fun but relaxing activity was enjoyed very much by everyone.
All Service Users learned new skills as they designed and crafted their fantastic dragon fridge magnets that they can display at home!
Rossville Group receive kind donation for photography project!
We gratefully acknowledge a kind donation of £450 from Derry Credit Union to Rossville Group Adult Learning Disability for their upcoming photography project.
Vanessa Campbell, Senior Day Care Worker said: “We would like to thank Derry Credit Union for providing us with this generous donation to fund our upcoming photography project. This money will enable our members to integrate further in our local community. We very much appreciate their generosity and look forward to showcasing the work of our talented members in the near future. Thank you.”
Social Outlet in Castlederg
Service Users with a Learning Disability have been enjoying their social outlet at Churchtown Community Community Hall in Castlederg. The group is running in 4 week cycles on each Monday nights from 6:30PM – 8:30PM.
On Monday the group enjoyed making Valentine’s Card, pancakes and taking part in the ‘Playing Your Cards Right’ game.
For more information contact:churchtownca@gmail.com FAO Mary Harvey 028 8167 0652
Benbradagh Celebrate Pancake Tuesday and Valentine’s Day
Service Users and Carers at Benbradagh Day Centre have been busy this week celebrating Pancake Tuesday and Valentine’s Day!
The Service Users enjoyed making and decorating pancakes as well as their Valentine’s Disco!
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January 2024 - ALD Events and Opportunities
Staff and Service Users of Benbradagh Day Centre made a donation of £265 to Kindness of Strangers Limavady.
The Staff and Service Users do this every Christmas and their support is greatly appreciated. Well done everyone!
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Christmas 2023 - ALD Events and Opportunities
Opening of Fresh Focus Premises as Winter Wonderland
Castlederg Outreach Centre
Service Users have enjoyed playing Christmas games, arts and crafts and Christmas parties over the festive season.
Tir Na Var Christmas Activities
Service Users and Staff have been busy in Tir Na Var Day Centre in the build up to Christmas. Service Users have enjoyed Jo Jingles sessions, Winter Walks, Karaoke and visited the Winter Wonderland experience at Fresh Focus. They have also been busy planting bulbs in the garden with their local community group and are looking forward to their Christmas Dinner next week.
Christmas Festivities at Glenside Day Centre
Service Users have enjoyed a Christmas Dinner in the Centre and everyone took part in Christmas Jumper Day on December 7th.
Omagh Centre visit Glenpark Estate
Service Users at the Omagh Centre enjoyed a trip to Glenpark Estate meeting Santa, Mrs Claus and his reindeer.
Benbradagh Day Centre – Christmas Jumper Day with Christmas Dinner and Drumming Session
Benbradagh Day Centre Service Users have been enjoying the build up to Christmas as they all dressed in their Christmas Jumpers and had a lively session with James from Fun with Drums.
