What is On? and Events Listing
for Adult Learning Disability Services in the Western Trust Region
To have relevant events posted here, email details to:
Deirdre.Kelly@westerntrust.hscni.net or Jonathan.Mcguigan@westerntrust.hscni.net
October 2021
Patient and Client Council Opportunities to Get Involved
Obesity Prevention – The Department of Health are pulling together a project board for developing our next strategy for tackling obesity. Seeking 2 people living with obesity or who have experience of using obesity prevention who would like to join the project board to represent people with lived experience. Visit – makechangetogether.co.uk
Urgent and Emergency Care – The PCC invite you to share your thoughts on any recent experiences at any Urgent and Emergency Care service. You can attend our ‘Health and Social Care Hub’ on Wednesday 6th October at 10am – This session is open access and aims to be accessible for those with communication difficulties.
Information Sessions via Zoom for Carers
In response to requests from Carers, the Western Trust Adult Learning Disability Involvement team will facilitate a schedule of Information sessions for Carers of Adults with a Learning Disability in the Western Trust area.
The topics will be:
- 30th September – Occupational Therapy with Dr Shelley Crawford, Occupational Therapy Service Lead for Learning Disability and Louise McGurk Occupational Therapist.
- 17th November – Learning Disability Community Nursing with Glenda Frazer and Kirsty Mitchell.
- 30th November – Positive Behaviour Support Services with Dr. Joanne Quinn Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Donna O’Neill Behaviour Therapist.
To allow information to be tailored, we will ask participants to submit general questions relating to each topic, to Jonathan McGuigan, before the Session takes place.
If you are interested in attending and have any questions or areas of information you would like covered in the presentation please contact:
Jonathan McGuigan at jonathan.mcguigan@westerntrust.hscni.net
Department of Health Autism Strategy 2023-2028 Questionnaire
You may be an autistic person or a family member or carer of someone who has an autism diagnosis or waiting for an assessment. You may be involved in education, community life or service delivery. We want you to tell us how we can develop a strategy which can make a difference. More information.
All responses must be received no later than Friday 8 October 2021.
Should you require further information, please send your enquiry to: autism.strategy@health-ni.gov.uk
Complete the Questionnaire here
November 2021
Patient Client Council – Opportunities to Get Involved
You are invited to attend our ‘Health and Social Care Hub’ on Tuesday, 9 November 2021 at 10:00am
The session will be facilitated by Gerard McWilliams Involvement Officer and Sorcha Forbes at the Patient and Client Council.
This month’s theme is Future Planning.
Due to the closure and migration of the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) to a new entity within the Department of Health, a new planning model must be designed and
implemented. As a result, many statutory provisions around commissioning will be removed, and this has provided an opportunity to fundamentally change the way in which services are planned, managed and delivered for the people of Northern Ireland.
Joy through Self Care Programme
A wellbeing programme for Adults with a Learning Disability – ‘Joy through Self Care’ is taking place again in November.
The programme will be hosted via Zoom, from 11AM – 12:00PM every Thursday for 4 weeks starting on November 25th.
Places are available on a first come first serve basis for individuals or groups of Adults with a Learning Disability.
For more information or to register, please contact:
Northern Sector – Deirdre Kelly – 028 7186 4323 or email deirdre.kelly@westerntrust.hscni.net
Southern Sector – Jonathan McGuigan 028 8283 5124 or email jonathan.mcguigan@westerntrust.hscni.net
Patient and Client Council Opportunities to Get Involved
Regional Disability Forum for Health and Social Care – Forum for people with a physical/sensory disability and/or communication difficulty. Applications close Friday 10th November. Visit – makechangetogether.co.uk
Have you been to an Emergency Department recently?
As part of the Review of Urgent and Emergency Care services the PCC invite you to share your thought on any recent experiences at one of the following sessions:
Monday 1st November: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Wednesday 3rd November 10:00am – 12:30pm
Wednesday 3rd November 2:00pm – 4:00pm
To register please contact Jane: jane.reilly@pcc-ni.net or 028 9536 1705
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
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September 2021 - ALD Events and Updates
Reconnecting Events for Adult Learning Disability Community
Upcoming Reconnecting Events for ALD Community
- 15th September – 6PM-8PM – Omagh Leisure Centre – Sensory Slime Workshop – Contact 0300 303 1777
- 16th September – 6PM-8PM – Broadmeadow, Enniskillen – Sensory Slime Workshop – Contact 0300 303 1777
- 17th September – 6PM – 8PM – Aspace2 – Fun Activities – Contact – 028 7137 6555
Information Day about Adult Learning Disability Services
16th September – 10:30am – 1:30pm – Fir Trees Hotel Strabane. Download Flyer
21st September – 10:30am – 1:30pm – Waterfoot Hotel, Derry/Londonderry – Download Flyer
29th September – 10:30am – 1:30pm – Radisson Hotel, Limavady – Download Flyer
Complimentary Therapies and refreshments are available. Come along to find out about services available to Adults with a Learning Disability and their Carers. Other exhibitors will also be present on the days.
Do you like singing, dancing and having fun?
Join the Western Trust Choir for Adults with a Learning Disability!
Starting Tuesday 7th September at 7PM via Zoom
To find out more contact:
Deirdre Kelly on 028 7186 4323 or email: deridre.kelly@westerntrust.hscni.net
Carers NI – State of Caring 2021 Survey is now live!
As you know, the survey is hugely important for all of our work, and is the most comprehensive survey into carers lives. Complete the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9B9VMB5
The survey takes around 30 minutes to complete and will close on 13th September.
Patient and Client Council Opportunities to Get Involved
Views on Organ Donation – The Organ and Tissue (Deemed Consent) Bill was introduced by the Minister of Health on 5th July 2021 to increase the current rate of consent for organ donation. The PCC are hosting a virtual session with representation from the Health Committee on Wednesday 15th September 6:30pm – 8:00pm to hear your views on the bill and we will be hosting a survey to give you the opportunity to share your views – Registration Essential – hhtps://bit.ly/3xtvkea
Obesity Prevention – The Department of Health are pulling together a project board for developing our next strategy for tackling obesity. Seeking 2 people living with obesity or who have experience of using obesity prevention who would like to join the project board to represent people with lived experience. Visit – makechangetogether.co.uk
Integrated Care System – Programme to develop a Future Planning Model to replace the existing commissioning arrangements and processes in NI. This will involve the development of a new Integrated Care System model in NI. The PCC are holding three engagement sessions to give you the opportunity to share your thoughts and views on the Model:
- Tuesday 14th September 10:00am – 11:30am
- Wednesday 15th September 2:00pm – 3:00pm
- Thursday 16th September 6:30pm – 8:00pm
To register – contact Anne-Marie with your preferred session on anne-marie.doone@pcc-ni.net or call 028 9536 8093
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Summer 2021 - ALD Events and Updates
Reconnecting Events for Adult Learning Disability Community
Derry/Londonderry Events 
Strabane Events 
Limavady Events 
Omagh Events 
Fermanagh Events
The Now Group are holding an information day on Wednesday 25th August in the Loaf Café of the Ulster American Folk Park. Representatives of the Now Group, Aisling O’Doherty and Niamh Jones, will be on hand from 10.30am to 4.00pm to meet with interested parents, guardians and service users to answer any questions you may have about the programme and what it can offer.
Booking is not required so please come along throughout the day to talk directly with Aisling and Niamh.
Contact:
Aisling O’Doherty 073 9456 5134
Niamh Jones 074 6795 8322
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July 2021 - ALD Events and Updates
July 2021
Art Classes
An opportunity to learn a new skill from home and unlock your creativity with free art lessons via Zoom.All Adults with a Learning Disability can join Phil O’Connor for 5 Weekly Sessions starting on Thursday 1st July.
Contact Jonathan McGuigan for more information on:
028 8283 5124 or email jonathan.mcguigan@westerntrust.hscni.net
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May/June 2021 - ALD Events and Updates
Adult Learning Disability Week 2021
May/June 2021
Joy through Self Care Programme
A new wellbeing programme for Adults with a Learning Disability – ‘Joy through Self Care’ is beginning in June.
The programme will be hosted via Zoom, from 11AM – 12:30PM every Thursday for 4 weeks starting on June 3rd
Places are available on a first come first serve basis for individuals or groups of Adults with a Learning Disability.
For more information or to register, please contact:
Northern Sector – Angie Robinson – 028 7186 4333
Southern Sector – Gemma Smyth 028 6634 4227 or email gemma.smyth@westerntrust.hscni.net
An Exciting New Arts Project is beginning for Groups of Adults with a Learning Disability across the Western Trust area!
This will be a wonderful opportunity for groups to work with the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s Artists in Residence
To get involved, sign up for 4 Wednesday Workshops which include Visual Art, Creative Writing and Dance!
The project will take place via group workshops using ZOOM. The theme will be ‘Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing’.
All work created within the project will be exhibited!
Places are facilitated on a first come first serve basis, with the first group starting on Wednesday June 2nd!
For more details or to register, contact:
Gemma Smyth, Health Facilitator
028 6634 4227
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April 2021 - ALD Events and Updates
Inter Ethnic Forum and Stronger Together – Disability Strategy Workshop
The Inter Ethnic Forum and Stronger Together Disability Strategy Workshop is taking place on April 15th
The workshop will take place on Zoom on April 15th, 10.00AM -11.30AM
An Easy Read Language translations of the Disability Strategy is available in advance of the workshop:
To Register contact: maire.mccotter@stepni.org
Mencap NI – Ulster Orchestra Relaxed Performance
This afternoon our Relaxed Performance for people with additional needs and their families was made available to everyone who signed up and we really hope you enjoy it!If this performance is appropriate for you or a family member, there’s still time to enjoy it, as the free film and accompanying resource pack will be available until 14 April. Simply email LCE@ulsterorchestra.com to register and get the details! Our huge thanks to Autism NI and NOW Group for their advice and collaboration on this project. -
March 2021 - ALD Events and Updates
SignTonicity with Siobhan Heaney
Siobhan Heaney will be providing a series of 4 SingTonicity sessions via Zoom for Service Users. They will take place on Tuesday nights from 7-8pm and will be FREE. The sessions will start on 2nd March and run until 23rd March.
Songs can help our mood, help boost our energy, and that is the magic of singing. SingTonicity is a method of looking after your health and wellbeing. It uses your breath, voice and sound all coming together to help you in times of stress, whenever you’re feeling tired or to just physically give a boost.
After a SingTonicity session Service Users will experience a feeling of well being, release of tension, lightness of spirit and a great sense of accomplishment and confidence.
“It’s like a singsong – the breathing exercises can help if you are feeling stressed and need a bit of time out – it’s like a vocal stress ball!” – quote from participant
“I have found SingTonicity to be most invigorating yet relaxing, in a totally unique way – the combination of body and vocal movements provides gentle therapy in a most humorous manner.” – quote from participant
If you would like to find out more about joining the SingTonicity sessions contact Deirdre on:
028 7186 4323
Remember the old Zimbabwen proverb “if you can talk you can sing!”
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February 2021 - ALD Events and Updates
Horticulture Therapy
During February and March 2021, we will be facilitating an 8 week course in Horticulture Therapy focusing on gardening, nature and their associated benefits.
To access the course all you will need is a small green space (your garden or shared outside area).
A horticulture pack will be posted in advance direct to your home with everything you will need to take part.
A Horticulture Therapist will deliver the weekly session via Zoom.
If you are interested in learning how to make your garden grow and develop skills to take you on into Spring and Summer of 2021 please register your interest by contacting Kelly Sheppard on 075 5773 2807 or email Kelly.sheppard@headway.org.uk
Raising Awareness for Reasonable Adjustments
Paula McGowan, who is a renowned Autism Awareness Campaigner, will give a talk on the topic of “Raising Awareness of Reasonable Adjustments” on:
Tuesday 23rd February 2021
9.00am to 10.30am
Following the avoidable death of her youngest child Oliver, Paula has dedicated her life to campaigning for equal health care for people who have autism and Intellectual Disabilities. Paula launched a parliamentary petition asking for all doctors and nurses to receive mandatory training in Learning Disability and Autism awareness. As a direct consequence of her campaigning the Government announced that all NHS and Social Care Staff would receive The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism.
You can sign up for this free event on Eventbrite
“We are honoured to welcome Paula McGowan to the University of Gloucestershire.
Paula McGowan is the activist behind the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and/or autism for NHS Health and Social Care Staff. An independent review concluded Oliver died an avoidable death. Hear Oliver’s story and what we can all do to prevent avoidable deaths like Oliver’s happening again.
All staff and students are invited to this special talk to hear Oliver’s story as told by his mother, Paula.”
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January 2021 - ALD Events and Updates
January 2021 – ALD Events and Updates
Connect and Relax Programme
The nature of this programme is to support Learning Disability service users and carers mental health through connectedness and the ‘Take 5 steps to wellbeing’ to help reduce isolation and stress.
This Programme will run for four consecutive weeks via Zoom from home or participating Day Centres consisting of four sessions lasting 45 minutes each. The aim is for participants to learn how to incorporate practical techniques to help manage stress, feel connected and HAVE FUN!
Nuala McKeever will facilitate each group and with 30 places per group the
allocation will be on a first come first served basis. These places will be in high demand and pre-registration is essential.Group 3: Every Tuesday morning at 11.00am starting Tuesday 5th January – Tuesday 26th January
Group 4: Every Wednesday morning at 11.00am starting Wednesday 3rd February – Wednesday 24th February
Please contact Gemma Smyth Health Facilitator on telephone 028 6634 4227 or email gemma.smyth@westerntrust.hscni.net or jonathan.mcguigan@westerntrust.hscni.net
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December 2020 - ALD Events and Updates
Monday 30 November – Friday 4 December 2020 – Disability Awareness Week NI 2020
Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA) are hosting an annual celebration of People with Disabilities through a Virtual Disability Awareness Week 2020, inclusive of International Day for People with Disabilities.
This is the fifth annual celebration in DCSDC and this year they are going to celebrate in a different way through the development of an online programme of activity, reaching an audience beyond the City & District to support International Celebration of People with Disabilities.
Join them to promote health and social wellbeing through the arts, during these challenging times so we can help raise awareness of the importance of creating the conditions where people with disabilities experience equal opportunity and face no barriers to participation in any element of their lives.
All event details will be available here and join in the conversation using the hashtags #idpwd #DCSDCdisabilty2020 #PHA #DAWNI2020
Fermanagh and Omagh Council Celebrating International Day for People with Disabilities 2020.
The Fermanagh and Omagh Council has organised a series of short, virtual, awareness raising sessions and workshops to celebrate International Day for People with Disabilities 2020.
Starts this Thursday 3rd December and runs to the 10th December.
For more information visit the webpage or view the Programme of Events.
Health Inequalities: Making reasonable adjustments for people with learning disabilities
Free Online Seminar to mark Disability Awareness Week – Wednesday 2nd December 2020 2PM – 4PM
Speakers Include:
- Professor Owen Barr, Professor of Nursing and Intellectual Disability, University of Ulster
- Clionagh McElhinney, Acute Liaison Nurse, Altnagelvin Hospital
- Louise Boyce, Access Inclusion Officer, Derry City and Strabane District Council will lead a Question and Answer session
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November 2020 - ALD Events and Updates
T
ime for you to connect and relax: A 4 week relaxation programme via zoom: Join our new 4 week ‘Connect and Relax’ programme to relax and recharge you!The nature of this programme is to support Learning Disability service users and carers mental health through connectedness and the ‘Take 5 steps to wellbeing’ to help reduce isolation and stress.
This trust wide pilot programme will run for four consecutive weeks via Zoom from home or participating Day Centres with four sessions of 45 minutes each for 30 participants each with an aim for participants to learn how to incorporate practical techniques to help manage stress, feel
connected and HAVE FUN!Nuala McKeever will facilitate each group and with 30 places per group the allocation will be on a first come first served basis. These places will be in high demand and pre registration is essential.
Please choose from 2 separate groups as follows:
Group 1
Every Tuesday morning at 11.00am starting Tuesday 24th November
(final session Tuesday 15th December 2020)
Group 2
Every Wednesday morning at 11.00am starting Wednesday 25th November
(final session Wednesday 16th December 2020)
Please contact Gemma Smyth Health Facilitator on telephone 028 6634 4227 or email gemma.smyth@westerntrust.hscni.net or jonathan.mcguigan@westerntrust.hscni.net
