A day opportunities hub in Newtownards is helping adults with a Learning Disability build confidence, develop new skills and strengthen their connections within the local community.
The South Eastern Trust’s Avondale Hub provides a welcoming and supportive environment where Service Users can develop independence, enhance existing skills and try new activities while promoting their health and wellbeing.
The hub is adjacent to Ards Training & Resource Centre in South Street Newtownards, the building has been adapted and welcomes Service Users from across North Down and the Ards Peninsula.
The programme at Avondale is shaped around the interests and abilities of the people who attend. Activities include training programmes, educational trips, travel training, yoga, drama, singing and signing through a Makaton choir as well as arts, crafts and sports.
The Hub also works closely with community and voluntary organisations and other day opportunity providers to give Service Users opportunities to learn, socialise and take part in activities beyond the Hub.
South Eastern Trust, Day Care Support Services, Sinead McGrattan-Finlay, who helped establish Avondale Hub, said, “Avondale was created because we recognised that there were people attending day services who had the ability and potential to do more and develop further.
“We wanted to create a space that would nurture their skills, build confidence and give them opportunities to grow. It is not just about coming here and socialising with friends. There is a strong focus on learning and developing independence. Our Service Users have a real voice in what we do. We hold monthly meetings where they can tell us what they enjoy, what they would like to change and what new activities they would like to try.
“We offer activities such as travel training, citizenship, drama, music and yoga and we also go out into the community on educational visits and trips. It is wonderful to see how people have grown in confidence and developed new skills since becoming part of Avondale.”
Developing independence is a key part of the programme. Through travel training, Service Users can learn how to plan a journey, use public transport and manage money before putting those skills into practice in the community.
Sinead added: “The sense of achievement can be huge. Seeing someone complete a journey independently, buy their own coffee and realise ‘I have done this’ is incredibly rewarding. We have also seen people who were initially very shy become involved in activities such as drama and perform in front of their families and carers. Watching that confidence develop and seeing people realise what they are capable of is what makes Avondale so special.”
Avondale Service User, Jonathan Montgomery said he enjoys the wide range of activities available at the Hub, “I really enjoy it here at Avondale. We go on trips and do yoga and football. I love going out and especially visiting some donkeys. I come to Avondale two days a week and I really love cookery.
“I also help out on transition evenings with school leavers. I really enjoy telling school leavers how good Avondale is.”
Avondale Service User, Rachel Mawhinney commented, “I like to see all the people and especially Belinda, Isobel and Sinead. I love doing drama and arts and crafts. Disability Sport comes on a Tuesday and I love playing football. I also play for a team. I like to come and paint and we are making bird boxes which I really enjoy. Sinead lights up my life!”
South Eastern Trust Day Opportunities Development Manager, Belinda Cockcroft said the Hub is helping Service Users to fulfil their potential while becoming more involved in their local communities.
Belinda stated, “Avondale is really important to our Service Users. We work closely with other organisations to help build partnerships and create opportunities for people to feel included in their community. That includes educational trips, exploring volunteering and work experience opportunities and developing links with local organisations.
“We want Avondale to continue to grow and become a place where people can develop practical skills and confidence. One of our ambitions is to create an honesty café where our Service Users could learn valuable skills in a real-life setting.
“It is about creating opportunities, encouraging independence and helping people to see what they can achieve.”
The Hub also provides access to a range of specialist services including Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Community Learning Disability Social Work and Nursing, Psychology and Intensive Support Services.