Service users and staff at Lisburn’s Assessment and Resource Centre (LARC) made the most of the recent spell of warm weather, as they enjoyed spending time in the centre’s newly refurbished outdoor sensory garden.
LARC is a vital hub in the Lisburn area, providing day services for adults with learning disabilities, including people with complex clinical needs and those requiring social support. The centre offers a range of tailored activities that enhances the quality of life for its Service Users who are supported by a Team of Day Care Workers, Adult Support Workers and Community Learning Disability Nurses to develop skills, build confidence and achieve greater independence in their day-to-day lives.
LARC’S Community Learning Disability Nurse, Karen McMurray explained that supporting Service Users to take ownership of their own health and wellbeing is one of the most rewarding aspects of her role. Karen stated, “My role is to help our Service Users take ownership of their own health and wellbeing.
“No two days are the same and it is incredibly rewarding to see our Service Users thrive in their own environments. We work alongside them to empower them to make informed choices about their health, so they can live fuller, healthier and independent lives.
“It is an absolute privilege to work in this role.”
As Service Users and their families were greeted by staff as the day got underway, Community Learning Disability Nurse, Anna Crowe shared how she loves to see Service Users meet their individual goals, “We work with them to reach a particular goal, whether it is through reasonable adjustments and also work with their families to see how best we can implement a goal.
“For me, being a Community Learning Disability Nurse means being a compassionate advocate to support people with learning disabilities. It is about promoting dignity, inclusion and independence while building trusting relationships with individuals and their families. I love empowering people and their families to have their voices heard.”
Community Learning Disability Nurse, Taylor Smiley has worked in LARC for the past nine years. Taylor added, “I love that everyday is really different here. You get to build such a good rapport with our clients, you support them through so many ways whether it is with their Diabetes management, Enteral (tube) feeding or wound care.
“We support people here at LARC and in their own homes. Since opening our new sensory garden, it has become another wonderful space where Service Users can relax and where the strong relationships we have built really shine through.”