Super Me celebration at Ballysally Primary

Ballysally Primary School pupils who took part in the Mencap Super Me Project. Included are; Janette Connor, Mencap representative, Mr. Dunn, principal, and Jane McCafferty and Mandy Dinsmore, teachers. INCR50-300PL

Mencap staff and Ballysally teachers worked together to provide an after school initiative known as the Super Me Club for pupils who have a learning disability or autism.

A tailored programme of super hero themed activities was offered, which supported the personal and social development of children.

The Super Me Club was part of Mencap’s Young People Together Project which was delivered in partnership with the Northern Ireland Education Authority, with support from the Big Lottery Fund.

In addition to the after school work at Ballysally Primary, social activities included outings to W5 discovery centre in Belfast and even included a trip to Legoland in Windsor in England.

Ahead of the Legoland trip, participating children were taken to Belfast International Airport for a special familiarisation tour, as many of them had never experienced air travel before.

Ballysally pupils also attended a showcase event at Stormont in October and shared their experiences from the Super Me Club with MLA’s and other key decision makers at the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Aine O’Hare from Mencap in Northern Ireland, explained; “This was a brilliant programme and the pride in its conclusion is obvious, from the children, parents and school staff as well as all the partners involved.

“We used the iconography and mythology of superheroes to motivate the children to take part and this is where the Super Me name emerged from.

“Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Super Me club in Coleraine – we’ve no doubt the effects of the Club will be very long lasting,” added Aine.