Paula hails Northern Trust's Day Opportunities Programme

A LOCAL woman has been speaking about the skills she has picked up on the Northern Trust's Day Opportunities Programme.

The Programme was set up following recommendations in the Equal Lives Report and covers four areas of opportunity, recreational, vocational, volunteering and further education.

Paula Walker (pictured) used to spend her days at the Adult Centre. Now she feels she is an active fully integrated member of her community thanks to the programme.

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Tara McClelland from the Day Opportunities Team Coleraine said, “We looked at what Paula’s needs were, and then developed the right mix of activities for her.”

Alternative Angles (Triangle) provided Paula with the vocational opportunity and training she needed. This is is an emerging Social Enterprise scheme that provides a two year placement, up to three days per week.

The scheme supports people with learning disabilities to experience and to develop new skills. It helps build confidence in order to enhance their individual employment opportunities and thereby fulfil their potential.

Paula said: “I learnt about being in work on time, organising my transport to and from my work, making my lunch to take to work. I was told about health and safety information, working as part of a team with my friends, and knowing what I have to do in getting ready for my future employment.”

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Paula says she has made many new friends: “When I finish my two years at Alternative Angles I want to get a job working in a pet shop or in a library.”

When Paula is not at work she spends the rest of her week at college and socialising at the Adult Centre in Coleraine.

She has just completed her first year at the Wider Choices Course at Ballymoney College, where she is working to achieve a City and Guild qualification.

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