50-year milestone for Gateway

Carrickfergus and District Senior Gateway Club will celebrate the occasion with a gala ball at the end of March.

The group supports and encourages adults with a learning disability to meet on a weekly basis, offering the chance to form friendships and enjoy a wide range of activities from sports to arts and crafts.

"We have people with a learning disability who sit on our committee, and also monthly meetings to ensure that we are providing for the needs of the members and that their choices are listened to and respected," a statement from the group read.

"The club is made up of members, volunteers, an assistant leader and a leader, and operates a leisure opportunity once a week. There are over 90 members in the club at the moment which is a clear indication of the need and demand for such a Gateway."

An important aspect of the club is that it is 'member-led', empowering those involved to decide which activities they would like to do.

"The provision of these facilities enables people with a learning disability to have an improved quality of life. It also provides public benefit to parents and carers as it is an opportunity for respite, which is an important form of support," the club added.

"Many adults with a learning disability can often feel isolated in their local community; Carrickfergus and District Senior Gateway tackles this issue and promotes friendships. The volunteers at the club receive private benefit in the form of training to ensure they are equipped to fulfil their role, and they also gain experience which they can use to apply for jobs."

Carrickfergus Senior Gateway is proud to have hosted two Learning Disability Pride parades in the town, in 2017 and 2019.

Over 5000 people attended the events, which celebrated the lives of people with a learning disability.

Thomas Haighton, club leader said: "Carrickfergus Senior Gateway was founded by the late Madge Wright MBE and has gone from strength to strength. In the past 50 years, Carrick Gateway has challenged stigma and perceptions through a range of work that has given those with a learning disability a voice,"

"Over the past 50 years we have seen a lot of changes - positive changes, for those who we support. We have worked tirelessly with our members and others to ensure people with a learning disability have their rights adhered, promote inclusion within the community and ensure they are seen as equal members of society.

"We are delighted that Gateway has reached this milestone; this is due to the dedication of our volunteers and the amazing people who came before us. We will as a club continue to speak up and fight for the rights of people with learning disability."

Carrick Gateway's 50th anniversary gala ball will be held on March 28 in the Belfast Loughshore Hotel.

Members, past leaders and volunteers will attend the event, with music provided by Sunshine.