Carrickfergus Senior Gateway to resume in new year

The group, which provides a leisure club for adults with a learning disability, said the decision was made to ensure the safety of its members.

Thomas Haighton, Senior Day Care Worker said: “Gateway had to make the decision to close our doors on March 13. This was one of the hardest decisions we have had to make as a club, as we know that Gateway provides a safe space for people with a learning disability to come and meet their friends on a weekly basis, not forgetting the important respite it provides for the carers.

“We planned to start again in September, but with the ongoing pandemic and our members’ safety we simply could not put them at risk and therefore decided it was best to stay closed until 2021. No one wanted this and we are all gutted that we have had to do this, as our members have missed out on so much due to the pandemic.”

In an effort to combat social isolation during the lockdown period, the club initially maintained contact with a weekly telephone chat. However, this proved to be difficult for some members.

“It was hard to keep their attention [and] it restricted who we could contact, for example our non-verbal and hard of hearing clients,” Thomas added. “Clients were unable to see our emotions, reactions and body language which forms a large part of some of our members' understanding.

"We started weekly Zoom calls; our volunteers had to get creative to keep the calls fun and retain engagement. The calls helped lighten the mood and reduce the stress and anxiety of what was going on in 'the outside world'.

"The calls helped our members to create a routine and structure; they were a focal point in the weeks and something to look forward to.

"Parents and carers also reported that they benefited from the Zoom calls, as it relieved a lot of anxiety in household by maintaining a sense of normality for the members to share with their friends.

"As a club we have decided to start our Zoom sessions again on a weekly basis and will be doing outreach over the next few months; for example one member, one volunteer going out for a treat such as coffee, dinner, cinema or something of the member’s choosing.”

Gateway currently has 93 members from the wider Carrickfergus area, as well as around 20 volunteers.

The club marked its 50th anniversary this year.