Phoenix to hold firstworkshop for adultswith ADHD in May

The workshop - on Wednesday, May 23 at 7.30pm - is being organised as a direct result of the number of telephone calls being received by the project from adults who either had ADHD as a child but are no longer able to access treatment or support, or who now understand why they underachieved or did not cope in mainstream education as result of more awareness about the condition.

Although their stories vary depending of the level of understanding at home and/or at school they are all asking for advice on where they can go to receive a formal diagnosis, treatment and support.

Kaye Cormack of the Phoenix ADHD Project, told The Coleraine Times: “Unfortunately at the present time I am unable to give them any positive news regarding the level of provision of services available for adults with ADHD in Northern Ireland.

“Most of those who have been in touch have said that they would like to get together with other adults facing the same problems.

“The only way this issue can be addressed is if all those affected get together to form an action group and invite representatives from relevant government and statutory organisations to hear their concern regarding the current lack of services.”

Kaye went on to explain: “At this workshop participants will hear more details about the impact of how untreated ADHD can affect adults; alternative therapies available; and tips on how to cope with some of the usual problems faced by adults with ADHD, including: poor levels of concentration and focus, procrastination, impulsiveness, distractibility, carelessness, absentmindedness, lack of listening skills, disorganisation, relationship problems and angers issues.

“These problems sometimes result in the inability to gain or hold down employment; boredom often resulting in frustration; broken relationships, low self-esteem, addiction problems, depression and also possible criminal damage or aggressive behaviour charges.”

Anyone interested is asked to call the office on 028 7000 2050 and leave their contact details or send an email to [email protected].

It should be noted that the workshops are meant for adults with ADHD and not for professionals at this stage. However any professionals who wish to find out more are also asked to leave their contact details and a meeting will be organised in the future.

The number attending the workshop is restricted to ten in order to encourage those who attend to share their stories. Further workshops will be organised in the near future to accommodate all who are interested.

Fundraising

dinner at

Magherabuoy

Hotel in May

PHOENIX ADHD Project is holding a fundraising Dinner and Auction at the Magherabouy Hotel, Portrush, on Friday, May 11 at 7.30. The entertainment is being provided by New Moon followed by a disco by Top Mark Entertainment.

Items to be auctioned are an Ulster Rugby shirt, signed by the team, two Manchester United shirts signed by Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick, a Liverpool shirt signed by Jamie Carragher, a fourball ticket for Royal Portrush Golf Club, a fourball ticket for Castlerock Golf Club, two pairs of Swarovski ear rings, a cut class punch bowl/cake stand, a vase and a number of items for the ladies.

There will also be a prize draw with a top prize of a 19” flat screen television, bottles of wine and spirits, boxes of chocolates, jewellery, meal vouchers and more.

Entrance is by ticket only. Tickets which are £25 per person can be obtained from the Phoenix Office at 1 Ballycastle Road, Coleraine, telephone 028 7000 2050 or from A.C. Electronics or the Music Room, both off Captain Street, Coleraine (behind Waterside Stores).

This promises to be a great night so please come along and support a worthy cause.