£0.5m Link Me project leads to ‘less exclusion’

Their trip to Newcastle, County Down, was part of the initial matching process in the project which aims to enhance the well being of older people with a learning disability.

Link Me provides opportunities for beneficiaries to take part in the life of their community with the support of a volunteer. This could mean trying out new activities and doing the things they want to do. The project covers the Carrickfergus and Omagh areas.

Shiona Heislip, Link Me project co-ordinator, explained the importance of the day which saw 20 people with a learning disability and volunteers come together for the visit.

She said: “Link Me is primarily about lessening the exclusion often felt by older people with a learning disability by listening to them and helping them take part in social and leisure activities in their local community.

“Today was important in moving the project forward, matching volunteers with beneficiaries so we can begin to support them to do the things they want to do. We had a fun day out together, but it also had a very important and practical purpose.”

Mary Leitch, one of the beneficiaries from Carrickfergus, said that she had been to the County Down location before and had enjoyed her day out.

“I was in Newcastle a long time ago. We came up on the bus all together today and I liked going round the shops with Justine and having an ice cream,” Mary said.

Justine Quinn, a volunteer for the Link Me project in Carrickfergus, said: “I was a nurse for 25 years and have since retired, but have skills that you don’t just come by.

“I am at home a lot of the time and wanted to get out and make a difference so I volunteered. It’s something that is good for me to do as it makes me feel useful again. I had a lovely day out with Mary,” she said.

The £0.5 million three-and-a-half-year project is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and run in partnership with Volunteer Now and in association with two Mencap local groups; Carrickfergus and Omagh Senior Gateway Clubs.

Gateway clubs are independently run groups affiliated to Mencap and established to improve the lives of people with a learning disability and their families. There are 33 clubs in Northern Ireland that help people with a learning disability take part in leisure, social and creative activities in the community and provide opportunities for personal development. They also work to break down the barriers to social inclusion and provide people with support and information.

Volunteer Now works to promote, enhance and support volunteering and is about connecting with individuals and organisations to build healthy communities and create positive change.