20 May 2008

Shape up for personal development

A programme aimed at people with a learning disability to address personal development, sexual health and lifestyle has concluded.

Eleven young adults from the Craigavon and Banbridge areas participated in the Shape Project every Tuesday.

Cathy McAdam, Community Access Officer for Learning Disability, says, “The morning sessions consisted of modules involving personal development, sexual health, mental health, drugs and alcohol awareness.

“A programme of sports involving football, tag rugby, rounders, basketball, volleyball, circuit training, hockey, boccia and cricket in Goodyear Sports Hall, and arts, crafts, music and dance in the Millennium Court Arts Centre in Portadown took place in the afternoons.”

Cathy adds that it is important to get the balance right to ensure the success of a project like Shape.

“The ‘learning’ programmes were in the morning with the ‘recreational’ programmes enjoyed after lunch. The recreational activities still provided learning but in a less obvious way to the young people. They developed team and co-ordination skills and also had a lot of fun. The pilot project afforded equality of opportunity and inclusion in society and addressed a number of issues relevant in their lives.”

A young person said, “It was better to work within a group for the personal development module because it was easier to answer questions and not feel embarrassed.”

One parent adds, “My daughter has grown in confidence and become more sociable as a result of participating in the Shape Project.”

Mark Breslin, from the Family Planning Association who facilitated the Sexual Health module, said, “The group showed a very high degree of self-confidence and understanding of the group work process and I believe this is down to their involvement in the programme.”

At the recent certificate presentation, the participants viewed the recently-launched Community Access DVD which features young adults with a learning disability participating in various activities and programmes.