Issue 237 - East Down BT24 • BT30 • BT31 • BT33
ADHD and ASD Sports Friendly Summer Camp is a Huge Success Mournes and Slieve Croob District Electoral Area Forums (DEAs) have collaborated with County Down Rural Community Network, Ark Housing, Arbour Housing, Clanmill Housing and Northern Ireland Executive Housing for All Programme to deliver a successful ADHD and ASD summer friendly sports camp. Over 40 young people took part in the programme from in early August at the 3G pitch at Castlewellan Community Centre. On the final day, all participants had the opportunity to try new land and water-based sporting, team building and social activities together at Castlewellan Forest Park. Transitioning into mentors a number of previous summer camp participants shed light on the benefits of taking Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte pictured with (L to R) Downpatrick ASDA Community Champion Linda Owens, Chris Clarke and Dan Morgan from Leitrim Fontenoys Gaelic Athletic Club
Leitrim Tea Dance Shines a Spotlight on Community Connection
Downpatrick, Rowallane and Slieve Croob District Electoral Area (DEA) Forums once again collaborated with County Down Rural Community Network (CDRCN) and Leitrim Festival organisers, to host a Tea Dance following the success of last year’s event. The tea dance was organised as part of Leitrim Festival and proved to be a huge success with over 400 local residents enjoying an afternoon of music, dancing and refreshments on Friday 4 August in Leitrim Gaelic Athletic Club.
The event provided an opportunity for more senior members of the community, particularly those living in rural isolated areas to connect, socialise and make new friends. Each year the Tea Dance grows in popularity, and delivery
of events like this is only possible through working with our community partners and volunteers. Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, “It is fantastic to see so many people here today
enjoying themselves. Events such as these are to be welcomed as they provide residents with an opportunity to reconnect socially, have a chat and form new friendships, all of which can have a positive impact on their health and well-being.”
part in the summer sports camps while helping to ensure this year’s young people enjoyed the experience to the full. Summer camps can pose significant challenges for children with ADHD and ASD. The sensory stimuli, unstructured routines and social interactions in an unfamiliar environment can be overwhelming for young people, hindering their ability to fully engage and benefit from conventional programmes.