New centres for adults with a learning disability in Cookstown

The Cookstown Base “Drop In” Centre and Satellite facility at Coagh Crescent, Cookstown, have officially opened their doors. The new facilities offer adults with a learning disability places to meet, make friends and get involved with their local community through daily activities.

The Cookstown Base had previously been at Loy Street since 2008 and moved to Coagh Crescent in December 2013. It is a partnership with Cookstown Volunteer Centre and is part of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Day Opportunity Programme. People attend as part of a package of community-based day services on the days when they are not at college, volunteering, in social enterprise or in supported employment. A Base Coordinator gives support and helps to arrange activities for the members including arts and crafts, exercise classes and day trips.

As part of modernisation of day services to give adults with a learning disability more choice and opportunities, the Northern Trust has developed the Satellite facility for Cookstown. The Satellite offers community based facilities for adults with a learning disability as an outreach from Cookstown Adult Centre. It gives adults who normally attend the Adult Centre, the opportunity of a structured day in a smaller building which will help meet their individual needs through a quieter and more creative day service. Activities may include indoor leisure, outings, accessing local facilities, independent living training and volunteering. Those who wish to progress to community based services will be supported to develop new skills to make the transition successfully.

An open day for members, their families and supporters was held on Thursday 21 February. Councillor Tony Quinn, Chairman of Cookstown District Council officially opened the building.

Councillor Quinn said, “I was honoured to represent the Council and officially open the Base and Satellite. The Council, the Base and Adult Centre have a great working relationship and have jointly been able to offer members a range of activities for many years and I’m sure for many more years to come. I am very impressed with the new facilities and think the Base and new Satellite is a very worthwhile project which lets members become more involved with their local community. I would like to pay tribute to everyone that has made the new building possible and hope the members have many happy days in their new surroundings.”

Nigel Stratton, Assistant Director for Learning Disability at the Northern Trust said, I would like to congratulate Cookstown and Magherafelt Volunteer Centre, the staff of the Base and Satellite and the members and carers on the success of their official opening. I would like to pay tribute to the strength of the partnership the Trust has had for several years with the Cookstown and Magherafelt Volunteer Centre. These facilities demonstrate how the continual modernisation and reform of our services can best support the members who attend such facilities.

If you would like to consider attending the Base or Satellite yourself or make enquiries for a family member, referrals are made by your “Named Worker” with the Northern Trust. Please contact your local Learning Disability Team for more information.

6th March 2013