New Base Drop in Centre for Larne

A celebration event was held at the Base “Drop In” Centre on Pound Street on Tuesday 18 June, to mark the official opening of the new centre for Larne. The Base offers adults with a learning disability a bright, spacious and homely place to meet, make friends and help access community facilities within their local area. The Centre is a partnership between the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and Kilcreggan Homes.

The Base is part of the on-going modernisation and reform of day services which aims to give adults with a learning disability more choice and opportunity. There are currently 11 Bases in the Northern Trust area which are part of the Day Opportunities Programme. Adults with a learning disability attend as part of a package of community-based day services on the days when they are not at college, volunteering, going to work in a 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 outings to local facilities such as the leisure centre and the library.

Gillian Todd, Senior Day Opportunities Coordinator, Northern Trust, said,

“The Base is a brilliant place for adults to meet new people, develop their independence and try new things that they may not have had the chance to do before. The official opening was a great day and our members enjoyed the chance to show off the new Centre to their families, friends and local business and political representatives. We were delighted to welcome Councillor Maureen Morrow, Mayor of Larne who cut the ribbon and officially opened the new Centre.”

Damien Cassidy, Manager at Kilcreggan Homes said,

“The new building is spacious and modern and offers the members a great place to meet and take part in activities. The location in Pound Street is ideal as members are close to a range of facilities in Larne which helps them to be involved in their local community. The members love the new Centre and coming to it will have a real impact on their lives.”

If you would like to consider attending the Base yourself or make enquiries for a family member, referrals are made by the “Named Worker” with the Northern Trust or please contact the Learning Disability Team in Carrickfergus on 028 9055 2562.

4th July 2013