Charitable Trust Funds swing in to action at Rathmoyle Resource Centre

Staff at Rathmoyle Resource Centre in Ballycastle have welcomed the installation of a new swing which is helping to enhance the health and wellbeing of service users.

The project was made possible by donations to the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Charitable Trust Funds.

The swing is now a central feature of the outdoor space at Rathmoyle, and provides additional opportunities for those with increased sensory and physical needs.

Explaining more, Manager Patricia Brown said: “We recognised there was a need to enhance our outdoor offering, and the provision of a swing was the most popular choice when we asked our service users what they would like.

“It’s located in our garden area which provides a safe and therapeutic environment, and it really encourages them to spend more time outdoors.

“We’ve noticed our service users benefiting from its calming effects, especially when they’re also enjoying the sounds of the many birds who visit our garden.

“On other occasions, when it’s quiet and the sun is shining, staff have observed some of our service users becoming so relaxed that they lie back and close their eyes.

“Even on rainy days they still want to use the swing, and some of our users are now able to use a towel to dry off the seat. This demonstrates to us how it’s enhancing their independence and self-esteem which is a real achievement for those we work with.

“It’s been fantastic for us to witness the many benefits of having the swing, and how such a seemingly simple piece of equipment can make such a difference.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of those who support the work of the Northern Trust through donations to our Charitable Trust Funds, and on behalf of everyone at Rathmoyle I want to say thank you.”

Across the Northern Trust, Charitable Trust Funds are used to deliver a wide range of activities, resources and equipment to enhance the experiences of patients, residents and clients which otherwise would not be possible.

Donations come from individuals, community groups, families, service users, sports clubs, schools and businesses, varying from £10 to thousands of pounds.

If you would like to make a donation to the Northern Trust’s Charitable Trust Funds please email charitabletrustfunds@northerntrust.hscni.net or ring 028 2563 5333.

You can find out more by visiting www.northerntrust.hscni.net/about-the-trust/charitable-trust-funds/

 

29th February 2024