Covid 19 Support

PLEASE NOTE, AS OF 06/04/2020 THIS LIST WILL NO LONGER BE UPDATED. FOR UP TO DATE ADVICE CLICK BELOW.

https://www.communityni.org/

Mae Murray Foundation (Reg.Charity No:NIC100842) has compiled the following list of ‘practical’ help of what’s available within communities in relation to Covid-19. Under normal circumstances, we would not share information to potentially vulnerable people unless we have verified safeguarding processes. However, people in need are struggling to find this type of localised practical information and help, so we have compiled in this instance but cannot verify the legitimacy of any of the information listed.

IMPORTANT: Most people are sincere and genuinely wish to help, though a small number may use the current situation to exploit those in need. Opportunists may try to befriend. Groups may or may not have safeguarding processes or checks in place – PLEASE TAKE CARE, ASK QUESTIONS and if in doubt DON’T.

If you are offering help, please email us at info@maemurrayfoundation.org to be added to the list.

If you have experienced concerns about any of the below groups and feel we should remove, please email us.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon Borough Council

Belfast City Council

Causeway Coast and Glens  Borough Council

Derry and Strabane District Council

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council

Lisburn and Castlereagh Borough Council

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

Mid Ulster District Council

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Newsletter

Groomsport Inclusive Beach

Groomsport beach has taken delivery of the first phase of beach mobility equipment, making it the first inclusive beach in Ards and North Down.

Thanks our work in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council, Hippocampe all-terrain wheelchairs that can move easily over sand and offer support to both adults and children can now be pre-booked for use, free of charge. Click on our website link below to find out how!

This is just the start of the scheme which will be completed next year and will eventually include walking frames suited for beach use as well as temporary beach matting and a supported beach buggy for infants.

This innovative development in the Ards and North Down borough has been made possible thanks to funding received from Sport Northern Ireland (through the National Lottery) and the Department for Communities.

Jayne Moore, Capital Sports Development Officer, Sport NI said:

“Sport Northern Ireland is pleased to have funded this project through money awarded by the Department for Communities, which was identified as a result of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Community Planning process. The project will provide equipment to help people with disabilities to help them move freely around the beach and encourage people from the Ards and North Down area to get active and involved in physical activities with their families and carers.”

A Department for Communities spokesperson, said:

“The Department is delighted to be part of this initiative. The specialist changing facilities and equipment will provide people with better access to Groomsport beach than had been previously possible. It will help to open up opportunities for those people with a disability to share new experiences with friends and family and make the most of the beach. It all helps to encourage a more active lifestyle and promote Active Living: No Limits.”

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Bill Keery, said:

“I’m delighted that Ards and North Down Borough Council has supported the delivery of these vital services in partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation charity. Groomsport now has the first inclusive beach in the borough and the facilities available are first class.”

“The all-terrain wheelchairs and ramp onto the beach make it accessible for everyone plus the nearby upgraded ‘Changing Places’ disabled toilet facilities are an excellent resource. This will encourage more people to visit Groomsport and enjoy a day at the seaside.”

http://www.maemurrayfoundation.org/projects/inclusive-beaches/

Inclusive Beach Launch at Cranfield

We are delighted to announce that we have created our next Inclusive Beach at Cranfield, thanks to the partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and funding from Sport Northern Ireland and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Soon you, our members, will be able to book this equipment to use as a family or organisation.
To celebrate the launch of the Inclusive Beach, we are having a launch day where you will have the opportunity to see what equipment is available, learn how you can book it and even have a go. We will also have some music and drumming activities to keep everyone entertained.
If you wish to come along and celebrate with us, please register NOW by email or phone. Please note, there are a limited number of spaces available, which will be offered on a first come first served basis.
Please see the poster below for all of the details.

Wizzybugs are finally wizzing over to Northern Ireland!

We are pleased to announce that the Wizzybug Loan Scheme is now available to families living in Northern Ireland for the first time.

The Wizzybug Loan Scheme, which provides free, fun, powered wheelchairs called Wizzybugs to children under 5, will be managed by Designability, an English based charity and delivered by us, the Mae Murray Foundation. To date, Wizzybugs have been loaned to over 600 children, who have mobility difficulties due to cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy and other conditions.

Designability is a national charity transforming the lives of disabled people and those living with a long term health condition through the design of assistive technology. Their aim is for people to achieve greater independence and happiness in their lives – goals that benefit all of society. Over the last 50 years they have created over 300 products which have changed the lives of over 250,000 people.

Alex Leach, Early Years Powered Mobility Manager, Designability, said: “We have wanted to extend the reach of the Wizzybug Loan Scheme to families in Northern Ireland for some time and we are so pleased to be partnering with the Mae Murray Foundation, an inspiring charity based in Larne, to finally get there. I am so looking forward to seeing the first child in Northern Ireland enjoying their independence with a Wizzybug!”

Alix Crawford, Chairperson of Mae Murray Foundation, added: ‘As a ‘lived experience’ and membership led charity, we are delighted to be able to respond to requests from families to introduce Wizzybug in Northern Ireland. Championing another ‘first’ for the province, by linking with the experienced professionals at Designability, we can’t wait to see the impact this will make.’

If you know a child aged 14 months – 5 years from Northern Ireland who could benefit from a free Wizzybug, we would love to hear from you.

To find out more about the Wizzybug Loan Scheme, please visit https://designability.org.uk/meet-wizzybug/loan-a-wizzybug/ and complete the online form. Alternatively, you can call the Designability occupational therapy team on 01225 824103.

Save the date!

Save the Date!!! Fellow member Tracy is kindly organising a Style & Craft Fair in the Templeton Hotel to help raise funds to continue our work in Creating Change. With Mothers Day the day after, why not book the afternoon tea as an extra special treat ! Contact Tracy to book (contact details below)

Youth Panel – Get Involved!

 
We are a membership-based organisation - this means YOU, our members, tell us how we can help you. We have had an exciting couple of years so far with our teenage project and as our funding enters its final year, we are thinking about how to plan a new and better project, with our confident experienced young people at the heart of the design. 

We wish to form a Mae Murray Foundation Youth Panel. This panel will share insights, experiences and talk to the wider teenage group about likes and dislikes- to help plan future projects and events for teenage members throughout N.Ireland.

We are seeking 4-5 young people aged 15-18 to ‘take the lead’ (those of you who are younger will have the opportunity to get involved in the future.)

Before applying, members should be aware of the following information and be able to commit to the residential dates listed:

- There will be an application process, unfortunately, we cannot accept everyone. The initial stage will be an expression of interest via email to info@maemurrayfoundation.org by Fri 15 March. If we can adapt or adjust this process in any way to suit need, simply let us know. 

- The Youth Panel will meet quarterly (4 times per year) at our offices in Willowbank Business Park, Larne. Transport will NOT be available but personal care support WILL be provided. 

- Training such as safeguarding, disability awareness, first aid will be provided. 

- A workshop based planning residential will take place in Portstewart on 8-9 July (full details to be confirmed)

- Youth Panel members should be young people who are keen to develop skills to support others and will embrace the role of welcoming new members into the group 

If you have any questions at all,  please do contact Kyleigh by phone or email. 

T: 0300 600 1166
E: info@maemurrayfoundation.org

Disabled Access Day

Disabled Access Day is all about celebrating the inclusion that comes from increased accessibility. Therefore on this day, we would like to celebrate our Inclusive Beach Project and our Inclusive Play Zones and the fact that these have increased the opportunities for our members to take part and get active in environments where this traditionally would not have been possible.

Come along to this family fun day and find out how you can access our beach and play equipment (free of charge) and get advice on what piece of equipment is right for you. We will also be bringing Bugzi along and we will have OT support should your child wish to try this or any other equipment.

And of course, we will also have games, crafts, sensory play and even a bit of laughter yoga for everyone of all abilities to take part in!

Please see all of the details in the poster above. To register for this event, please email or phone our office.

E: info@maemurrayfoundation.org
T: 0300 600 1166

Music Yard

The Music Yard facilitated a fantastic music workshop last night at our Teenage Hub for young people of all abilities! Everyone had the opportunity to try different instruments and get involved - we can't wait to have them back! Our Teenage Hub is based in Willowbank, Larne on a Friday evening once a month for young people aged 12-20. We provide assistance and personal care support for anyone who needs it - it is a great opportunity to be independent, make friends and have fun!

Family Mindfulness Event

We had a relaxing day at the Olympia Leisure Centre and Spa with Lightwork NI teaching us techniques to help with stress and anxiety with a taster session from the Fresh Little Minds programme! This event was funded by the Ireland Funds - become a member today to get involved in our family project - for the whole family; all ages and abilities.