Our Local Area Coordinators have had a jam-packed month, providing a number of exciting events for adults in East Ayrshire with a learning disability.
From a fantastic Burns Celebration, complete with poetry, music and food, to the Ayrshire Badminton Disability Championships and the formation of a new social group, staff have worked hard to provide a range of activities for our learning disabled community.
Read on to find out more!
Celebrating Burns
For the second consecutive year, Local Area Coordinators Leeanne Brown and Connie Wilson organised a Scottish Lunch in partnership with The Howff Burns Club and Howard Centre in Kilmarnock.
This provided an opportunity for almost 100 adults with a learning disability, their families and carers to come together for an afternoon of food, friendship and entertainment.
After a warm welcome from the Chair, there was the traditional grace, piper and Address to the Haggis. There was also a delicious meal, poetry and songs, all finished off with a resounding performance of Auld Lang Syne.
In the Cumnock area, Maureen Preston and 22 members of the ‘Things Tae Dae’ Social Hub attended a Burns Supper and Valentine's Day Event in Cumnock Town Hall, organised by The Nest Wellbeing Group.
Members of the group commented that the talent in the room was amazing, the meal was fantastic and the company was outstanding. They are very much looking forward to their invite to the next event that The NEST Wellbeing Group are organising.
Disability Badminton Championships
On Saturday 15 February, 22 adults from ‘Things Tae Dae’ Social Hub and the newly-formed ‘Unstoppables’ group took part in Ayrshire Badminton Club's Disability Championships.
This event was held alongside a National Silver Grade event, providing an opportunity for adults with a disability to compete in the same hall as some of the top Silver Grade players from across the country.
From incredible rallies to inspiring sportsmanship, the energy in the hall was absolutely fantastic. It was amazing to see players of all abilities giving it their all, having fun and proving that badminton truly is a sport for everyone. The smiles, laughter and competitive spirit made this event a huge success.
The Unstoppables
On Monday 17 February, ‘The Unstoppables’ held their inaugural meeting and officially became a constituted group.
Similar to the ‘Things Tae Dae’ Social Hub in the Cumnock area, the aim of ‘The Unstoppables’ is to provide a range of opportunities for adults with a learning disability in the Kilmarnock area, to have fun, develop positive relationships and improve their life skills within a safe and supportive environment.
Being a constituted group will open up opportunities to source external funding, which will help towards trips, events and general running costs. This group will be supported by Leeanne Brown and Connie Wilson.