THE South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust recently celebrated the successes of the WELL 2 (Well-being, Education, Living and Learning) project, funded with nearly £1 million from the Big Lottery Fund’s Live and Learn programme.
The WELL 2 project, which has been operational since March 2010, held a midpoint celebration which was attended by the Chairman of Trust, Colm McKenna, Director of Adult Services, Brendan Whittle and Assistant Director of Adult Mental Health, Don Bradley at Malone House in Belfast.
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At the WEE 2 celebration are (L/R): Pete Snodden (Presenter, Cool FM), Robert Owens (Manager, Action Mental Health), Freddy Sloan (Well2 Project Co-Ordinator, South Eastern HSC Trust), Don Bradley (Asst. Director Adult Services, South Eastern HSC Trust), Nuala Trainor ( Cedar Foundation), Michael Blair (Cedar Foundation), Joe O’Neill (Community Mental Health Services Manager, South Eastern HSC Trust), Geraldine Campbell (Big Lottery Fund) & Colm McKenna (Chairman, South Eastern HSC Trust)[/caption]
The project is working to increase training and educational opportunities and to assist in the improvement of the health and well-being of young people with mental health issues, physical and learning disabilities and Autism in the Ards, Down, North Down and Lisburn areas.
WELL 2, which is working in partnership with Action Mental Health and the Cedar Foundation, is providing support to enable 16-25 year olds to get involved in a range of activities and programmes which will aid their movement towards achieving qualifications, gaining independence, increasing self-confidence and self-esteem and leading more fulfilled lives within the community.
Assistant Director of Adult Mental Health Services Don Bradley explained that the project is aimed at supporting young people who are not taking part in community programmes, education, training or social activities because they do not have the confidence, support or information available to do so.
“Participants are referred to the project for a range of reasons and are encouraged to play an intrical role in setting the direction of their action plan for the duration of their time with WELL 2.The project prides itself on taking a person centred approach to sourcing services and therefore individuals progress at a pace that is unique to their circumstances.”
“The WELL 2 staff team and wider partnership, have worked tirelessly to forge strong working relationships with local organisations in order to provide a diverse choice of programmes for the participants.”
Speaking at the launch, Chairman, Colm McKenna, said: “The WELL 2 Project is an excellent opportunity for young people, particularly those who aren’t currently engaging with services, to receive support to take part in activities that meet their individual needs which are based within their community.
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