News
Celebrating Youth
Date Posted: Friday 08 August 2008
The diversity and talents of young disabled people in Northern Ireland were celebrated today at The Cedar Foundation’s new Children and Young People’s Offices in Belfast.
The achievements of these young people were recognised with a visit by Children’s Commissioner Patricia Lewsley to the new premises where she saw a selection of the young people’s project work, along with a specially choreographed dance. Ms Lewsley also heard some of the success stories from the last year, from a young person’s and a parent’s viewpoint.
The Commissioner presented certificates to the young people, celebrating the projects they have been involved in over the last year. These include the Side by Side Arts Project, Cregagh Soccer School and a Dance Project. Special certificates were also presented to the members of the Youth Action Team.
Ms Lewsley Said:
“The children and young people involved in The Cedar Foundation display ability rather than the disability they are normally labeled with”.
“My job is to represent all children and young people, no matter what their circumstances are. These young people have demonstrated, through their work in this project, that they have a wealth of talent, and that when supported and encouraged they can reach the high standards we see here today.”
The Side by Side Project was an inclusive Arts Project funded by New Belfast Arts project, co-ordinated by Claire Concannon and facilitated by artists Michael and Christine. It brought together young people aged 8-12 years from The Cedar Foundation Children and Young Peoples Youth Matters Project and young people from the Cregagh Youth Club. As a result of the project the young people created two wall hangings, one for each partner, a book of art prints and a number of individual pieces including t-shirts dyed using natural dyes such as red cabbage and tea.
The annual Cregagh Soccer School once again proved to be an outstanding success with all 7 Cedar spaces filled for this inclusive scheme, funded by the IFA and organised by Cregagh Youth Club. The young people learnt a range of football skills and participated in matches against each other. They also enjoyed watching classic matches including the famous 1-0 victory over England at Windsor Park in 2005.
Cath Lawson, who’s son Sean took part in both the Art and Soccer projects comments:
“Sean loves coming to Cedar, meeting other young people, seeing the staff and most importantly having loads of fun. It is great for me and my husband to be able to have somewhere where Sean can go where we feel he is safe, looked after well, gets to take part in activities he couldn’t do otherwise, is listened to and that we can see how the staff genuinely care for the young people. I am delighted to be speaking at the event as I feel it is really important that everyone gets to hear about the amazing work Cedar does”.
Cedar was very fortunate to have Naomi English, a Community Youth Works student and a talented Dance teacher to run the Dance Project. Naomi worked with a small group of Cedar’s young people over a two month period to create a dance to Abba’s Mamma Mia which was performed at today’s event in the new Children’s’ Services premises.
Stephen Mathews, CEO of The Cedar Foundation said:
“ I’m delighted to welcome the Commissioner to Adelaide House, the new facility represents Cedar’s commitment to support Children and Young People with disabilities across Northern Ireland to achieve their full potential, and participate in society as equal citizens. There remains a compelling need for our work, to tackle social isolation and respond to the urgent need for family support through appropriate respite and short breaks. Cedar is committed not only to highlight the views and needs of children and young people but respond in a practical and supportive way to meet those needs. We are delighted that the Commissioner has continued to highlight the value of this work today and to support Cedar in its aim to Champion the needs of Children and Young People with disabilities.”
The Youth Action team, a group of highly dedicated young people meet regularly with Cedar Youth Officer, Gillian Presho to review programmes and activities, help develop the events of the upcoming quarter and help shape the services Cedar provides for disabled young people. In recognition of their hard work and dedication each of the team members recieved a certificate at today’s celebration.
Ryan McCartney, a member of the Action Team concluded:
“I have been and still am involved with lots of Cedar’s Youth Programmes and in the future I hope to have a great role in Cedar, possibly as a member on the User Forum. I am very excited to be speaking in front of the Commissioner and sharing my experiences at Cedar, which have had a huge impact on my teenage years”.
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