It has been a busy summer at Cedar with our Youth Matters, Transitions, Family Focus and Right 4U services delivering in excess of 20 social activities and 21 inclusive summer schemes/personal development programmes regionally. More than 200 places were filled across all Trust areas with over 150 young people involved.

A huge range of fun and exciting events were on offer including Footgolf, scavenger hunts, STEM sessions at FabLab in Foyle, day trips to Lisburn and Portrush and outdoor fun at Navan Fort, Antrim Castle Gardens, People's Park in Ballymena and Carnfunnock Country Park. Young people developed their social skills, money handling experience, independence and made new friends.

One young person said, “We have made pizza, top hats, rainbow fish, Zumba session, Treasure hunts, penalty shoot-outs, played What’s the time Mr. Wolf? Circle time, our Fun House Summer Scheme song and had a yummy lunch every day!”

While a parent added:

“We know our son is having the time of his life. The summer schemes are fantastic, they give us a chance for respite.”

Partnerships with Better Leisure Belfast @ Olympia Leisure Centre, Lisburn City Council, Artspace Limavady and Fun House Newry allowed opportunity for a wide range of inclusive activities for young people with autism, physical disabilities and brain injury. This provided the chance for unique schemes such as the exceptionally well received Dungeons and Dragons week. This was a fantastic week of accessible sports facilitated by Disability Sports NI and specialist SLD summer schemes throughout the WHSCT (Northern).

Cedar’s Autumn Youth Matters programme is also shaping up to be just as exciting, filled with activities designed to promote social inclusion and development. Stay tuned to learn how we continue to help children and young people, plus their families, who live with disability, autism & brain injury to live the lives they choose.

If you would like more information on our Youth Matters service for young people under 18 years of age with autism, physical disability and acquired injury please contact [email protected].