Antrim When: Thursday 28th September 7.30-9.30pm
Where:Holiday Inn, Antrim BT41 4LL
ContactAnne
Topic:Healing with Essential OilsClaire Nelson has taught herself about the value of essential oils which she uses to support the health and wellbeing of her family. Claire went in search of an alternative way to help her child concentrate in school. She found that essential oils could do the job but she found she could do so much more with them-improve sleep,support relaxation and treat depression, anxiety and even epilepsy. Claire will share her experiences with you and talk about how she and her four friends have got together to promote and educate people about the value of essential oils. This will be a practical and experiential presentation and as usually, there will be time for tea and a chat.
ColeraineWhen:Thursday 21st September 7.30-9.30pm
Contact:E.B.
Where: Sandel Centre, 6 Knocklynn Road, Coleraine BT52 1W
TopicTESSA stands for Therapeutic Education Support Services in Adoption.
This 5 year Lottery-funded project is available to support families whose adopted children are aged 2 to 12. TESSA offers a range of therapies for children and parents such as play, music and art therapy, reflexology, massage and counselling. The TESSA philosophy is"healthy parents create healthy families"! TESSA offerstraining for schools where an adopted child is registered and helps children dealing with trauma develop strategies to manage feelings and behaviours and to feel safe enough to learn. Please come along and find out more about this amazing service and how you can avail of TESSA support.
DungannonWhen:Thursday 28thSeptember 7.30 - 9.30pm
Where:Ranfurly House, 26 Market Sq. DungannonBT70 1AB
Contact:Sandra
Topic Working with Schools for Better OutcomesMany parents report challenges in trying to communicate their child’s needs to school staff, often leading to conflict between parents and the school exacerbating children’s sense of isolation and exclusion. . This session will illustrate how to focus on building a support team around the child. It will help parents to work collaboratively with schools, to build communication networks which reassure children that all the adults are working together for their benefit and are cooperating over key issues such as behaviour, homework and transitions. This session will be lead by TESSA staff.
D/L’DerryWhen: Tuesday 3rd October 7.00 -9.00 pm
Where:Holywell Centre 10-14 Bishop Street, D/L’Derry BT48 6PW
Contact:Marie
Topic:Working with Schools for Better OutcomesMany parents report challenges in trying to communicate their child’s needs to school staff, often leading to conflict between parents and the school exacerbating children’s sense of isolation and exclusion. . This session will illustrate how to focus on building a support team around the child. It will help parents to work collaboratively with schools, to build communication networks which reassure children that all the adults are working together for their benefit and are cooperating over key issues such as behaviour, homework and transitions. This session will be lead by TESSA staff.
HillsboroughWhen:Thursday 21st September7.30-9.30pm
Where:Hillsborough Village Centre,7 Ballynahinch Road, Hillsborough BT26 6AR
Contact:Judith
Topic: Skill up your Support Network We rely hugely on our family and friends for support in adoption, but often they have little or no understanding of the impact of trauma on our children’s behaviour, learning and ability to form trusting relationships. This evening aims to provide family and friends with an insight into what might be driving adopted children’s behaviour and their parents’ stress. We hope that a greater understanding of the child’s history can result in better support for them and their parents. Please encourage family and friends who are or who will be part of your support network to come along. This session will be lead by TESSA staff.
Newry & AntrimWhen:Monthly
Contact:Elizabeth
Topic:Support for those parenting extremely challenging children. Elizabeth Lyttle facilitates two monthly groups (Antrim & Newry) offering peer support to parents who are struggling with their children’s behaviours. Contact Elizabeth for further details.
North DownWhen:Tuesday 26th September 7.30-9.30pm
Where:Queens Leisure Complex, Sullivan Close, Holywood BT18 9HL
Contact:Wesley
Topic:Working with Schools for Better OutcomesMany parents report challenges in trying to communicate their child’s needs to school staff, often leading to conflict between parents and the school, exacerbating children’s sense of isolation and exclusion. This session will illustrate how to focus on building a support team around the child. It will help parents to work collaboratively with schools and to build communication networks which reassure children that all the adults are working together for their benefit and are cooperating over key issues such as behaviour, homework and transitions. This session will be lead by TESSA staff.
Tyrone/FermanaghWhen:Saturday 23rd September 2 - 5.30pm
Where:Omagh Community House Ltd.Drumragh Ave, OmaghBT78
Contact: Mandy to reserve places
Topic:Self Care & WellbeingEvent“Fit your own oxygen mask before helping someone else”! Looking after yourself is one of the best investments you can make as a parent.. We know how much commitment, energy and resilience adoptive parenting requires and we also know from the experts and from each other that when we reduce our own stress levels all the family benefits.At this event you will learn ways to treat and take care of yourself. TheWellbeing Team will provide you with everyday strategies to increase energy, improvemood, promote relaxation and reduce stress. The afternoon will finish with a 20-30 minute seated Acupressure Massage for everyone. Healthy snacks and refreshments will be provided.Places are limited so please contact Mandy to reserve.
Parent & Teens When:Sunday 10th September 2.15 - 6pm
Where: 45 Tannaghmore West Rd; Craigavon BT66 6LL Contact:
Plan: Segway Experience Our next get-together is a Segway Adventure! Don’t know about Segways? it’s a fun way to get around on two wheels!Have a look at This is going to be a challenge! For those of you who haven’t done this before now is your chance. The recommended age is from 10 years upwards and we can accommodate a limited number of adults.Please turn up at 2.15pm for instructions etc.Afterwards we plan to have a meal together at McDonald’s in Lurgan. There is a charge of £10 per person for this event which is subsidised by AUK.
Single AdoptersWhen Sunday 24th September 2.30 - 4.30 pm
Where: Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road,Antrim BT41 4LH
Contact: Anne
Plan: Walk and talk for parents, children or young people. We will meet near the cafe in Clotworthy courtyard at 2pm from where a ranger will give us a tour of the grounds. He will offer information about the history of the castle, wildlife and facilities on the site. This will be tailored to meet the needs of the group so any children attending will also be engaged. Following that (about 40 mins) we can take a walk towards the Lough shore depending on the ability and energy levels of the group and then return for a drink and treat in the cafe provided by Adoption UK .
LGBTWhen: Tuesday 10thOctober7.30-9.30pm
Where:‘The Honest Vegan’336 Lisburn Rd,Belfast,BT9 6GH
Contact: Anne
Plan: Navigating the adoption process can be a challenge and it can feel invasive. LGBT applicants have encountered their own particular issues and challenges. Now that many applicants are placed with children, the role of TESSA (Therapeutic Education Support Service) will become evermore important. Priscilla McLoughlin Director of Adoption UK NI will talk about the service and about the support that TESSA can offer new families. Priscilla will answer questions from the group.
Concurrent Care When: Sunday 1st October 2.30 to 4.30pm
Where: Clotworthy House Gardens, Randalstown Road, Antrim
Contact: Ruth & Phil Clarke
Topic: Concurrent CareLynda Graham, a trained counsellor with a social work background, will be with us to help us explore some of the emotional difficulties that concurrent carers may face. She will also talk about the work she has been undertaking with some carers to support them through their journey. There will be an opportunity to hear from a couple who have benefited from Lynda's support throughout their journey. Lynda has an interest in post adoption depression/blues and will be able to talk to the group about this issue also. This group is specifically for concurrent carers, those who are approved and waiting for placement or those who are considering this option and want to know more. Where a baby is placed, carers are welcome to bring the child too.
Schools/Learning
Support When:Tuesday 26th September 7.30-9.30pm
Where:Queens Leisure Complex, Sullivan Close, Holywood BT18 9HL
Contact:Wesley
Topic:Working with Schools for Better OutcomesMany parents report challenges in trying to communicate their child’s needs to school staff, often leading to conflict between parents and the school, exacerbating children’s sense of isolation and exclusion. This session will illustrate how to focus on building a support team around the child. It will help parents to work collaboratively with schools and to build communication networks which reassure children that all the adults are working together for their benefit and are cooperating over key issues such as behaviour, homework and transitions. This session will be lead by TESSA staff.
MumsWhen: Thursday 14th September 7.00 - 10.00pm
Where:‘The Parson’s Nose’ 48 Lisburn St, Hillsborough BT26 6AB
Contact: Elizabeth
Plan Weekender’s Reunion:Have you been on a mum’s weekend or would you like to join us next year? Come to our reunion to reminisce (who could forget laughter yoga!!) or see what you’ve been missing out on. We are going back to Hillsborough Lake for a walk but plan to eat at ‘The Parson’s Nose’ restaurant. Meet at ‘The Parson Nose’ Hillsborough for a walk at 7pm and to eat at 8pm.
Volunteer Support Group co-ordinatorsare needed in general in NI
but in particularforAntrim &SingleAdopters’ Groups
If you are interested in finding out more please contact Anne
or call the office on 028 9077 5211