Local gender group hosts MLA visit

Members of Craigavon and Banbridge Gender Studies Group (Back row) Emma Richardson, Chantelle Baker, Jude Magennis, Gladys Wilkinson, Karen Scott, Janet Frizzell, (front row) Sarah Flowers, Dolores Kelly MLA and Joanne McBride.

The group use painting, drawing, creative writing, reading and discussion to explore issues about confidence, self-esteem and empowerment.

The group examines the role of women in society by looking at various role models from history, popular culture, and prominent women from the local area and their own lives who have inspired them.

The members debated many issues of concern to them with the MLA including transport and access to opportunities in their local communities.

The visit was organised by the group facilitator Maria Morgan of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust who explained: “Approximately 200 adults with a learning disability attend day opportunities in a range of settings in the Southern Trust area and offers opportunity in the areas of personal development – recreational/vocational, volunteering and further education. Day opportunities form part of a diverse range of age-appropriate day support for adults with a learning disability, including day care at social education centres and community access, in line with the Transforming Your Care Review.”