Disabled people are supported to be more independent through innovative training programme

30 Tenants and people who use the services of the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability in Northern Ireland were today congratulated by Patsy McGlone MLA after completing a 6 month “Tenant Empowerment” Training programme, delivered by Disability Action.

The Tenant Empowerment training programme provides tenants and disabled people, who use Leonard Cheshire Disability services, with the opportunity to develop skills, share ideas and gain confidence.  They were also supported to get involved and make a difference in their local community.

Susan McBride, lives in Lurgan in her own flat. She took part in the programme because she wanted to increase her confidence and know more about her rights.

Susan said: “Each month the workshops were so much fun and we received lots of new information. We love going to coffee shops, but before the programme, we just accepted that there were certain places we couldn’t accessNow we are more aware of our rights and we’ve gained so much confidence to challenge public services so we can take part fully in the local community.  We now really believe in ourselves that we are as important as anyone else in society.”

The 6 month programme covered a wide range of topics including, ‘Participation & Acceptance, Self Confidence, Human Rights, Tenants Rights & Responsibilities, Money Management & Independent Living’.

Heather Logan, Training Officer from Disability Action’s Centre on Human Rights for People with Disabilities said:

“This has been a really enjoyable programme to deliver with the tenants and people who use Leonard Cheshire Disability services, as their enthusiasm for the subjects made for a valuable and fun learning experience for everyone.  We would like to thank Patsy McGlone MLA for taking time out to congratulate the participants on their achievement."

Patsy McGlone MLA, added: “I warmly congratulate the tenants and the disabled people who use Leonard Cheshire services who have completed the 6 month training programme.  They will have gained so much in a short time, and can look forward with confidence to engaging fully with the local community and challenging the accessibility of public services in the area.  Disability Action have done a tremendous job in delivering a programme which helps people with disabilities in the community to participate fully and independently in society.”

Ms Paula Smyth, Operations Manager, Leonard Cheshire Disability NI, said: “We are delighted with the success of the Tenant Empowerment Programme which was commissioned by Leonard Cheshire Disability as part of its continuing commitment to support disabled people in their tenancies to enable them to live independently in their communities.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for attending and contributing to today’s event.”

If you would like more information on the programme or how to register to participate in the next programme commencing in October/November 2013, please contact Heather Logan on the contact details below.

Heather Logan, Disability Action’s Centre on Human Rights for People with Disabilities contact telephone: 028 7136 0811or email [email protected]

Photo Caption: A group of tenants and people who use Leonard Cheshire Disability services throughout Northern Ireland having just received their certificates from Patsy McGlone MLA


Last updated 7 years 7 months ago