Our latest project, "POD" (Parents with Opportunities for Development), exemplifies our mission. This programme provided parents of young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism with the understanding, knowledge, and skills of specialist interventions. Focusing on capacity building, skills acquisition, and emotional resilience, POD addressed the health inequalities experienced by our parents.
POD include 10 workshops beginning in October 2023, with expert facilitators covering topics such as ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis), Low Arousal techniques, and strategies to reduce the impact of PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance). Additional sessions on parenting girls with autism, play therapy, and animal-assisted therapy was offered to the participants. Collaborating with community organizations like Surestart and Homestart ensures that our project has a broad impact, particularly in rural North Antrim.
The benefits of POD have been significant. Parents who initially felt isolated and stigmatised have found a supportive community. They have gained valuable knowledge and skills, resulting in improved mental health and a sense of belonging. The programme has empowered parents to engage with professionals and access services previously out of reach, fostering long-term peer support and resilience.
Parents appreciated the variety of facilitators and the practical interventions and strategies they learned. Peer group support sessions further strengthened their connections, enabling knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving. Participants have self-referred to other CAN projects and accessed different facilitators directly, enhancing their overall experience.
Jenny, our hands-on mentor, has been instrumental in the success of this project. Her wealth of knowledge on health inequalities, fundraising, and more made the sessions highly beneficial. Her approachable nature fostered an environment of trust and learning. By documenting the changes through video diaries and vlogs, we will capture the real-time impact of POD on family life. This project exemplifies our commitment to community development, ensuring that our parents have the tools and support to improve their health and wellbeing long-term.
“The Elevate Mentoring and Grants programme has been transformative for our project participants, empowering parents of young people and adults with neurodiverse conditions to navigate complex challenges with newfound understanding, skills, and resilience. Through capacity building and specialized interventions, participants have not only enhanced their abilities but have also become advocates for change within their families and communities.”
