Activities

We run a range of activities designed to suit the needs of the young people supported at the time.

“Before I came to Phoenix I wasn’t really a very nice person – my aggression and anger overtook everything.  Then I got introduced to Phoenix and over the year or so I have learned so much and would just like to thank Phoenix for what they have done to my life because I am a completely different person.”  (14 year old boy)

These include: - 

Why Try Programme

The Why Try programme is a strength-based approach to helping young people overcome their challenges and improve their outcomes in the areas of truancy, behaviour, and academics.  The aim is to teach social and emotional principles to young people in a way that they can understand and remember.  There are ten pictures (visual analogies), one for each session. These can be run in primary and secondary schools, education centres, on our premises or at other youth organisations.   

 After Schools Programmes

The After Schools Programmes have developed into four different groups depending on the age and needs of the young people.  Each programme runs for one evening each week for a period of 8 to 10 sessions tying in with the school term as follows: -

  • Social Skills
  • Personal Development
  • Phoenix Youth
  • Club Phoenix 

“Phoenix has helped me understand what ADHD is and helped me to control my behaviour and anger.” (9 year old boy)

Holiday Activity Programmes

During the Easter and summer holidays a number of activities and outings are organised including trips to W5, the zoo, Finvoy Fun Farm, the cinema, games and surfing on the beach, orienteering in the forest and a residential for young people of secondary school age. 

 “They love coming to Phoenix and while they are there I get to take the younger ones out to places we normally can’t go“(parent)

Transition Group

In 2011 we introduced a transition group as young people with ADHD often find it difficult to accept change and are therefore concerned about the transition from primary to second school.  This starts on the last term of primary seven and continued into the first term of year one at secondary school when the support worker visits the young people at their new school and monitors their progress.

Drama Club

In 2011 we organised a Family Christmas Evening and organised a drama/music session facilitated by a volunteer Musical Theatre student.  Since this was a popular activity it may become a regular feature for those who are interested. 

Family Support

Additional Family Support such as home visits is offered where the parent/carer has additional mental/physical health needs. Regular office visits and telephone contact is offered to all families who are currently attending support programmes. Parents are encouraged to contact their key worker or drop into the office to discuss any problems that they may be facing. 

Parenting Confidence

Helen, who is a Positive Parenting Facilitator, continues to run three 8 week Parenting Sessions per year. The sessions are run during the day and in the evening alternately to suit parents’ working patterns. The sessions address implementing positive behavioural techniques into the home and aim to develop confidence in parenting skills. These sessions prove to be very successful, with parents stating.

“It was reassuring to speak to others who are in similar situations” and, “the skills that I have learnt will benefit the whole family”.

Education Support

The Project contacts all the schools attended by the young people who have been referred and offering support in the form of advice and teacher training in ADHD Awareness and Behaviour Management.

“I feel better equipped to recognise the condition and how to handle children who have it.” (Primary Class teacher)

Project staff also provides advocacy support for young people and parents where problems have been encountered at school, speaking to SENCOs and teachers.  Often when made aware of the difficulties, schools are keen to receive advice and are open to recommendations to make things better for the young person.

Parent/Carer Evenings

A number of Information Evenings are held throughout the year, with professional speakers on a variety of topics.  These evenings provide the ideal opportunity for parents/carers to receive information on matters concerning ADHD and allow them to meet fellow parents, share their experiences and offer each other advice.  Topic include: -

  • Medication
  • Internet Safety
  • Achievement Event
  • Importance of a Good Diet for young people with ADHD

Achievement Celebration Event

2011 also saw the introduction of an Achievement Celebration Event.  All the young people who took part in the programme during the year are awarded with a medal and a Phoenix ADHD Hoodie.  The ‘Angie Young Achievement Award’ in memory of Angie Young, who sadly passed away in May 2011, is awarded to a young person nominated by the team as having achieved the most during the year.

Pride of Northern Ireland Award Ceremony

Five of our young people attended the Pride of Northern Ireland Award Ceremony at Parliament Building, Stormont, on 3rd December. This event, sponsored by the Daily Mirror, is an event for young people (aged 14 to 17) who have overcome, or are overcoming challenges in life to find a way to fulfil their potential.