Our MLAs Wear Yellow for Shine

Shine Northern Ireland PO Box 132, Cushendall BT44 OWAEmail: northern.ireland@shinecharity.org.uk Contact no: 01733 555988 www.shinecharity.org.uk

NI NewsletterRegistered Charity No. 249338

As part of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Awareness Week 2012 we held five Mayor’s receptions across Northern Ireland. These took place in Derry City Council, Ballymena Borough Council, Ards Borough Council, Belfast City Council and Craigavon Borough Council, and the Mayors in each of these areas were delighted to be part of our Awareness Week.

We also visited Stormont on the 25th October and met a large number of MLAs (Members of Legislative Assembly). All the main political parties were represented. We spoke to a party leader, a deputy party leader, a Minister and several of our MLAs. We presented them with yellow Shine ribbons and they were all delighted to wear these in support of Shine.

Winter 2013

The 17th December was a cold and frosty night but all our children (and adults!) came well prepared to enjoy a fantastic Christmas experience at the beautiful National Trust mansion at Castle Coole, Enniskillen.

Mrs Claus was waiting for us in her kitchen, baking cookies for the children and warming the mulled wine for the big people. Well, her husband, Mr Santa Claus, ate too many cookies and fell asleep, but Emma gave a big loud knock on the door and woke him up. We were so glad she did because he sat on his rocking chair and

The Ballymena Adult Social Group provides opportunities for members to meet up month/bimonthly and engage in social activities, for example bowling, dinner, quiz/comedy night. This group originated out of a small knitting group which met to learn how to knit, have coffee and a chat. The group bonded as they learnt to knit and they grew in confidence.

The Cookstown Adult Social Group meets bimonthly. The group provides members with an opportunity to socialise and develop

took out his naughty list and checked all the names, and none of our children were on the list!

He gave presents to the children, we sang songs by the fire, and lovely photos were taken of us with Santa himself. Many thanks to all of the families who came and to the staff who assisted at Castle Coole. Mrs Claus and Santa sent a message to say they had never met such good children before and hoped we could come back next year. I think we will be there ... those cookies were delicious!

Christmas Party at Castle Coole 2012

Groups in Northern Health and Social Care Trust area

There are currently several groups running in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area.

Belfast MarathonThis year the Belfast Marathon takes place on Monday May 6th. We are hoping to get as many individuals and relay teams as possible to take part for us. If you or someone you know is interested in ‘running for SHINE’ contact Bill Manwaring on 07968416644 or bill.manwaring@shinecharity.org.uk

new relationships. This group is mostly older members from the surrounding areas. Activities proposed for the future include horse-riding, crafts sessions, and Boccia. A member of this group recently stated that this was the first time they have been provided with an opportunity to meet together like this and do activities that they actually want to do. The older members within the group setting have tried things they would never have considered doing before, for example abseiling.

Carrickfergus Parent’s group meet monthly in the Carrickfergus area. Previous events have included coffee mornings, an outing to a soft play area, and the zoo. This was the first parent support group in the Northern Trust area and as most of the children are now at school, we are revaluating what will work best. The parents

feel it is also beneficial for the children to meet together too, so we have held a few Saturday activities to accommodate this. Some of the families who have attended this group since the start see each other outside of the group and keep in touch via Facebook.

Magherafelt Parent support group is similar to the Carrickfergus Group. Parents from both groups have found the opportunity to meet with the local Support and Development Worker helpful and to get tips and support from parents in a similar situation to themselves. There are also professionals who come along to give information on a wide range of issues, such as education and continence.

The newest parent support group is the Ballymena Group. They meet every month are provided with information and support for parents of preschool children. This group was started as a result of 5 babies being born in the Ballymena area within a year of each other and the parents agreed they would benefit from meeting each other.

If you would like to join any of these Groups or would like further details about them contact Pamela Dickey E: pamela.dickey@shinecharity.org.uk or T: 028 25652273 or 07816966863.

If you haven’t already joined us on facebook ‘like’ us today at www.facebook.com/shineUKcharity

With thanks to Martin Henderson, Shine was chosen as Charity of the Year by the Eglinton Classic Car Club in January 2012. The club has been a great support to us throughout the year and has raised an amazing total of £3000 to date, with another cheque presentation next week for over £1000.

The final event of the year was the Christmas Dinner at the White Horse Hotel, where we had a great night with the members of the club and a brilliant turnout from Shine membership, which I am told was greatly appreciated by the club. The dinner was delicious and John kept us well entertained with his repartee!

We hope to keep up our friendship with Eglington Classic Car Club and look forward

We would like to invite you to ourWorking Together

NI Big Lottery CelebrationOn Saturday 9th March 2013

Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown, BT80 8JQ10.30am - 3pm

The event will showcase the NI Big Lottery events of the last 3 years. There will be fun events and activities and a guest speaker. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

All are welcome and we encourage every family to attend.

To book places please contact us by Friday 1st March 2013 by telephone/texting Cathy McKillop: on T: 07762574861 or by emailing E: cathy.mckillop@shinecharity.org.uk

or by writing to Shine, PO Box 132, Cushendall, BT44 0WA

Fundraising round-upEglinton Classic Car Club Christmas Dinner

to attending the next show and enjoying those delicious tray bakes and treats and a great day out in April. We are indebted to Martin and John for their support to Shine – Thank you.

Contact details for Shine NICathy McKillop, NI Director ShineE: cathy.mckillop@shinecharity.org.uk T: 07762574861

Marie McGonnell, Health AdviserE: marie.mcgonnell@shinecharity.org.uk T: 07789616420

Catherine McCurry, Education AdviserE: catherine.mccurry@shinecharity.org.uk T: 028 90 830382

Postal Address: Shine Northern Ireland, PO Box 132, Cushendall BT44 OWA

First Contact T: 01733555988

Pamela Dickey E: pamela.dickey@shinecharity.org.uk T: 028 25652273/07816966863

Sandra Campbell E: sandra.campbell@shinecharity.org.uk T: 028 71359900/07789616451

Irene Kean E: irene.kean@shinecharity.org.uk T: 028 90423067/07525965434

Dolores Black E: dolores.black@shinecharity.org.uk T: 02890814116 /07816966866

Janet Davidson E: janet.davidson@shinecharity.org.uk T: 028 40662868