Latest news from the Shine Northern Ireland team.

1. NI Newsletter
Registered Charity No. 249338
Winter 2013
Our MLAs Wear Yellow for Shine
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.
Shine Northern Ireland
PO Box 132, Cushendall BT44 OWA
Email: northern.ireland@shinecharity.org.uk
Contact no: 01733 555988 www.shinecharity.org.uk

2. Christmas Party at Castle Coole 2012
The 17th December was a cold and frosty took out his naughty list and checked all the
night but all our children (and adults!) came names, and none of our children were on the list!
well prepared to enjoy a fantastic Christmas He gave presents to the children, we sang
experience at the beautiful National Trust songs by the fire, and lovely photos were taken
mansion at Castle Coole, Enniskillen. of us with Santa himself. Many thanks to all
Mrs Claus was waiting for us in her kitchen, of the families who came and to the staff who
baking cookies for the children and warming assisted at Castle Coole. Mrs Claus and Santa
the mulled wine for the big people. Well, her sent a message to say they had never met such
husband, Mr Santa Claus, ate too many cookies good children before and hoped we could come
and fell asleep, but Emma gave a big loud knock back next year. I think we will be there ... those
on the door and woke him up. We were so glad cookies were delicious!
she did because he sat on his rocking chair and
Groups in Northern Health There are currently several
groups running in the
and Social Care Trust area
Northern Health and Social
Care Trust area.
The Ballymena Adult Social Group provides new relationships. This group is mostly older
opportunities for members to meet up month/ members from the surrounding areas. Activities
bimonthly and engage in social activities, for proposed for the future include horse-riding,
example bowling, dinner, quiz/comedy night. crafts sessions, and Boccia. A member of this
This group originated out of a small knitting group recently stated that this was the first time
group which met to learn how to knit, have they have been provided with an opportunity
coffee and a chat. The group bonded as they to meet together like this and do activities that
learnt to knit and they grew in confidence. they actually want to do. The older members
within the group setting have tried things they
The Cookstown Adult Social Group meets would never have considered doing before, for
bimonthly. The group provides members example abseiling.
with an opportunity to socialise and develop
Belfast Marathon
This 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

3. Carrickfergus Parent’s group meet monthly feel it is also beneficial for the children to meet
in the Carrickfergus area. Previous events have together too, so we have held a few Saturday
included coffee mornings, an outing to a soft activities to accommodate this. Some of the
play area, and the zoo. This was the first parent families who have attended this group since the
support group in the Northern Trust area and start see each other outside of the group and
as most of the children are now at school, we keep in touch via Facebook.
are revaluating what will work best. The parents
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.

4. We would like to invite you to our
Working Together
NI Big Lottery Celebration
On Saturday 9th March 2013
Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown, BT80 8JQ
10.30am - 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-up
Eglinton Classic Car Club Christmas Dinner
With thanks to Martin Henderson, Shine was to attending the next show and enjoying those
chosen as Charity of the Year by the Eglinton delicious tray bakes and treats and a great day
Classic Car Club in January 2012. The club out in April. We are indebted to Martin and John
has been a great support to us throughout the for their support to Shine – Thank you.
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
Contact details for Shine NI First Contact T: 01733555988
Cathy McKillop, NI Director Shine Pamela Dickey E: pamela.dickey@shinecharity.org.uk
E: cathy.mckillop@shinecharity.org.uk T: 028 25652273/07816966863
T: 07762574861
Sandra Campbell E: sandra.campbell@shinecharity.org.uk
Marie McGonnell, Health Adviser T: 028 71359900/07789616451
E: marie.mcgonnell@shinecharity.org.uk
T: 07789616420 Irene Kean E: irene.kean@shinecharity.org.uk
T: 028 90423067/07525965434
Catherine McCurry, Education Adviser
E: catherine.mccurry@shinecharity.org.uk Dolores Black E: dolores.black@shinecharity.org.uk
T: 028 90 830382 T: 02890814116 /07816966866
Postal Address: Shine Northern Ireland, Janet Davidson E: janet.davidson@shinecharity.org.uk
PO Box 132, Cushendall BT44 OWA T: 028 40662868
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