We have lots on this coming Autumn, if you would like to enquire about anything listed below, please contact us at Bolster Community on 028 3083 5764 or at info@bolstercommunity.org
FAMILY:
Family Support (Hub) (always on) – we are the lead body for the Newry & Mourne Family Support Hub and a referral into the FSH is the first step in accessing early intervention 1-1 Family Support from Bolster Community (where identified as the most appropriate response). We encourage GPs, Schools, Health Practitioners (to refer with parental consent), and parents/carers themselves to self-refer if they feel support is needed. For further information and to download a referral form, please click here.
Tots & Tea – a weekly meet up of mums and children who are all on the first steps of their journey through disability. This group meets every Wed. at Whitegates Community Centre and once a month we have a parents only meet up. Registrations essential. For further information click here.
- Parents Plus ADHD (Newry, starts Oct 25) – designed for parents of children aged 6-12yrs with ADHD. This 8 week course emphasises positive communication & reinforcement, and provides strategies for managing behaviour. Please contact us to register your interest on 028 3083 5764.
Parents Plus ADHD (Armagh, Armagh Business Centre, starts Jan 25) – designed for parents of children aged 6-12yrs with ADHD. This 8 week course emphasises positive communication & reinforcement, and provides strategies for managing behaviour. Please contact us to register your interest on 028 3083 5764.
Parents Plus Adolescents (Newry, Bolster Community, Marcus St., starts Jan 25) – For parents of adolescents aged 11-17 and resident in the Southern Trust area – help your adolescent grow into a confident, well adjusted adult capable of reaching their potential. Please contact us to register your interest on 028 3083 5764.
Please note, some of the above programmes may be at capacity, but we encourage you to register your interest to be on a waitlist for future programmes when announced.
EMPOWERING WOMEN & GIRLS:
- Layered Lives (Ending Violence Against Women & Girls Programme) – offers a safe, empowering space for neurodiverse young women (aged 16-30yrs) to explore all things relationships – this course is running in both Newry & Mourne and ABC Council areas starting Sept. ‘25. Our next programme will be running in Dobbin St. Community Centre Armagh, starting late October. For enquiries please contact us on 028 3083 5764.
- Building Futures – this programme is tailored to help women (who are currently unemployed), figure out a pathway back to work, whilst gaining renewed confidence and self-esteem. This term we have a number of courses & classes running – if you are interested in learning more, please contact us.
- DIY with numeracy, Rathfriland (Oct. ‘25)
- Supporting your child with homework, Newry & Rathfriland (Oct. ‘25)
- Supporting your child with homework, Armagh (Nov. ‘25)
YOUNG ADULTS OF MIXED ABILITY:
Bolster Buddies – Our Buddies service is aimed at helping people with learning disabilities or support needs to reconnect with their local communities whilst promoting independence and improving life skills. This term we will also be delivering an OCN level 1 qualification in Community Independence. For enquiries please contact us.
- An Droichead (The Bridge) – A brand new full-time transition programme which we are delivering in partnership with St. Paul’s High School (Bessbrook), for young people (16+) with additional needs – helping them grow in confidence, gain real-world skills and explore what life after school can look like. Students will be based at Bolster Community Mon-Wed and at St. Paul’s High School Thurs-Fri. For further information, please contact orla@bolstercommunity.org.
Autism Connect (always on) – a Social Hub aimed at supporting adults (18 years +) with an autism and/or neurodiverse diagnosis but without a learning disability or mental health co-morbidity (i.e. not able to access support through other avenues), and living in the Southern Trust region. This group now meets in three locations each week – Newry, Banbridge and Craigavon. For enquiries please contact sharon@bolstercommunity.org or call us on 028 3083 5764.
Autism & Me – Autism & Me is a 6-week journey of self-discovery & emotional wellbeing. It’s a safe, welcoming space where Autistic adults can explore thoughts, feelings, behaviours & how they relate to yourself and others. Through learning, discussion, & hands-on activities, you’ll gain practical tools to help you – Manage emotions; Improve Communication; Build routines that support your mental health; Understand yourself with more compassion; Create a personal plan for your future. For enquiries please contact sharon@bolstercommunity.org or call us on 028 3083 5764.
SENIORS:
Clover Club (Fortnightly, Whitegates Newry) – Clover Club is a fortnightly get together for over 60’s from Newry and surrounding areas. Come and join us for weekly activities, such as arts & crafts, quizzes, workshops, talks and much more. Enjoy a catch up with friends old & new, and enjoy some light refreshments. To register please contact us.
Home 2 Hospital (Registered service) – This service is for the over 60’s who live in the Slieve Gullion or Kilkeel (and surrounding) areas, who may struggle to get to their out-of-area hospital appointments (e.g. Belfast, Craigavon). Once registered, you’ll be able to request a driver to take you to your next appointment, talking the stress and hassle out of future appointments. For registrations please contact us.
- Starbites 57 Social Kitchen (Twice weekly) – The Social Kitchen is open to to Housing Executive tenants every Tuesday (Whitegates Community Centre) and Thursday (Bolster Community Marcus St) from 10am to 1pm – registered members can pop in for a free bite, cuppa and chat, as well as talking to support staff about any help/signposting they might need. New tenants warmly welcome!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Autumn Wellbeing Walks – lets clear our heads and walk together this autumn – join us at Derrymore Woods starting Mon. 27th October at 11am – everyone welcome but if you do need 1-1 support, please bring a chaperone. Contact us to registrater on 028 3083 5764.
Neon Nightmare Halloween disco (Newry, 29th Oct ‘25) – an inclusive night out for our Bolster Buddies, Autism Connect groups and any friends who would like to join us for a night of fancy dress fun and dancing! Buy your tickets via paypal now: https://bit.ly/neon-nightmare-paypal
- Slow Cooker evening (Newry, Tues 4th Nov. ’25) – join us for a fun, practical evening where we’ll show you how easy it can be to make tasty, affordable meals with minimal effort (and on a budget). Plus, there’ll be tasters!! Need we say more? Contact us to registration on 028 3083 5764.
- Social Enterprise NI – Regional networking meeting (Bolster Community, Whitegates, 18th Nov ‘25) – for further info, please visit SENI.
- Sip & Shop – with Impact (Newry, Thurs 27th Nov ‘25) – join us and lots of other local social enterprises at Bolster Community HQ (at Whitegates Business Park) for our biggest Sip & Shop yet, support local and social! #giftsthatgiveback – see you on the 27th November!