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, registrations essential. For further information click here.
Fun FRIENDS (Newry, Sept 25) – this evidence-based programme helps promote positive social development in 4-7 year olds. After completing Fun FRIENDS, parents and teachers often see increased confidence, enhanced social skills and boosted self-esteem, as well as an increased ability to cope with stress and fear. Please contact us register your interest.
Parents Plus Children (Online, starts 17th Sept) – a 9-wk parenting course which aims to support parents with children 6-11yrs old, empowering them to find their solutions to childhood challenges & problems. Please contact us to register your interest.
- 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.
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.
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. For enquiries please contact us.
- 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.
- Employability/Classroom Assistant, Rathfriland (Sept. ‘25)
- DIY with numeracy, Rathfriland (Oct. ‘25)
- Discovering Potential (Self-Development), Rathfriland (Sept. ‘25)
- Employability/Classroom Assistant, Armagh (Sept. ‘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 us.
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 us.
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:
Discover & Connect (Fri 26th Sept., Kilkeel) – an event connecting seniors with vital services available to them – plus lunch, live music and dancing all included! Cover charge £5pp, contact us for details.
Neon Nightmare Halloween disco (Newry, 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! Tickets on sale soon!
- 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 Whitegates Community Centre for our biggest Sip & Shop yet, support local and social! #giftsthatgiveback.