Achievement of Beacon Members Recognised at Dungannon Celebration Event

Niamh’s Beacon Members were recognised by South West College’s Dungannon Campus for their achievements in a variety of accredited courses through the Beacon Members’ Initiative Scheme.  The Scheme works in partnership with South West College offering courses ranging from Personal Development, ICT to a variety of recreational and complementary therapy courses. The event took place on Tuesday 13 September 2011, where a number of Beacon members were presented with certificates to celebrate their achievements. 

The Beacon Members’ Initiative scheme is funded through the Big Lottery Fund’s Live and Learn programme and gives people with mental health needs the opportunity to take part in courses to improve their education, life skills and confidence. 

Commenting on the success of the project, Liam Quigley, Niamh Director of Beacon, said:

“This Lottery funded project has enabled the development of a partnership approach to provide a range of innovative and tailored courses for people with mental health needs. 

“Those who have engaged in the project have developed new and essential skills, and as a result, are reporting improved physical and psychological wellbeing, as well as increased self-confidence and self-esteem.”

He continued:

“The project is helping to promote social inclusion as individuals are supported in their recovery journey and have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.” 

Director of South West College, Malachy McAleer showed his support for the project, saying:

“South West College is delighted to be involved in the Live and Learn Project to provide quality learning opportunities for Beacon members.  South West College fully recognises its role to provide for the socially excluded and acknowledges the immense value that these opportunities provide.  The College appreciates the partnership approach which is such a significant aspect of this project.”

Frank Hewitt, Big Lottery Fund NI Chair, said:

“The grants awarded from the Live and Learn programme mark a major investment by the Big Lottery Fund into creating partnerships to run innovative projects to boost the learning and health of people in Northern Ireland’s most disadvantaged communities.

“This initiative provides opportunities for people with mental health needs to learn together and improve their health and well-being.”