Derry charity provides vital support to adults living with disabilities and sensory needs

Aspace2 is a Community Interest Company (CIC) providing support and training for adults and young adults living with a variety of disabilities.

They are a not-for-profit Day Opportunities organisation, who are celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year, have a social purpose at the heart of all they do.

The facilities are within a 20,000 square foot building. The building has been entirely adapted to meet the specialist needs of clients with a disability.

There are art rooms, IT rooms, specially designed state of the art sensory rooms and a catering school at the on-site restaurant.

One of the sensory rooms at Aspace2 specially designed for those with sensory needs

The restaurant, Factory Floor, is open Monday to Friday 9:30-2:30 and each time you eat, you make a difference to those with autism and/or learning disabilities in the local area.

The team nurtures the potential of people with a disability to thrive in a socially inclusive society.

Aspace2 is a specialist learning disability nurse led multidisciplinary team, experienced in working with people with varying degrees of learning disability and health related issues.

The team is composed of Nurse specialists in learning disabilities, teacher specialists in learning difficulties, a resident artist and a support team of learning and sensory support staff.

The team also works in collaboration with tutors from Northwest Regional College, to deliver bespoke training courses daily.  

The team says they see each individual for their potential and the pride that comes from taking those, often small steps, towards a life more fulfilled.

The team at Aspace2 supports adults with a disability to develop the skills necessary to live an independent and purposeful lifestyle, to make informed and fulfilling life choices, in an age appropriate respectful and inclusive manner.

A spokesperson at the charity said: "We aim to create a person-centred culture in the organisation that inspires clients, staff, members, and other supporters.

"We believe that all trainees should have the opportunity for training in a way that realises their full potential and ambition.

"We embrace a culture of quality and continuous improvement so that our clients can expect great service that represents value for money.

"We are committed to achieving organisational excellence measured across a range of areas such as developing ambitious strategies and having a positive impact on wider society.

"We believe in equality and respect for all. We celebrate diversity and actively promote inclusion so that everyone's voice is heard, and their opinions respected.

"At the heart of our ethos is the principle that each individual is entitled to make choices, about their pathway to learning and employment and about the pace and timing of that journey.
   
"Demand currently outstrips capacity, so it is time for growth. We are looking to expand and the new, innovative space will offer a totally flexible environment for the user, families, carers, therapists, and teachers.

"This exciting facility, measuring 100sqm will be unique to the Island of Ireland and will be open seven days a week.

"This project will cost £500,000 to develop, and we are asking for support from the community to make this vision a reality."

If you would like to help with fundraising ideas or would like to discuss any ways that you think you may be able to help Aspace2, please contact Timothy Glenn on 028 71813607 or tim@art-space.org  

If you or someone you know would like to attend Aspace2, places may be funded under the See Directed Support model by the Western Health and so Care Trust.

Also, you may be eligible for a Direct Payment or Personalised Care, or Heath Budget. Speak to your Social Worker about using your direct payment to find your place. Private payment is also an option.

Aspace2 is currently operating Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm, with spaces available to book in the evenings and weekends.

They are located at 11 Campsie Business Park, Campsie, Eglinton, BT47 3XX.

For more information, contact Aspace2 on 02871813607 or via email at: rona@art-space.org

Aspace2 is also hosting a Spring Ball to celebrate 10 years of operation. It will be held at the Waterfoot Hotel on April 23 2022.

It is a champagne reception followed by a three course meal with a fundraising auction and raffles.

The event is a black tie and cocktail dress occasion with dancing to Hudson Blue from 7pm till midnight. Tickets are £45 and available from Aspace2.