Changing Lives initiative does exactly what it says
THE Changing Lives Initiative only began its work this time last year but already its making an impact on local families.
Funded by the European Union’s INTERREG VA programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), with match-funding by the Departments of Health in Northern Ireland and Ireland, the Initiative provides an early intervention programme for parents of children at risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is estimated that as many as 5 to 6% of school aged children have ADHD.
People with ADHD experience symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, difficulty finishing tasks, problems with short term memory, difficulty following instructions and often find it hard to sit still. Programmes like this Initiative are recommended as the first course of treatment for young children with symptoms of ADHD. They help to promote positive behaviours in children by helping parents to develop the skills that they need to deal with the symptoms that their child is experiencing.
So far this year The Changing Lives Initiative has delivered three 20 session Incredible Years based parent programmes, two in Dundalk and one in Drogheda. Feedback from parents has been extremely positive. The Team hope to begin three more programmes this autumn.
Outlining the importance of the event, Gina McIntyre CEO of the SEUPB, said: “The ground breaking approach taken by the Changing Lives initiative is helping to meet the needs of children, and families, with ADHD on both sides of the border. The project itself is very much in-keeping with the EU’s Framework on mental health and well-being which emphasises promotion, quality care and the sharing of best practice. The event today, in which we are delighted to participate, is about celebrating the dedication, commitment and hard work of all those who have undertaken this programme, as well as those who have made it possible. I wish to congratulate everyone involved to date in their achievements, which have, and will continue to have, such a tremendous impact on families on both sides of the border.”
As well as facilitating parent programmes The Changing Lives Team also work to raise awareness of, and create a better understanding about, ADHD.
Christina Ryan, Local Co- Ordinator of The Changing Lives Initiative in Louth says; “There are a lot of misconceptions out there about ADHD. It’s a neurological disorder and it is our job to make sure that parents, educators and the wider community understand that. That’s why a large part of our work is around delivering Information and Awareness Sessions to both parents and professionals”.
To date the project has met over 200 parents and 400 professionals raising awareness about what ADHD is and isn’t, and providing strategies to help these young people in the home and at school.
For more information please contact help@geneisislouth.ie or phone (042) 9502220. You can also contact through Facebook @changingliveslouth.