To provide a vehicle for early development of social skills to combat the effects of isolation and stigma commonly felt by young people with special needs.
To provide an integrated social environment for the young people to learn, form friendships.
To develop their social and life skills and above all have fun.
To provides information and support to parents/carer’s and siblings.
Remember us has helped improve young people with special needs lives, their families, friends and the wider community of North Fingal by providing a service that otherwise does not exist. The scope of activities and social benefits provided by Remember Us have become a ‘lifeline’ for the young people and their families.
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Social
Parents, volunteers and tutors alike acknowledge the social and personal gains of the young people and the fact that Remember Us is the only social outlet for special needs in the area. One quote received sums up the social benefits very well
‘Children who go to the club have a social life and social outlets. They are no longer condemned to the loneliness of sitting at home each night and at weekends. They have invitations to discos, parties and outings to attend (just like their non-disabled) friends and siblings.’
Remember Us has worked to achieve these social benefits over a number of years and is seen by many parents as ‘a central intervention’ for the young people. Without this support in the community there is a real fear that the young people will lose out socially but will also regress in terms of developmental learning, self esteem and peer support.
Throughout their involvement members of the club participate in the full social interactions as experienced by their non disabled peers. As Remember Us has developed in line with the principles of equality, integration, empowerment and participation ‘special needs children do not experience the stigma and isolation that is all too often widespread in wider society’.
Educational
While school is the structured learning environment we all need to build friendships and outside support systems in order to progress our social and personal lives.
Remember Us provides a ‘safe environment for developing social skills that otherwise would be difficult to find’.
In addition Remember Us provides ‘Educational opportunities for both parents and children to attend specific classes. E.g. sex education….. Personal development and independent living’ This style of learning where both young people and parents are accessing information from specialists in specific fields at a level suitable to their ability ensures family unity and support.
Members of Remember Us feel accepted and build friendships in a safe learning environment where they continuously explore new skills and activities. They gain confidence and learn to trust in their own capabilities. Their motor and sensory skills are improved and the fear of interaction, learning and fully living their lives is removed. While people with special needs require an increased level of repetition for improved learning members also need to experience the range of activity common to everyday life. Programmes offered through Remember Us vary according to the life needs of the member and are expanded accordingly. Social skills already learnt are enhanced by participation in personal development activities including Stretch and Grow, cookery, computers and independent living skills.
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Integration
While all youth clubs may claim to be open to all young people the level of participation is generally determined by non-disabled people and young people with special needs have to have the capacity to participate at this level. In special needs situations young people do not always mix well with peers of the same age and in Remember Us ‘there is often a natural integration in the less structural and informal setting the club offers’, i.e. siblings, friends and non-disabled peers who choose take part.
The presence of non-disabled young people in the club encouraged young people with special needs to imitate the actions they observe and in this way increase their own skills in a social and friendly environment. This along with all the other benefits of Remember Us promotes integration and acceptance in the wider community.
Remember Us provides opportunities for the young people to integrate into the wider community through projects such as St. Patrick’s Day Parades, Eating out in local restaurants, and school / community projects such as ‘Not So Different’.
Support
Many families feel there are on their own and no-one else is experiencing similar situations to themselves. The club acts as a support where parents can relate to each other, share information and access support and advocacy when dealing with specific or difficult situations. The range of support offered through Remember Us has extended over the years and now encompasses all special needs families from new born upwards. Although the club has officially dealt with young people up to 18 there is now a situation where those members who are now 18 and over continue to take part and benefit from the club.
Remember Us has always focused on the family as a complete unit and activities involve young people with special needs, their siblings, parents and friends. This integrated environment can help to dilute the social stigma often faced by siblings of a special needs child.
If Remember Us did not exist these young people would have little or no social life, they would be sitting at home becoming depressed and would not be advancing and gaining skills such as independent living thus enabling them to lead more fulfilling and independent lives.