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DEEDS was out with our dementia social group in Park to begin the Portrait Workshop phase of our Treasured Possessions project funded by the Arts Council for Northern Ireland. Artist and photographer Emmett McSheffrey led the group through a series of portraits beginning with paintings from the 1500’s and we explored photography from studio portraits in the 1800’s and ending with the selfie where we have all become photographers of our own lives. We looked at famous photos of Winston Churchill and Marilyn Monroe and found out the stories behind the images.

Emmett then led us through taking portraits using polaroid cameras. The members enjoyed experimenting with these and found they liked the black and white ones best as it reminded them of old photographs from home.

Comments on the workshop afterwards: “This was so interesting.” “I like the man in the painting – he reminded me of Jesus.” “Sometimes photographs can lie!” “This was a different kind of session today – I enjoyed it very much”.

Before we closed the workshop part of the session, Emmett took a group portrait where some of the members were pictured with their treasured possession from home. Of course, we ended with a wee cup of tea where we chatted about the objects the group had brought in. Over the next two weeks all our dementia social groups will participate in this second phase of the project.

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) officially launched a new project on Friday last, November 18, 2022. ‘Link to Wellbeing’ is a two  years project funded by NHS Charities Together and aims to support individuals waiting for orthopaedic surgery to maximise their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing in preparation for surgery.

The project is led by the WHSCT Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement Department in partnership with WHSCT Trauma and Orthopaedic service and 10 local Community and Voluntary Sector organisations who will deliver ‘Prehabilitation’ style programmes to individuals on waiting lists for hip or knee replacement surgery.

The Old Library Trust was chosen as one of the pilot areas for the project with the aim to deliver a further 23 8 week community-based programmes. These programmes will be delivered throughout the geography of the WHSCT in community settings and will cover a number of different topics to include; movement and mobility, healthy eating, pain management, peer support, mental health and condition management.

Chief Executive for the Western Health & Social Care Trust, Neil Guckian comments, “It can be challenging for patients maintaining their health as they await surgery. We hope the ‘Link to Wellbeing’ project will be an extension of care for people on our orthopaedic waiting lists. The project will offer individuals the opportunity to maximise their overall health with our partners in their community. By ensuring people are in the best health prior to surgery we can hope for a more positive recovery post surgery and better health in the longer term.”

Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together, said: “We are thrilled that Western Health and Social Trust will be able to provide vital additional support to patients awaiting orthopaedic surgery, thanks to generous donations from the public. We hope that the project will make a tangible difference across the region, helping patients to approach, and as a result recover, from surgery in the best way possible.”

Cathy Glass, Nursing Services Manager Trauma and Orthopaedics comments, “The Trauma & Orthopaedic team in the Trust are delighted to see this project commence. We are very aware of the impact of long waiting times for joint replacement surgery and how this affects patient’s quality of life.

We hope that this project will give support to those waiting joint replacement, help optimise them for their procedure and hence help them benefit more from surgery when it is completed.

Musculo-skeletal conditions don’t only affect bones and muscles, patient’s general health and well-being can also suffer.

We look forward to hearing the impact of the program and wish those taking part and all the many organisations supporting the project every success.”

Sabrina Dunne, Programme coordinator at Old Library Trust Healthy Living Centre comments, “Delighted that we have been able to support individuals pre surgery with the Links to Wellbeing programme providing social, physical and mental wellbeing support.  Whilst people are on waiting lists for surgery it is important that they are keeping themselves well and building strength for their recovery.  Having these services accessible to people in their own communities is so important. We are delighted to have partnered with the WHSCT to deliver this vital programme.”

Programme beneficiary, Tracy Macrory comments; “There is something very comforting about being in group where you can chat about the things you are struggling with and people can relate to what you are saying without thinking you’re moaning. I’m thoroughly enjoying the programme and just sorry there are not more like it”

Teresa Fox, programme beneficiary comments; “The programme was brilliant and I haven’t missed a session from yoga to sleep therapy, every session was worthwhile and I’m so glad I attended.”

For more information on the project, please contact Claire Hamilton, project co-ordinator on 028 7186 5127.

Men’s health group keeping Bill on his toes

Name: Bill Breslin.

Age: 62

Why did you join the OLT programme?

Friends and family had recommended the programme to me as i had broken my hip in 2014 and after rehab needed to rebuild and maintain muscular strength and general fitness.

What do you enjoy about the programme?

I enjoy the social engagement with the men’s group, feeling fitter and healthier, making new friends and reconnecting with old neighbours.

How often do you participate in Physical exercise now?

Twice a week in the gym with this programme and walking three days a week.

Any Benefits since starting?

Many benefits including improvement in my overall wellness both physically and mentally, more energy, muscles rebuilt in my hips and legs and i have made many new friends along the way.

Overall a great programme for men of all ages and ability, getting fitter and stronger while having a laugh.

Successful ‘Transform Your Trolley’ Programme at OLT

Some delicious dishes by local cook Patricia Lynch, advice on how to eat well on a budget and some fantastic fun was had by all taking part in the Old Library Trust’s ‘Transform Your Trolley’ programme over the past few weeks at the Creggan centre.

The event, part of the OLT’s ‘Transform your Trolley’ programme, saw the delivery of a nutrition programme over six weeks, supporting the luncheon group to improve their food shopping and eating habits by providing interactive cooking and nutritional sessions.

Held on Wednesday afternoons, the Old Library Trust, recruited the support of local cook, Patricia Lynch to deliver in person the cooking demos, which showcased step-by-step how to create simple, quick, and nutritious meals.

Additional to the wonderful dishes served up, the OLT’s Julie White, led a weekly discussion and some activities on nutrition with each session focussing on key areas such as creating a balanced shopping list, meal planning, how to eat well on a budget, how to cook basic nutritious meals, and making use of leftovers.

Delighted with how the programme went over the weeks and the openness of the participants to try out new recipes, Julie said: ‘It has been great to deliver our programme to our senior residents. They have been so engaging throughout, getting involved in discussions and activities. They have also been so open and willing to try new recipes and even tried their hand at home to recreate some of the recipes developed with Patricia. It was learning through fun and everyone enjoyed it!’

The programme which is funded by Safefood is part of a wider partnership with the Healthy Living Centre Alliance that will see Healthy Living Centres across Northern Ireland deliver a range of programmes, with the aim to support, encourage and promote making small positive changes to how we shop and eat food.

For more information on future programmes, contract reception@olt.ie or call 028 71373870.

DEEDS began their visits yesterday to the Tower Museum as part of the Treasured Possessions: The People’s Artefacts project funded by the Arts Council for Northern Ireland (Arts and Older People Fund).

Members from Strabane, Mellow DEEDS and Men’s Exercise enjoyed their visit to the Tower Museum yesterday. The session was led by the fabulous Betty Doherty as she took them through artefacts that people had donated to the museum.

For many it was the first time they had visited the museum. As part of the visit several members got the chance to participate in a virtual reality experience of the old docks as a working dock, war ships from 1917 and the port as an emigration point.

“It really brought back a lot of memories seeing objects like the old whisk again.” said Barry

“Memories of my mum in the kitchen,” said Hester.

Hugh noted that it was “fantastic” and “really enjoyable”.

Next week the groups will discuss what precious objects they have in their own homes that they can bring in and use for reminiscence.

A packed hall on Thursday night for the Old Library Trust’s two-hours Air Fryer Masterclass with the renowned Derry chef and Master Airfryer ‘Seana McAirfryer’ saw some tasty bites served up for all to try.

Thanks to funding from Safefood and their community food initiative Over 40 took up the free offer to come along and see ‘Seana McAirfryer’ at work on the implement she has mastered since Covid lockdown. There was a chance to ask questions, sample some savoury delicacies cooked on the Air fryer and have some fun.

The event showcased how to use an airfryer, how to create simple healthy meals at low cost and the intention was to give parents and families the opportunity to learn quick and easy recipes along with nutritional support from Seana and the event was funded by safefood as part of their Community Food Initiative project.

Served up under the Healthy Living Centre at the OLT, event organiser Julie White said she was delighted with the uptake from both male and females and also the broad age group who attended.

‘It was great to see a packed house for the event. Seana is so relaxed and makes everyone feel comfortable. That makes for a relaxed but fun environment, enjoyed by all those who attended.

‘We even managed to raffle two airfryers to the audience and had two very happy ladies in Eleanor McDermott and Gloria Morrison.’

Feedback after the event was extremely positive to the Old Library Trust and Julie added that it was encouraging to see so many people wanting to learn more how they can get the most from their house appliances and eat well.

One of the participants described the enjoyment on Thursday night, stating: ‘It was an excellent night. I enjoyed every minute, from the food, to the company and listening to Seana, it’s been great!’

Following on from this event, the Old Library Trust will be running a parents nutrition programme launching Friday, 11th November at 12:30pm.

For more information contract at reception@olt.ie or call 028 71373870.

A helluva party!’ was how this week’s DEEDS Hallowe’en Tea Party was described as the group brought together the members from all the social and activity groups in the city to enjoy music, dancing and the craic in Bishop’s Field Sports Centre.

One of the city’s foremost entertainers, the fabulous Mickey Doherty sang, danced and entertained the attendance ensuring all there had their moment in the spotlight. The event also saw the city and district’s Deputy Mayor Angela Dobbins join in the fun.

Those in attendance were also treated to high tea that included sandwiches, pastry, and other delicacies to tease the tastebuds.

Delighted with how the day went, DEEDS co-ordinator Sinead Devine praised Micky Doherty for his sterling work in getting everyone on the floor and dancing, joining in the fun and going away with a memorable experience.

‘I am really thrilled with the tea party today. Everyone has had a smile on their face from beginning to end. Our entertainment from Micky was superb. He has a great gift in being able to connect to everyone both on a group level as well as individually. The members have had so much fun today and we have seen so many up on the dance floor and really enjoying a boogie.’

The new Training and Support Officer, Leeann Harris added: ‘Making the tea party happen was a great team effort and testament to the hard work and dedication of all our staff. When you see the members enjoying themselves like this, it really is worth all the effort.’

Drawing attention to a special moment celebrated during Wednesday’s Tea Party, Wendy McLaughlin, DEEDS Support Worker said: ‘We had some special moments today as well with birthday girl Stella being serenaded by Mickey and then husband and wife, Bobby and Pat celebrating 64 years together and dancing to Mickey’s rendition of the old classic “Bobby’s Girl”. The event has just made their day.’

The new addition to the DEEDS team, Kathleen McNaught said her first big DEEDS event was a pleasure to have been involved in and would have brought a tear to your eyes seeing how much people had enjoyed it.

The members had their say on the day’s proceedings with John from Shantallow saying ‘It was a very good event, more than good – it was excellent. You couldn’t get better people.’ While Ann from Strabane described it as ‘Brilliant! loved it, loved every minute of it!’. The man from Caw, Gerard described the event as “super” and added “that guy Micky is a quare singer”. The OLT’s own Carmel was also delighted with the day describing it as ‘Brilliant, immensely enjoyable. What a great day we all had.’

DEEDS has been successful in their second round of funding from the Lottery’s Community Fund which will hopefully make events like this possible, adding to helping create Derry and Strabane as a dementia-friendly region.

Anyone looking for further information on DEEDS and the events held throughout the year, don’t hesitate to contact Sinead on 028 71 373870.    

The Old Library Trust & Creggan Neighbourhood Partnership came together to organise a community wide Halloween bingo for local residents. The bingo callers on the night Jean and Micheal Doherty kept the crowd entertained and amused with a great nights craic.

Thank you to everyone that came along and well done to all the winners!

DCSDC Mayor Sandra Duffy visited the Old Library Trust to talk to our DEEDS members about their activities they were taking part in on the day

“Lovely to get up to the Old Library Trust in Creggan for Alzheimer’s Day and see some of the fantastic Fidget Blankets made by carers for their loved ones to celebrate the day. Such a thoughtful activity give to those who are experiencing dementia in their lives”

The Old Library Trust DEEDS project held a series of activities , programmes and events to celebrate the day and can be seen on the DEEDS social media channels.

We’re delighted to be teaming up with the Healthy Living Centre Alliance & Safefood once more to encourage families to shop for healthy food, make healthier food choices AND save money while reducing food waste.

The Old Library Trust will take the lead in coordinating & delivering the Community based programmes across the North in partnership with 20 Healthy living centres working under the Healthy Living Centre Alliance.

See our guide:  safefood.net/transform & Keep an eye out on social media for up and coming programmes