ALL about that BASE !
CAN BASE is a social and leisure opportunity service for adults with learning disabilities, Autism and mental health issues, and is delivered in partnership with the NHSCT’s Day Opportunities Programme. BASE is exclusively through referral by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Learning Disability Team.
At BASE we focus on increasing skills, independence, friendships and overall emotional well-being of those accessing this service.
The BASE is a place for adults with learning disabilities of all ages to socialise through a vast range of activities this year (982 activities in 2018 alone!).
Each month a calendar is produced of all the activities that will go on during the weeks, allowing members to keep track of what each day in BASE has to offer. Members of the BASE take an active role alongside staff and volunteer input in the decision making, planning and participation of the various activities on offer.
Just some of the many activities available include: sports, cooking/baking, archery and air-soft, arts and crafts sessions, Fuse FM radio, horse riding, shopping, trips to the cinema, community volunteering opportunities like bag packing in Tesco, and away days and residentials. These are only a few of the activities the members love to do!
We currently work with and support over 100 individuals with learning disabilities, Autism and mental health issues within BASE alone. The BASE runs five days per week (Monday – Friday) from 10am to 4pm, with up to 17 members attending each BASE per day.
OUR THREE BASES
BASE Ballymoney
Base Ballymoney is located in the heart of the town at 34-36 Main Street, Ballymoney.
BASE Coleraine
Base Coleraine is located in the old Exodus Building in Long Commons – easy walking distance to the town and local leisure activities, transport and all the coffee shops!
BASE Ballymena
Base Ballymena is located in the middle of the town on the Main Street. We based in the CAN Can Bazaar Charity shop.
SO WHO KEEPS THINGS ORGANISED?
Tori
Base Co-ordinator
My job involves being someone who helps create and facilitate a space whereby adults with learning disabilities, Autism and mental health issues can feel enabled and confident to go out of their comfort zone.
I also help to empower the guys to achieve in life in a variety of ways, primarily in a social setting. This is all done by organizing what the guys want to do through a variety of creative work, fun, education and also offering things that perhaps they’ve never had the opportunity to try before. Altogether, staff and Base members alike, produce the monthly calendar of activities and events to do, tailored specially to the wants and needs of the individuals.
Simon
Base Co-ordinator
Simon has recently moved across to Ballymena Base where he provides essential support within the BASE. Simon empowers our BASE members to develop independence and the confidence to explore beyond their comfort zones. He is instrumental in promoting inclusivity and motivating continuous self-improvement. Simon is devoted to offering varied opportunities, ensuring that every member maximises their potential..
“My daughter has learning disabilities so I have a vested interest because I want my daughter to grow up in a world that she can be part of. CAN hit well above their weight when it comes to that. I have never been happier in a job in my entire life because I can see what we’re doing in CAN has made such a difference in people’s lives.”
Mark
Base Co-ordinator
My job revolves around creating a safe space for people with learning disabilities, Autism and mental health issues to come together and participate in a huge range of activities that they either love doing, or may never have had the opportunity to do before.
Within the social setting, people are able to make and maintain new friendships with others, build upon their confidence and self-worth, and have fun learning new skills!
Just some of the things we get up to!
