AIM

Promoting social integration between people with physcial and learning disabilities and their abled bodied peers from both sides of the community in North and West Belfast.

History

Artability (N.I.) Ltd was established to continue the work of Shankill Phab Creative Arts Centre, which has been in operation since 1989. It was back in 1989 that a group of local individuals saw the need for a venue for young people with disabilities to socialize. In various locations within the Shankill they began to operate a one night a week club.

Through speaking to the young people and listening to their requirements they realised that this was not enough. A voluntary management committee was set up and in 1993 they eventually secured their own rented premises and began operating five days per week and one evening.

In July 2002 we found it necessary to move into new premises, which was more accessible and spacious, which will allow us to carry on with existing services and will permit us to develop new ones that will cater for our young people with disabilities.

Artability has also registered with Inland Revenue as a charity and began operating as a Company Limited by Guaranteed. These major changes within our organisation will allow us to continue to promote social integration between young people with physical and learning disabilities and their able bodied peers from both communities of North and West Belfast. We do this by encouraging participation in the arts through various projects operating within the centre.

Afterschools Project

The aim of this project is to help young people with physical and learning disabilities and those who are disadvantaged through bullying and who would otherwise be isolated and excluded from street play after school hours. Within the Afterschools Project the participants are encouraged to interact on collaborate projects and individual activities using a wide range of artistic materials. Based on the Very Special Arts Programme from America we design sessions that use art and crafts as a tool for expression and communication within a creative, fun and safe environment.

Through this project the participants also have the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of actvities such as trips out, networking with other Community Centres, Animation, DJ Workshops, Drama, the Computer Club, external art projects plus many more games and arts activities.

Project Times:
The Project runs from 3pm - 6pm on Monday and Tuesday for younger kids (aged 6-9) and from 3pm - 8pm on Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday night is for older kids from aged 12, and they can do drama, art and music plus some outings.

Costs:
This a free service but attendance is subject to referral and location within a 3 mile radius of the Centre.(please do not hesiatate to ring Michelle ifyou have any inquiries.)

Transport:
This project offers a free pick-up and drop-off service from the participants home. The Centre's transport is wheelchair accessible and has Care Worker with the young people in the Bus at all times to Supervise the participants.

Participants: This is a maximum of 12 participants per session so that the participants need's can be fully catered for.

Artability NI Ltd
137 Agnes Street
Belfast
02890244240
artabilityni@btconnect.com

Designed by Pamplemouseni