Sunbeam News

Guess Who?

2012-01-18T15:46:00.000Z

Clues:

Member of staff.......North Wicklow........lovely accent.

Radio Interview about Friends In Deed

2012-01-13T13:33:00.004Z

Mick Teehan will be on East Coast FM this Sunday, 15-01-12 between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., speaking about Friends in Deed. The presenter of the show is Ann Fortune.

Carol-singing with our friends in Takeda

2012-01-06T15:15:00.005Z

Takeda Ireland and SHS launched their 2012 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Partnership in Takeda’s premises in Bray on the 20^th of December. To mark the occasion some staff and service users attended Takeda’s Christmas lunch and the SHS Carol Singers also graced the stage to lend to the festive atmosphere!!! Once the delicious turkey and ham was devoured, both John Hannigan and Greg Timmons (Takeda Ireland’s President and CEO) took to the stage and told the assembled audience of how much they were looking forward to this exciting partnership between the two organisations which both hoped will bring many benefits and opportunities to both organisations.

Posters - Help Needed!

2012-01-06T15:07:00.003Z

Once again this January I will be encouraging members of the community to think about volunteering with Friends In Deed by putting up posters all around the county. If you feel you may be able to help by putting up posters in your area, maybe in a shop, a sports club, gym or any public space really well then I’d be very grateful!

There are a3 and a4 versions of the poster so if you would like some then please don’t hesitate to give me a shout and I’ll arrange to get some to you.

Thanking you in advance and wishing you all a happy 2012!!!

Thanks, Mick.

Mobile: 0866001031

Video: Garden Teams End of Year, 2011

2012-01-05T15:26:00.000Z

Video: Difference Days

2012-01-05T15:13:00.001Z

Many thanks to Difference Days for letting us use the video they made of the great day.

Inclusion Ireland Poetry Competition Prize-giving

2011-12-13T13:09:00.003Z

Big shout out to all who entered the competition, especially to the guys who won prizes. There is an article all about it in the upcoming Sunbeam Times with some of the poetry in full.

From here, it appears that Stevie is controlling the President with a vulcan mind-meld and his laser-eyes.

News from the art studio in Glenvale

2011-12-12T13:31:00.000Z

Out of a large number of entrants two of our service-users have won prizes for their art work in the credit union competition.

This is good news during these unsettled times and both service-users are delighted with their prizes.

The Festive Spirit

2011-12-06T15:05:00.001Z

This morning Killian, Tomek, Paul, Ian, Andrew, Cathy, Nicole, Rachel and Selina decided that Brí Nua needed some Christmas cheer and attacked the windows with paint and enthusiasm!!!!!

Trip to RTE

2011-12-06T13:36:00.005Z

Here are two pics showing BRI service-users who travelled to RTE studios last week. They visited the set of the Late Late Toy Show and bumped into some familiar faces.

Poetry - Inclusion Ireland

2011-12-02T13:23:00.001Z

Last night 5 of our clients were honoured in the National Library of Ireland by Inclusion Ireland. The event was the announcement of the winners of the Inclusion Ireland 50th Anniversary National Poetry Competition. There were over 600 entries from all across the country. Last night the top 12 were honoured with a beautiful desplay of their poetry in a public event. Of the twelve poems, six of the entries were from Sunbeam House Services clients. One client, John Power, had two poems in the final twelve. The other four poets in the final were Stephen Browne, James Ledwidge, Patrick Grummell and Nathan Phillips.

It is with great pleasure that I tell you that James Ledwidge came third overall, a great achievement for James who received his prize, a beautiful handmade pen, from President Michael D Higgins. I am sure that you will all join me in congratulating James, John, Patrick, Stephen and Nathan in their wonderful achievement.

I have included James's award winnning poem below.

I would also like to thank the staff of Sunbeam House Services for their support for the five fine poets and all the other artists we have in Sunbeam. Well done everyone.

I'm Thinking - by James Ledwidge

If only I could turn back time
I wish I could see the boys
That I went to boarding school with
We shared it all

Good days, playing football and smoking at the back of the school
Bad days, getting slapped,
Six of the best and facing into the corner

I'm thinking of working in our garage years ago
Checking tyres and batteries on a wet day
Always on a wet day,
Or delivering groceries on the bicycle
I miss it still

I'm thinking
I'd love to see my father again
I was only six years old when he went and died
I'm thinking I would like to remember him
But I really can't, he's gone too long

They were some of the best days of my life
Good memories.

Summer in Rosanna

2011-12-01T14:37:00.006Z

The lads from Rosanna have had a good Summer by the look of it. They took driving lessons at Mondello, met the Wexford camogie champions and witnessed the mighty Jon Bon Jovi in concert. Not bad!

Video: CQL and Friends

2011-11-30T14:52:00.003Z

At the recent CQL and Friends meeting in SHS, George Knaggs gave a talk.

One of our intrepid young reporters took this footage of his speech.

Well done Ashley.

New Wave of Transport

2011-11-28T08:39:00.002Z

Joe Tallon tests a new prototype of Sunbeam transport. You could cause yourself a mischief on one of those.

National Advocacy Conference - Galway 2011

2011-11-22T15:48:00.006Z

Myself (Sam O Connor), Georgina Alexander, Stephen Browne and Paul Downes represented Sunbeam House Services at the National Advocacy Conference at the Radisson Blu hotel Galway City.

It was a packed agenda with topics including: Independent Living, Relationships, education/ college, new directions in day services and moving to community settings. The conference really opened my eyes about people and their disabilities including myself but then who does not have a disability in this world in one form or other. The conference was a positive experience.

There was a lot of talk about the individuals opinions and their right to say yes or no. At the end of the day it is the individuals right to make their own decisions. Some individuals may need support in making some decisions that’s where the keyworker and family comes in. Don’t put words or thoughts in our minds as we may feel uncomfortable and pressurised into making the wrong decisions. The speakers explained that we will have more power to make our own decisions in the future.

It was inspiring to see what some people had achieved in their lives despite the challenges of their disability.

Sam O Connor

Four Nations Games

2011-11-22T15:17:00.000Z

Ger Flynn had a great achievement on winning gold in Four nations - Irish games in Badminton, November 19th, also silver for Derek Kelly.

Well done guys!

DCB Learn all about Diet and Food

2011-11-21T14:05:00.003Z

The guys pictured are participating in a healthy eating and nutrition / cooking course with Deirdre Walsh, Senior Community Dietician with the HSE.

Happy 50th Helen

2011-11-18T08:35:00.003Z

Helen is from Ros Mhuire and she celebrated her big day in the Arklow Bay on Saturday, 5^th November, together with lots of her friends and family.

Great Balls of Fire!!

2011-11-17T08:41:00.001Z

On Sunday night Ann Walker (from BRI canteen) performed in a “Strictly Come Dancing” competition for charity held in the Arklow Bay. Ann was up against stiff competition from 13 other couples. Ann and her partner, Robert Donnelly, who works in Arklow Post Office, took to the dance floor and wowed the audience. They even got a standing ovation. The judges gave positive feedback and all awarded 10 out of 10. Then it was the audience turn to vote…..Ann and Rob won the competition….as well as €500 for their nominated charity, Arklow Vikings Special Olympics Club.

A great night was had by clients and staff and we will be back next year. Well done Ann, some hip action!!

Garden Team Update - Oct-Nov

2011-11-15T14:43:00.007Z

This is just a quick hello from the garden team.

Up to our eyes as usual,we had the networking party for halloween, with some great costumes. We have been to mondello with a big group from SHS. We also recently did a mask making course and identified some budding painters. We are currently working on Christmas cards ( so keep an eye on your pigeon holes). Until our next post, take care and buy a pair of snow-boots.

Farewell,

The Garden Team.

Trinity College Graduates

2011-11-15T08:38:00.003Z

Yesterday was a key day in the NIID calendar as we celebrated the graduation of students on the Certificate in Contemporary Living. The evening began with a Reception in the Long Room Hub attended by graduates, family members, friends and colleagues.

During the reception John Power, NIID Graduate, was awarded the inaugural Margaret McLoughlin Art Prize for achievement in art. The prize was established by a generous gift from the McLoughlin family and was presented to John by Mrs Joan McLoughlin. Following the reception, students, family members and friends proceeded to the Public Theatre for the Graduation Ceremony.

The day has been captured in some wonderful photographs which you can view on our website HERE.

Video: The White Stripes with Signing

2011-11-14T14:13:00.001Z

Popular rock and roll outfit, The White Stripes have one of their hits re-made with sign language.

Nice vid.

Shoebox Appeal

2011-11-10T14:35:00.004Z

Tune in to east coast Fm tomorrow morning between 10.45- 12.30. Cathy Macken from Arklow will be having a short interview slot in the morning about her charity work for the Team Hope Shoebox Appeal here in SHS.

Cathy has organised this for the past three years so well done to her.

The final number is in and 105 shoeboxes have been collected!

Marina Fitzgerald.

Picture This International Film Festival

2011-11-09T16:06:00.002Z

Picture This is an International Film Festival for artists with disabilities.

Sunbeam Media has been given an honourable mention in the Education category for our video, 'Your Power, Your Vote' which was also featured on TV3 earlier in the year.

Congratulations to all those involved.

http://www.ptff.org/

VIDEO: Goals and Dreams

2011-11-08T15:39:00.003Z

This latest video from Sunbeam Media deals with the Goals and Dreams in peoples lives.

In the video, Tasha is wrestling with the problem of not knowing what to do in her life. Her friend, Aaron, comes along and helps her figure it out.

The aim of this video was, in part, to display the various goals achieved by some of our service-users but, moreover, to encourage people to think outside the box when choosing what to do in their lives.

GT Pay a Visit to the Kerlin Gallery

2011-11-08T13:25:00.002Z

Bernie, Robert, David and Ross paid a visit to the Kerlin Gallery to see the Sean Scully exhibition recently.

And the verdict? "A stroke of genius"!

The Garden Team.

Craft Fair, Arklow.

2011-11-07T15:53:00.002Z

Arklow Visual Arts would like to invite you to Sunbeam House Services and Ballyraine Christmas craft fair.

Opening evening is on the 28th November.

Venue is the Art Gallery, Main St. Arklow.

5PM - 7PM.

Refreshments and cake served. The more the merrier!

Video: You Oughta Be In Pictures

2011-10-28T14:17:00.002+01:00

The Alliance for Full Participation is seeking short videos (about two minutes long) that show and tell stories of integrated employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These can be success stories, job searches in progress, or stories about a job that didn’t work out. We are looking for videos and stories from people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; employers; direct support providers; family members; co-workers—all those who have an employment story to share.

Here, Lyn Kirby, Unit Manager in Hall Lodge narrates the story of Vanessa and Anthony as they journey on one of Tall Ships.

Gabe at the Film Festival

2011-10-25T14:19:00.004+01:00

Gabriel Phelan:

It was a most enjoyable day when we went to see our film called 'Use Plain English' at the Darklight Film Festival. It was on in Ringsend, Dublin just behind Bolands Mills.

It was great to see short movies from lots of different people around the country.

It makes you realise what you can do with even just a small camera!

Brian Manning:

Darklights premises at the Factory, Barrow Street are great. There's a really nice vibe and the hosts are most excellent.

Some of the work on display were very inspiring and one music video in particular gave me goosebumps. Gabe had a great time seeing himself up on the big screen in front of all those people.

There was also some great workshops and talks on animation and film making etc.

Another highlight was www.tog.ie which is a hackerspace of inventive minds.....they had a 3d-printer on display ,which, I'm not sure, but I think they hacked it together themselves.

Garden Team Update

2011-10-17T14:47:00.005+01:00

The Garden Team have been trying to find out as much info about the upcoming Presidential race as possible. On a recent visit to the Presidential Palace they bumped into Joan Burton T.D.

They also, made it to one of the Ireland soccer games, a European qualifier.

Up the Dubs

2011-10-17T14:40:00.003+01:00

Evelyn and Michael from 1 and 2 Sugarloaf went to see Dublin play Donegal recently. Here are some pics of the day.

Ahhh, the heady days of Summer.

Who was it that won the Sam Maguire, again? I can't remember......ah, it'll come back to me.

Accreditation 2011

2011-10-13T14:31:00.003+01:00

It is with great delight that I can inform you that SHS has succeeded in it's accreditation for Person Centred Excellence through CQL.

The award of our accreditation is not down to any one person or any one team, it is an organisational success dependant on all our staff, service users and management and reflects the daily commitment to excellence and our service-users that all staff demonstrate.

We have a very ambitious plan to deliver over the next two to three years and it will need new ways of thinking and working to make it work and to make it a reality.

We are on a path from person centred to person directed services over the coming years, this will be challenging and empowering to us all.

Video: Shoebox Appeal 2011

2011-10-13T14:20:00.002+01:00

A lovely lady named Anna from a group called Team Hope came into Sunbeam House today to give a little talk about the shoe box appeal & to highlight the difference that the donations make to the children that receive the gifts, she showed a short little DVD of last years donations.

Better Together

2011-10-05T09:11:00.001+01:00

Just a reminder to vote for us in the Better Together 2011 video competition.

You can vote one a day at the link above. Make sure and give us 5 stars for AWESOME!

http://www.bettertogether.ie/content/better-together-2011-sunbeam-house

CQL in Town

2011-10-05T09:07:00.002+01:00

The Council on Quality and Leadership are in town. Every number of years they come over and accredit us with Personal Outcomes Measures.

A lot of work and prep has gone into this process from all involved in Sunbeam. We'll know by Thursday whether or not we are accredited again.

Sunbeam Accepted into Darklight Film Festival

2011-10-05T08:59:00.002+01:00

Good news - Sunbeam has been asked to show one of our films at the Darklight Film Festival taking place this October 22nd.

The film in question is called, 'Use Plain English' and tackles the issue of literacy and how people interact with each other.

This is the first time any of our many films has been accepted to a film festival and it is a great honour.

Congratulations must go to all the people who worked so hard on the film and, indeed, on all our movies.

Visit Darklight here.

European Safety Week

2011-10-05T08:57:00.001+01:00

It is that time of year again!!

European Safety Week takes place from 24^th to 28^th October 2011 and the theme is Managing Safe Workplaces.

This week is an opportunity for you to focus on Health & Safety and organise activities to increase safety awareness in your unit. Don’t forget to tell us what you get up to during Safety Week in your entries to the “Most Active Unit” competition.

VIDEO: Better Together comp 2011

2011-09-28T14:47:00.002+01:00

In this video, Ger Murphy, our intrepid reporter, asks Anne Ferris TD an interesting question...

You can vote for our video in the Better Together Competition from Oct. 4th. You can vote once per day. Thanks for your support.

Click HERE to vote.

VIDEO: Garden Team - Respite Break - Carlingford Lough

2011-09-28T14:45:00.002+01:00

A great video with the highlights of their trip last week in Carlingford and using the adventure centre up there.

Visit to the Dail

2011-09-21T14:28:00.005+01:00

The Sunbeam House Service-User Forum was invited by Deputy Anne Ferris to visit her in the Dail and take a tour of the buildings.

After passing security, we went straight upstairs to the viewing gallery and listened to some of the T.D.'s debating which was interesting. Then the guided tour began, plenty of pretty paintings of previous leaders and lavish interiors.

Afterwards we chatted with Anne in the Dail bar and had a sneaky ~~pint~~....fizzy drink. Michael D Higgins turned up and we had a photo opportunity. A very interesting day indeed.

Garden Team - August

2011-09-19T14:04:00.006+01:00

August was another busy month in TGT, we were closed for the first week of august and on our return we had to cope with a back-log of long grass and long hedges. We did however manage to have some fun, this month we supported a new type of respite activity based on requests from service users to have time away from their homes.

Staff were on call, but the activity was planned and facilitated by the people themselves which was a big success and hopefully many more will follow. Some of the ladies showed an interest in make-up classes so we were visited by Louise Mooney a professional make up artist and we look forward to her return visit in sept.

We also joined the Delgany and district Horticultural society and showed some of our produce in the competition on Saturday past, we got 2nd and 3rd in 2 classes which was not bad at all for a first attempt. So, thats pretty much it for this month and we look forward to the months to come.

NOMnomNOMnomNOM

2011-09-16T14:34:00.003+01:00

Bray Tidy Towns are running a family fun day in the Little Flower Hall from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday 24^th September.

They are looking for cakes for their cake stand so if any service users, staff or units would like to donate a cake or something else that is baked and delicious please let me know and I promise I won’t eat them.

Some of our clients are valued volunteers with Bray Tidy Towns so it would be great if their units could support them to contribute.

Contact Mick on 0866001031.

Thanks.

POEM: 'HOPE IN OUR LIFE' by Patrick Power

2011-09-13T15:26:00.002+01:00

AS I lay on my bed
I think of the love of our life
A simple word of thanks
Can say so many things
To show how I appreciate
The Joy that someone brings
we stop and think of our loved ones in our life
We can pray for our Mother and Father
DAY BY DAY I ASK JESUS
TO COME INTO MY HEART
TO SHOW ME HIS LOVE IN MY LIFE
MAY LORD BLESS THE PEOPLE THAT READ
THE Poem

by Patrick Power

National Day of Volunteering 2011

2011-09-13T15:12:00.002+01:00

Friday the 30^th of September is National Day of Volunteering so why not celebrate 2011 European Year of Volunteering by making your mark and getting staff and service users to contribute their time and efforts to a once off project on this date. I am sure that there are a lot of causes/charities close to people’s hearts so why not engage in something fun so as to raise funds and awareness for these special causes.

Please let me know of any plans and I can get the Wicklow Volunteer Centre involved also so that we may be able to involve other members of the community and/or get some recognition for all efforts made by SHS volunteers.

Mick Teehan,

Volunteer Co-Ordinator.

086-6001031.

ART AT ELAVON

2011-09-05T13:48:00.004+01:00

Congratulations to all the artists that displayed their work last week at the art exhibition in association with Elavon.

Believe it or not, every single painting sold and a total of €600 was made.

Many thanks to all involved and thanks to Elavon for their continued support and close ties with Sunbeam House.

New Shop for Christmas in Arklow

2011-09-05T13:28:00.002+01:00

Connect are opening a Christmas shop for one week during December to display and sell any arts and crafts which our service users have worked on through the year in Connect on a self employment basis. We would welcome any other service user who has also worked on something a long these lines to come and join in.

I know its only September however this gives any other service user the chance to develop something for December should they want to get involved.

The shop is situated in Arklow and is on the main street which is a great way to promote integration and bring talented service users together with similar interests

Difference Days and Sunbeam on RTE Radio Today

2011-09-05T13:24:00.002+01:00

Following on from the fantastic work that Hostelworld.com and Difference Days did with Sunbeam last Friday, Denis O'Reilly from Difference Days will feature at 3pm on Mooney Goes Wild radio show on RTE.

Sarah Behan from SHS will also feature.

Before and After

2011-09-02T16:24:00.003+01:00

And this isn't half of the work that Hostelworld.com have done today!...

Hostelworld.com come to Sunbeam

2011-09-02T12:06:00.004+01:00

The lads and ladies from Hostelworld.com, in association with DifferenceDays.ie, are in Sunbeam right now making a whole lotta noise and building a decking area, a basketball court and preparing a room to be a gym.

Tough work and theyre doing a fantastic job. Lots of smiles. A really decent bunch of people.

More photos at the end of the day and a small video of events next week.

Video: Photo Comp 2011

2011-08-30T15:31:00.002+01:00

Well, it's been a slow month so my apologies but the Photo Competition video is finally finished.

The judges, comprising members of the public and associated organisations, will sit to judge the entries this Thursday. The winner in the service-user and staff categories will be announced shortly thereafter. The raffle for the other prizes will also take place.

Enjoy, and well done everybody, some fine photos in there.

Difference Days

2011-08-30T15:08:00.003+01:00

www.differencedays.ie are coming to Sunbeam House, Bray this Friday. What they do is to team up with a local organisation or group that need something done, e.g. a playground built, and they blitz the job in a day. Maybe it is painting a nursing home, running a funfair or planting a garden.

We here at Sunbeam are very excited and thankful to Difference-Days about the project. It should be an amazing day, let's hope the sun shines.

Stay tuned for photos and video of the day here on the blog, next week.

Dell Volunteer

2011-08-30T14:27:00.004+01:00

Many thanks to the volunteers from Dell who spent the day (yet again) with our service-users teaching things such as core computer skills. It was a great day for all.

It is fantastic to have such good relations with local, and not-so-local, businesses and organisations.

Here is the link to when they came last year.

ART EXHIBITION AT ELAVON

2011-08-22T14:58:00.004+01:00

Ballynattin Road, IDA Business park

29th of August to 2nd of Sept 2011

An exhibition of art work created by artists with

disabilities from Sunbeam houses services in Ballyraine.

If you can’t make it to our exhibition please check out our artists

painting in Ballyraine Garden centre, Vale road, Arklow.

We will be selling work on our website from September onwards.

www.sunbeam.ie

Inclusion Ireland Poetry Competition - Celebrating 50 Years - 2011

2011-08-22T08:40:00.004+01:00

Several of our guys have been selected as one of the 20 finalists from 150 entries for their poetry to be judged by some famous Irish poets on November 30^th2011. The finalist’s poems will take the form of an exhibition in the National Library of Ireland.

Stephen Browne's poem “Footprints”, John Power with his poems “Crazy man from Cork” and “Include Me” , James Ledwidge for his nostalgic poem titled ‘ I’m Thinking’ and Patrick Grummell from Ballyraine.

Well done to all. This is a fantastic achievement and Best wishes to them in the final.

Another Guess Who?

2011-08-19T09:57:00.000+01:00

Dolls and Toys in Enniskerry

2011-08-12T15:06:00.006+01:00

hi there everyone,

a few of us at the Garden Team just went up to Powerscourt House in Enniskerry to view the antique dolls houses. This is called "Tara's Palace" with old style dolls, dolls -houses and teddies dating back to the 18th Century. Many of the dolls houses were made by Irish craftsmen. Little replicas of cutlery and porcelain plates and chandeliers and even the rooms such as elegant dining rooms were all designed from grand houses of the 18th Century mansions in Ireland and England. It is definitely worth a visit and the staff couldn't be more helpful. They could do with more awareness of this great museum and the best thing of all is that the entrance fee cost all goes to charities such as the childrens charity.

Please support them by spreading the word of this invaluable museum of our antique heritage. Here are a few snap shots of beautiful olden day toys that brings us all back in time and makes us feel young at heart again!

Audrey Connolly

One Wheel, One Island, One Thousand Miles

2011-07-29T15:26:00.002+01:00

This morning the residents of Ros Mhuire cheered on a team of students cycling around Ireland to raise funds and awareness for Brain Tumour UK and Special Olympics Ireland.

Jai, on a unicycle and Seb on a bike, started out on July 6th and have done the circumference of Ireland. Today they began the last leg from Rathdrum to Rosslare and then on to a well deserved break in Wales.

They have cycled 1000 miles, raised over 1000 euro and were delighted to meet some of the athletes. The residents were very impressed by the unicycle and advised Jai to be very careful on the hills.

Please see www.onewheeloneisland.wordpress.com

Liverpool Heroes Versus Bray

2011-07-27T16:13:00.001+01:00

On Monday, July 18, Martin O’Brien (quite possibly the biggest Liverpool fan in Ireland) went to see his heroes play Bray Wanderers in a friendly match.

While the match ended in a 1-1 draw, Martin was delighted to see a great game of football and had a fantastic night.

Sunbeam is on Facebook and Twitter

2011-07-26T14:40:00.004+01:00

In case you haven't heard, Sunbeam is now on Twitter....

We are also on Facebook.

Video of the Month - 'Bladerunner' a Step Closer to the Olympics

2011-07-26T08:28:00.003+01:00

Oscar Pistorius from South Africa is very close to being eligible to run in the London Olympics in 2012. The video speaks for itself.

Graffiti

2011-07-22T14:45:00.002+01:00

Pictured is a wall in the kitchen of 'the Courtyard' which is one of our Bray units.

It is a simplified version of Sunbeam's mission statement. It is pretty and quite arresting when you see it in person. A very nice job indeed.

Film Festival

2011-07-22T08:20:00.003+01:00

HERE is the website for the Oska-Bright Film Festival in Brighton. The festival takes place every 2 years and all films shown are made by people with disabilities. In fact the whole event is organised by people with disabilities. Tickets are still available.

This year, Sunbeam entered a film at the last minute but unfortunately it was not shortlisted. Fingers crossed for next time, 2013.

Summer Networking Party

2011-07-21T10:16:00.003+01:00

We had a great time at our summer networking party. There was a competition for the best summer hat which was won by a delighted Lisa Browne. The karaoke was in full swing with Michelle Lane singing sweetly to ‘My Heart Will Go On’ that we all felt the romance of Kate Winslet swooning to Leonardo Di Caprio. Cocktail Sticks of summer fruit and cheese delights were tasty nibbles too. Timmy O’Brien was rocking to Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse rock”, even swaying the legs to the Elvis Style. Louisa Iannucci was concentrating hard on the table quiz so the pressure was intense as we all tried a hand at the questions.

Come along to the next networking party and celebrate the end of the summer season. Photos show the prizes for the singing competition, table quiz winners and the best dressed summer wear.

See you next time,

The Networking Club.

Jeff the Horse

2011-07-21T09:27:00.008+01:00

Pictured is Michael from Sunbeam (who grooms Jeff the horse each week) with Alison from the Irish Horse Welfare Trust. The top picture is Jeff when he first arrived at the Trust.

Michael loves volunteering to work with these beautiful animals and his job-coach, John, brings him up to the stables located near Woodenbridge. His job is to groom their coats and manes.

The IHWT is a registered charity doing great work with rescued horses. This involves rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing.They currently house 90 ponies and horses. Some of them arrive in a dreadful state, having suffered abuse for years but with some diligent work from the staff they regain confidence and fitness.

If you would like to sponsor a horse or perhaps volunteer to help with the animals, even one morning per week, phone 0402 30773.

Handy Help for Computer-Users.

2011-07-20T14:49:00.002+01:00

Click HERE for Enable Ireland's youtube channel all about assistive technolgies and computers.

Short, clear videos on everything for cool iPhone apps to how to make the text bigger on your computer screen.

Font for Dylexics - 'Dyslexie'

2011-07-19T11:44:00.001+01:00

'Dyslexie' is a font designed with people who have dyslexia in mind. The video says it all.

EU-OSHA Photo Competition

2011-07-15T11:15:00.004+01:00

Click HERE for details of a great photo competition which is run across Europe.

It focuses on health and safety in the workplace and there are great cash prizes up for grabs. Anyone can enter and last time around several of our service-users entered and were shortlisted.

Picture above is from Donal O'Mahony who entered this in the last competition.

Summertime in the Garden Team

2011-07-15T09:00:00.009+01:00

The Garden Team have been up to lots in june and into july. We went toCamphill to partake in some camping, we took a trip to Aras an Uachtaran, we have been back canoeing on a Thursday with Bray Youth Service and not to mention our usual friday out and about a trip to howth, being highlighted here.

We will check back in next week or the week after with some more outings and shenanigans!

The Garden Team.

Respite Break - Mulllingar

2011-07-15T08:44:00.006+01:00

It's that time of year again in the Training Centre, Bray. A group of ten service-users and three staff travelled to Westmeath in June.

We stayed for two nights and it was full of action! For some, it was their first break aay with us and they really enjoyed it.

Activities included rock-climbing, orienteering and archery.....some staff may need more practise in this area.....

We did a scavenger hunt and split up into three groups. We only had to find bog water, feathers, ten types of leaves, toothpaste, ten acorns, one pair of blue socks, one cup of lake water and a 'Y' shaped branch.

Don't we all look amazing in the bog? Fair play to all of the lads for getting stuck in, literally. No need for trips to the beauty salon, we got our mud treatments for free!

We also went to the cinema in town too and all the guys wanted to see the statue of 'Mr. Mullingar' himself Joe Dolan.

A very enjoyable experience and it comes highly recommended by all the guys in the Training Centre.

Oralith.

Funny video

2011-07-13T10:20:00.002+01:00

This is Mick laughing as David takes a tumble on the slopes in Austria.

Greenscreen test#1.

Greenscreen test#2 is here.

Triumphant Olympic Party

2011-07-12T12:02:00.006+01:00

There was a party held in honour of Paul, Amy and Stepehn, our Olympic medal-winners, in SHS, Killarney Rd, Bray last Friday.

Thanks to Allistair and the Granary staff for the excellent cake and DJ Gerry Byrne for the music.

Duathletes

2011-07-12T10:55:00.004+01:00

Here is a piece from Padraig, staff from one of our residential houses, who entered a Duathlon with Anthony, one of our service-users. Fair play to the both of them...

The duathlon took place on the 6th July. It was part of the Belpark Triathlon Club Phoenix Park duathlon summer series.

The race involved a 2.9km Run, Cycle 13km, 2.9km Run. The race included a strong field of over 200 racers including two of Ireland best Triathletes Paul Heneghan and Aaron o Donoghue.

Anthony finished the race in 59minutes.

Anthony wanted to do a race like this for sometime and trained extremely hard for it over May and June. Anthony was extremely proud of his achievement, was very popular with the organisers and fellow competitors. Hopefully this will be the first of many races.

Padraig Ruane.

Shut Up and Listen!

2011-07-07T12:09:00.002+01:00

http://www.shutupandlisten.org.uk

Touted as the only place on the radio to hear music made solely by artists with a learning disability. Worth checking out.

Blooming Good Time

2011-07-07T11:51:00.002+01:00

Heres a few pics from the fun day that was Bloomsday on June 16th.

Social Media Conference in Austria

2011-07-07T10:10:00.007+01:00

A number of countries (Ireland, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Scotland and Austria) were invited to participate in a conference in Graz, Austria on 'Using Digitial Media'.

The Atempo organisation organised the week-long conference which was funded by the Leonardo Foundation.

Neil Kelly, Sean Sheeky, Charlotte Wollohan and Rob Fortune represented Sunbeam and set off on the 19th June which was exciting as it was Sean's first ever flight. There they were met by Karl Baeck, the organiser.

The workshop was well laid-out and was based around Facebook and social networking, setting up groups, adding photos and videos( they used iPads to make videos which were very easy to use )and aspects of safety when using other sites like Skype and Twitter.

They also had a presentation from Atempo service-users on the assistive technology they use. This usually took up half the day. Then they were shown the cultured side of Graz with museum tours and cable car rides, etc. There were lovely meals laid on aswell which was great.

The whole week was interesting and instructive both service-wise and culturally. We learned so much.

A big thank you to Karl, Johann, Markus, Bettinna, Gertrude, Beate and all at Atempo including the great restaurant staff for making us feel so welcome and taking care of us.

Video - Amy on the News

2011-07-05T14:21:00.006+01:00

The excerpt of Amy Quinn and her Mum being interviewed in Greece at the acceptance of the medals for the Special Olympics.

And in the photos is Amy's triumphant return at Dublin airport.

Tall Ships Race

2011-07-04T16:31:00.003+01:00

On June 26th, one of our service-users from Arklow, embarked on the Lord Nelson Tall Ship from Dun Laoghaire and arrived on June 30th in Waterford.

The Lord Nelson is run by The Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) and also caters for people with disabilities.

Pictured is the ship arriving in time for the Tall Ships Race as part of the Waterford Festival.

Gold Medal

2011-07-04T08:27:00.001+01:00

More good news coming in from Athens...

The Irish team beat Cyprus in the soccer finals at the Special Olympics! Our very own Paul Kenny was on the winning team. More news and photos later in the week as they come in.

Special Olympians in Greece

2011-07-01T10:57:00.002+01:00

Good news coming from Athens where Amy Quinn from Sunbeam has won silver in softball at the games.

Soccer is tomorrow we believe and at least one of our guys is on the Irish team. Good luck to them.Stay tunes to the blog for photos as we get them.

50,000 Metres Run

2011-07-01T10:19:00.002+01:00

Moira Roberts, Unit Manager of Glenvale speaks about her 50K run.....

'After waking up at midnight one February I decided to run the Portumna 50k race. I usually have strange ideas at these times but this is the best. I began training hard over the next few months picking up a back injury at 20 miles of a 22 mile run. But with a bit of help, lots of swimming in the sea and many stretches I was ok again.
The training is intense and I only did 40 miles a week compared to the 70 suggested.
The morning of the race I was very nervous and was nearly crying on the way to the start. I had no idea if I had done the right thing or not and seeing all the runners I realised that I should not really be there!
Running an ultra is completely different to running any other race. As I stood on my own feeling sorry for myself a few lads came over and helped me feel at ease. There is no competition on an ultra as in the shorter races, you are only competing against yourself.
So it came to 08.00 and the rain also came down as we started on our way. I met a teacher from Gorey (small world) and we had a nice chat at the back of the field for the first 20k.
The other runners were so friendly and as we were running a 5k loop around a forest we kept meeting up. Everyone cheered everyone on and the atmosphere was wonderful. Even when the others had finished they still jumped up and down and cheered the slower runners on.
It was a day of heavy showers and many times we were wet through and then had to dry out in the sun.
I eventually finished in 5 hours and 41 minutes which is great for me as I was aiming for 6 hours and had been in hospital on a drip the previous Wednesday!
It is very addictive and I am now looking at the 39 mile Longford race next August 2012.'

Moira Roberts

Video of the Month -- June - Deaf Dancers of China

2011-06-29T08:58:00.006+01:00

Here is a link to a short video about disabled performers in China.....

and

here is a full length performance. Quite astonishing and beautiful. Tear ducts at the ready....

Tidy Town

2011-06-28T12:22:00.002+01:00

Pictured is Evelyn and other volunteers doing their bit to keep bray tidy last Saturday.

As usual, she worked like a Trojan. Thanks guys for your hard work.

Poem: Dark into Light by Patrick Power

2011-06-23T15:18:00.001+01:00

Dark into Light
A Poem by Patrick Power

When I lived in the dark
I was so full of fear
I did not know what a proper home was.

I was so depressed when I lived in a doorway
With a shadow on the wall
And evil spirits in my heart and mind.

I had some hope in my heart
I got a home in Bray
It was a happy little home

Time has moved on and things are looking up
I am learning to enjoy life again
Family friends and staff,
and my community have been good to me.

And Love has struck me in my heart
I found her in a local club.

Patrick is 37 years old and attends a day service in Bray attached to Sunbeam House Services. He has only recently started writing poetry and has already had a poem published in Frontline Magazine and on the Sunbeam blog and the Sunbeam magazine. This is something that Patrick enjoys doing very much .

Video:- Sunbeam In 60 Seconds - Sport's Instructor

2011-06-22T12:12:00.003+01:00

The latest instalment of the 'Sunbeam in 60 Seconds series'. This time we focus on our sport's department.

Many thanks to Ann-Marie and the guys for being in the video. Hope you like it.

Sinead and Daniel

2011-06-22T09:20:00.001+01:00

Recently, Sinead fulfilled a long standing goal..

She was a very lucky recipient of two tickets to see Daniel O’Donnell at RTE Donnybrook. She is a member of the Daniel O’Donnell fan club and the competition was advertised in the fan club magazine. She was delighted! The evening was part of the ‘One Night Only’ series hosted by Gay Byrne.

It began with a wine reception, then into the studio for an interview with Gaybo and then he sang some songs, told some stories and in general, wowed the crowd. Daniel’s wife and mammy were there as well and sitting right behind Sinead.

Afterwards he was out amongst the fans, shaking hands and posing for pictures.

Volunteering website

2011-06-15T15:54:00.003+01:00

http://eyv2011.ie/volunteer-stories-mary-coleman/

Here is a link to an interesting volunteering site with some volunteer stories and more.

Including a story on our own be-friending service, Friends In Deed.

Leave No Trace

2011-06-15T14:53:00.004+01:00

Leave no trace is the motto of many a camper/hill-walker. That is exactly what the Garden Team did when they teamed up with Bray Youth Service on a recent activity night.

Here's the Poster

2011-06-15T14:47:00.002+01:00

Photo Comp 2011 in full effect. Full details on the poster above. The theme is 'Movement'.

Top prize in the service-user category is a digital camera. In the staff category we have an iPhone docking station. Other prizes in a raffle.

Perhaps if you're a parent or even a member of the public and you have a good photo of movement, send it on in. If there is a lot of interest out there we could make a public category in the future....

Photo Comp 2011

2011-06-03T11:01:00.002+01:00

I am pleased to announce the Photo Competition for 2011 under away.

This years theme is 'MOVEMENT'.

As usual, it is open to both service-users and staff.

Will be in touch to announce further details of how to enter next week.

Heres a reminder of the winner last year in the photo above!

Dream Come True

2011-06-02T14:11:00.008+01:00

My dream for my 40th birthday was to swim with dolphins in Florida.

Myself and my husband Stephen went there on holidays for 2 weeks in March.
Both of us swam with Capricorn and Madicene the dolphins.
It was a great experience for my 40th.

Lisa.

Garden Team kept busy

2011-06-01T15:30:00.011+01:00

This is a snapshot of some activities the Garden Team have been up to the past couple months.

It's coming into the nice weather now so although we are busy doing our best to keep the grass down, we still have time to do other things.

We have been lucky to get to some events in the O2 and the Dogs Trust again to visit our friends there.

For the few Royal watchers, we enjoyed a BBQ on the day that William married Kate.

We had 2 members of an Garda Siochana in to give a chat on drug awareness which was a huge success and many of the service-users had questions answered and we all benefitted greatly in a wider context. It is good to know our local law enforcement are on the case.

Our calendar is filling up with activities and work to get done but we will send more pics in soon.

All the best,

The Garden Team.

J-Lo

2011-05-30T09:36:00.004+01:00

None other than Johnny Logan appeared in the Granary Canteen last week!

Some say he was waiting to go on air on East Coast FM, next door to SHS, but I think he came to see us.

Here's hoping more celebs pop in.

Guess Who?

2011-05-30T08:53:00.002+01:00

Happy birthday to you

happy birthd..........you get where we're going with this.....

Competition to guess who the subject of this photograph is:

Wry smile, glint of mischief in his eye-this can be but one man!

Prize is a months free IT support.

Another Rocker

2011-05-27T15:26:00.002+01:00

Levi wonders how on earth he ended up in this situation!

But he is in trusted hands with Nathan and Dan F. on the ropes.

Last Tuesday at Dalkey Quarry.

Community Garden Project

2011-05-26T16:11:00.007+01:00

On May 26th, there was a ceremony to donate Bri-Nua, an old boat turned plantpot, to a local community garden.

There was a good turnout in Arklow despite the rain and wind as the guys who worked on the project gave it a new home. Judging from the photos it looked like it was fun to work on it. Turning something old and broken into something new and usable.

Well done to everyone involved.

Photos:Neil K.

Charlotte W.

Finnbees public coffee shop now open in Sunbeam!

2011-05-26T09:06:00.003+01:00

A warm welcome is due to member's of the public as Finnbees coffee shop in Sunbeam is now open to the community.

Finnbees owner, Paul Finnegan, has long run the Granary canteen in Sunbeam House, Killarney Road but has expanded the operation into a fully fledged Finnbees cafe.

Sporting Heroes

2011-05-26T09:02:00.002+01:00

Maybe you've seen he ad campaign for the Special Olympics around and had to look twice....that's because two guys from Sunbeam are front and centre.

Pictured is Stephen and Amy mimicking their poster on the street.

Conor O Reilly – Shotputter

2011-05-26T08:56:00.004+01:00

Ballyraine Garden Centre service user Conor O'Reilly talks the talk but boy he walks

the walk.

He talks a lot about the shot put and he has every reason to. He is the current

Wicklow senior champion and has been for the past 4 years. He is also the proud

holder of 3 consecutive silver medals in the Leinster championships and he is ranked

9th in Ireland.

Oh, and, by the way, he is also the current County Wicklow Senior Discus Champion

but he doesn’t like to talk about that!!

Hangin' with Queeny

2011-05-17T16:21:00.003+01:00

It appears Michael from the Garden Team betrayed his English roots when the Queen popped over to Dublin today.

He was all..." your majesty....." this and " your highness...." that.

They say she looks smaller in real life apparently.

Job Shadow 2011

2011-05-16T09:54:00.004+01:00

It's the time of year for the Job Shadow Initiative.

The Bray People covered the story this week with an excellent 2-page spread on the topic.Make sure to grab a copy before it's gone.

Pictured is Rosie who got stuck in at the stables at Lookout-Equestrian in Coolgreany, Co. Wexford.