My job involves developing opportunities for people with all disabilities to engage in physical activity. I have been working in partnership with The Beeches Resource Centre, Aghalee for over 9 years. During this time, The Beeches has been very receptive to engaging in all types of physical activity. For example in the last 3 years a number of the trainees have been walking on a regular basis with the Step by Step Walking Programme, using step counters and accessible recording booklets. In 2016 nine of the walkers completed Assistant Walk Leader Training. In March 2018 eight of them completed an Introduction to First Aid. Four trainees have also been trained as Boccia leaders. This is also evidence of The Beeches’ commitment to training opportunities for the trainees.

Yet perhaps the most important feature of The Beeches is the warm, welcoming, happy atmosphere where everyone is equal and feels at home – including visitors like me. My involvement with The Beeches’ trainees, staff and management has been a privilege and a joy.