Mayor Cllr Brendan Stevenson pictured on her fact-finding trip.
Mayor of Derry, Cllr Brenda Stevenson, has returned to the city after accompanying one of her chosen charities on a fact-finding trip geared towards sourcing new opportunities for local people living with learning disabilities.
Cllr Stevenson travelled to London with members of local group Something Special, as they visited two organisations known for best practice in Britain – KASBAH, and the Orpheus Centre, a special centre which promotes learning and development through the arts, founded by Sir Richard Stilgoe.
Sir Richard also visited the city last year to take part in a number of musical workshops with local children as part of the City of Culture’s SEND programme.
Something Special is one of two charities being supported by the Mayor throughout the year and the group provides creative learning opportunities for people living with the everyday challenges of a learning disability, as well as a wide programme of social activities.
The second charity, Circle of Support for Autism Families, provides a vital network of support and information for families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The group will also benefit from a wide range of fundraising opportunities and profile moments until May next year.
Cllr Stevenson said the trip was a “fantastic opportunity” to see for herself the “wonderful work” being achieved by “exemplary organisations” such as the Orpheus Centre and KASBAH.
She added:”It has been inspirational to see the many wonderful initiatives and programmes which can now inform and influence the fantastic work which is already being done by Something Special locally.
“This was a great opportunity to forge strong links with a network of organisations who can offer support and advice which will prove invaluable in identifying new opportunities for people with learning disabilities in Derry.”
