Ballymena’s Linda Gillen is loving life with support from Northern Trust’s Day Opportunities team

Day Opportunities service user, Linda Gillen, from Ballymena.

“It’s fantastic, Linda has come on so well. She has always been a happy wee soul but now she is blooming. She is up every morning, excited about the day ahead.”

It’s now almost a year since Linda Gillen from Ballymena was first introduced to the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Day Opportunities team.

Since leaving school, Linda had spent most of her time at home with her family. But with their support and encouragement, she decided it was time to try something new and see what else the world could offer to her, and what she could offer the world.

As Day Opportunities celebrates its 20th anniversary of providing ‘opportunities for all’ in the Northern Trust, Linda’s story showcases the enduring difference it can make to people’s lives.

Recalling her initial home visit, where she met Linda and her sister Sandra for the first time, Day Opportunities Team Leader Danielle Dempsey, said:

“I remember Linda just had such a zest for life. She had spent her time since leaving school at home with her family and was so excited to try new things.

“Sandra is so supportive and her family’s goal was to ensure Linda could live life to the fullest, with meaning and purpose. Sandra felt there was so much Linda would be able to do but she hadn’t had the experience before, and that’s where we were able to help.”

Before long, Linda had registered for community transport and enrolled with the Northern Regional College in Ballymena.

From here, Day Opportunities Co-ordinator Danielle Murray introduced Linda and her family to Harmony Studio social enterprise (formerly Alternative Angles) as part of the Trust’s partnership with Triangle Housing Association Ltd, and The Base in Ballymena through the Trust’s partnership with CAN – Compass Advocacy Network Ltd.

Excited at the prospect of both, Linda started at The Base in October last year, followed by Harmony Studio in November, and her ultimate goal now is to get a job in a café or bakery setting.

Linda said:

“I like getting out. Everyone is friendly and they make me feel welcome. If I’m worried I can just ask someone for. Danielle (Murray) is good. She rings me and comes to see me to make sure I am okay. She is kind.”

Danielle added:

“Linda wasn’t 100% sure about her long term goals at the beginning, but we agreed that giving Harmony Studio a trial, and getting feedback from the staff, would help to support us with this planning and now she has a clear idea of what she would like to do.”

Commenting on Linda’s progress over the past number of months, Triangle Housing Association’s Social Enterprise Worker, Robin Cairns, said:

“Linda settled into Harmony Studio very quickly and impressed both staff and her peers. Her attention to detail was excellent, and her motivation to complete her work activities to a very high standard was fantastic.

“As she progressed within the service her confidence and self-esteem vastly improved, she is able to express herself and voice her own choices about what she likes to participate in at the studio.

“Linda is a very good team player, and will participate in all of the activities and always likes to get involved with new activities and contracts. She has reached an excellent standard, and we have recommended her to the next stage of her progression, as she would like to go into employment.”

At the Base in Ballymena, Linda is able to meet with friends and try new things. She quickly transitioned from staff support to going out with peers independently which has been a huge milestone, one that Sandra had every faith she would reach.

Staff at CAN added:

“Linda settled wonderfully, and very quickly, into the Base and it has been lovely to see her flourish in relation to her independence and building of friendship networks.”

Reflecting on the positive impact of the Day Opportunities service, Sandra said:

“It’s been fantastic. Linda has come on so well, she has always been a happy wee soul but now she is blooming. She is up every morning excited about the day ahead.

“Anyone thinking about Day Opportunities – do it! There is nothing to lose and so much to gain in the quality of life. Our entire family are so happy and see how positive the changes have been for Linda.”

Those who know Linda will agree that she radiates kindness and her smile offers a first glimpse of the person that she is within.

Danielle Dempsey added:

“Linda is a pleasure to work with, and all of us in Day Opportunities know that she has a bright future ahead of her. Linda is proof that positive change can come at any time in life, and it’s always possible to gain independence and new skills.

“Sandra and the whole family continue to champion Linda. They encourage her to try new things, they look after her health and wellbeing in every possible way, and they ensure her life is full of experience and adventures, whether this is about day-to-day skills or going to new places on holidays.

“We are so pleased to be able to support them as part of this, and to see the difference that providing opportunities for all can make.”