needs of the Homeless

Simon Community Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke Association are co-ordinating the Energise programme,  a project aimed at those living in Simon Community projects situated within the Eastern Health and Social Services Board Area.

The project is designed and tailored to the individual needs of the residents and will take an innovative and proactive approach to their health needs.  The programme ensures those who are homeless have the right opportunity to access health care services relevant to their needs, promotes the need to have health checks which can identify risk factors and works with a wide range of health professionals to provide a holistic service.  Some initiatives to date have included: themed cookery workshops, cancer awareness, smoking and alcohol information, exercise and stress management. 

Contact Debbie Hunniford, Project Development Co-Ordinator for further details; Tel - 9032 0184.

Sexual Health Programme

Simon Community in partnership with the Family Planning Association have established a personal development sexual health programme for young people, under the age of 25, who are homeless.  The programme was set up in September 2003 and will run for three years.

The aim of the programme is to enhance young people's self-awareness and self-esteem and to develop their confidence and personal skills to enable them to make informed decisions about their personal and sexual lives.

For further information contact the Young Persons Co-ordinator – Tel: 9023 2882;

E-mail: youthcoordinator@simoncommunity.org

Belfast Forum Theatre

This programme is aimed at enhancing the employment prospects of young people aged 17-25.  It will allow young people to deal with those issues that are affecting their self-worth and ability to cope adequately with life events. The project takes an innovative approach where participants seek realistic solutions to real life problems through participation in Forum Theatre.

Simon Community and Belfast GEMS will carry out follow-up work with each participant, which will include one-to-one interviews, job search activities; telephone technique; CV writing; interview technique and training in basic skills.

The project will seek not only to reintegrate young people into education and employment but also give them the skills necessary to cope in the longer term.