Here at National College of Ireland, we are proud to share that we will be participating in the SPARK'S Creative Family Fun Day for Neurodivergent Families!
On Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, you are invited to enjoy a day of creativity and community at the SPARK Creative Family Fun Day, specifically designed for neurodivergent families! This exciting event is free to attend and will take place from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast.
This joyous day offers a range of activities for all ages. Children can participate in interactive art and drum sessions led by professionals, while parents have the chance to connect, expand their networks, and access valuable resources. The aim of this event is to bring people together.
Alongside all the fun, there will be several informational stalls at the event. Charities, organisations, and SPARK members will provide information and services surrounding neurodiversity. It is an excellent opportunity for people to discover more about support they may need, and a chance to connect with other people. Building a support system can be challenging, so events like these give people the opportunity to broaden their network. This event is brought to you by SPARK, in partnership with Arts Care, and made possible thanks to the Bank of Ideas Belfast 2024 fund.
Attendees Can Look Forward To…
- Interactive Drum Workshops - To promote sensory stimulation and regulation through rhythmic patterns, which can be calming and grounding. Drumming also enhances motor skills and coordination. Drumming is a powerful non-verbal outlet for emotional expression and communication, making it an inclusive and therapeutic activity for neurodivergent individuals.
- Engaging Art Activities
- Storytelling - Storytelling sessions provide a structured yet flexible environment that enhances imagination and creativity while promoting social interaction and communication skills. Storytelling sessions offer a safe space where children can express themselves, improve their listening abilities, and build empathy by engaging with diverse characters and scenarios. Storytelling also supports cognitive development by improving attention, memory, and language skills. It is a powerful tool for learning and personal growth.
- Face Painting
- Numerous Stalls with Information and Services
- Networking Opportunities for Parents
- Showcasing Talents and Sharing Information
Don't miss this fantastic, free event. Come and have a wonderful day and celebrate and support our neurodivergent community. Mark your calendars and join us for a memorable day of creativity and connection!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, 3rd August 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast
Admission: Free
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Dr April Hargreaves of National College of Ireland will attend this event. Dr Hargreaves will exhibit on "Bringing Neurodivergent Research to the Masses." Accessible information will be available to all, explaining some of the recent findings in neurodivergent research. Opportunities will also exist to discuss neurodivergent research more broadly, including what gaps still exist, and the current strengths and weaknesses in the field.
Dr April Hargreaves is the co-founder of SAMI Lab at National College of Ireland. A big problem for many people experiencing mental health conditions is stigma. For example, negative attitudes and behaviours towards people experiencing mental health conditions can affect employment, access to accommodation, and the emotional impact of stigma can be a profound source of suffering. In 2021, the pilot study ‘Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours towards schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism’ was published in the Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine. This study examined mental health stigma in over 300 people across Ireland.
At NCI, a new laboratory was established to build on this research: the Stigma and Mental health Ireland (SAMI) laboratory, directed by Dr April Hargreaves, Dr David Mothersill, and Dr Gerard Loughnane. SAMI has received generous funding from Esther Ireland to carry out further stigma research in a population-representative sample of 1,000 participants in Ireland and is partnering with The Carter Centre to repeat this research in a further 1,000 participants in Liberia, to compare mental health stigma between Europe and Africa. Ultimately, it is intended that this research will provide key data for Government policies and campaigns targeting mental health stigma.
Read More About SAMI at NCI
As a neurodivergent-friendly college, National College of Ireland is delighted to be part of this SPARK event. As well as ongoing academic research, the College produces an Autism Acceptance Festival each year in collaboration with other AsIAm Autism Friendly Higher Education Institutions. Details about our next Festival will be announced soon!
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