Welcome to Strides Day Opportunities Service
About Us
Strides Day Opportunities Service are committed to providing a focused service for young people with additional needs; aged between 18-30 in the North Down & Ards area. Having worked in a Special School for the past fourteen years we have invaluable experience and also gained real insight into the difficult choices that parents face in the transition to adult services for their son or daughter. There is an ongoing lack of appropriate services available, and this leads to worry and uncertainty as to what choice should be made post school for young adults.
Our aim is to provide opportunities for those young adults who would be deemed as not suitable for a traditional day centre, but at a stage where they could build and develop their potential to work towards supported employment.
We are confident in our ability to bring a structured and meaningful program to each young adult who attends. This person focussed approach will empower them to learn, develop socially and grow as they access a range of services and opportunities that we have established across the North Down& Ards area.
This in turn will maximise the young person’s individual strengths and interests to equip them with the skills to achieve their full potential, to have enriched and fulfilled lives, through being active contributors and valued members of their local community.
Directors:
Robert McGowan & Dan McCracken
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a fulfilling post school placement for 8-10 young adults, this can be tailored to suit the individual’s needs, tapping into what interests and motivates them. We believe that this smaller group setting will help develop personal growth, build confidence, and encourage the young adults.
We will focus on five key areas
Physical Health and Wellbeing
Weekly gym/swimming sessions, Art & Music group sessions
Community Involvement
Volunteering at local community initiatives
Weekly Work Experience Opportunities
Established by developing strong links in the local community
Life Skills
Travel training, independent living skills, communication skills
Recreational Activities
Bushcraft skills through Forest Schools N.I, nature walks, skill building activities at N.I Scout Centre, Horticulture at local allotment, day trips, career visits
Decisive Steps In The Right Direction
Upholding Core Values for Empowerment and Inclusion
Fostering Integrity, Empowerment, and Social Inclusion in our Service
Integrity
Integrity is fundamental to our service. Upholding honesty, accountability, reliability, and transparency daily, we ensure the highest standards, fostering trust and confidence in our commitment to serving with integrity.
Empowerment
Our focus is on nurturing young adults to enhance their confidence and readiness in decision-making and task completion, equipping them with vital skills for success in both personal and professional endeavors.
Social Inclusion
We are committed to integrating our young adults into the community; where they can be active through local initiatives, food bank support and liaising with Nursing Homes and schools.
Our Gallery
Testimonials
Opening Hours
We are able to offer our participants the benefit of door-to-door transport within the North Down & Ards area.
Transport runs during the following times: 8am to 9am / 3pm to 4pm.
A flat rate is charged for this service.