Events (Catalyst)

Horse riding

On Friday 1st March, 2019 we tried something really different for us at Gransha Equestrian Centre through the Catalyst Personal Youth Development Programme. Not only did we visit the horses in their stables and fed them but we were then assigned a horse. each. Members of staff taught us how to walk the horses correctly, trot, stop/start and steer the horses round their training area. After our lesson we retreated back to the centre for a light lunch and some drinks to reflect on everything we learnt and our therapeutic day out. 

Baby massage 

On Monday 11th March we got involved in a baby massage taster workshop run by Tracy from KWC Ladybird Childcare. This workshop explained how massage can not only relax our babies but ourselves too, during stressful times. Using therapy, music and oils we carried out various massage techniques from the toes all the way to the face. Tracy explained how particular movements can help with babies digestion, growing pains and colic. All  participants were given oils and step by step guides to take away so they could practice this lovely experience at home with their babies.  

Employability, CV building and interview skills workshop 

 An Employability, CV building and Interview skills workshop was carried out on a tuesday morning for 3 weeks to assist our participants interested in building their CVs. Throughout this they learnt various interview techniques such as how to prepare, what to wear and key words to use to impress an interview panel. Professional CVs were created in our computer suite and emailed to the participants so they could adjust or update at anytime. In house certificates were issued on completion. 

Bowling at the S S E Arena Belfast

A recent trip for 10 pin bowling was organised as part of a team building exercise for the Catalyst youth project. The intention was to "gel" as a group outside of the centre environment and show just how competitive we can be, in addition to indirectly getting some exercise.  We'll not say which team won!  Over a bite of lunch, we discussed ideas for additional days out.  

Surfing (not the internet)

Overcoming fears and challenges is a huge part of the programme. As we relationship build with the participants some have expressed a fear of not being able to swim and/or being afraid of the sea. In May, we tackled those fears head on during a surfing trip to Portrush. Under the instruction of professional instructors, we learned how to ride the waves. The participants finished the two hour lesson with a huge buzz after learning new skills and over coming fears of the water. It was a really enjoyable day out but so beneficial too. 

Escape rooms and We are Vertigo

Day trips have also been on the agenda where the team got to build relationships with each other whilst trying new things . These trips are essential to build confidence and over come isolation issues that some may experience due to being out of work and employment. 

Accredited courses 

During the month of June 2019, 'level 2' of the programme commenced and we started into our accredited courses. Examples of these are Level 2 Food Hygiene and Level 1 Volunteering, Equality and Diversity. Participating in these course are excellent to add to our service users CVs which hopefully will enhance their chances of employment in the future. We will also look into literacy and numeracy skills where necessary to help with life and work.