February 2021

Partnership Renewal

We are excited to announce the renewal of our partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland for a further two years. Down Syndrome Ireland are a vital organisation that is dedicated to being the primary source of information and support to people with Down syndrome, their families and the professional community. They work towards an improved quality of life for their members along with respect and acceptance of people with Down syndrome as valued members of society. The support they provide to individuals and families with Down Syndrome is immeasurable and we are delighted to continue our journey with them.

Ability Online for Adults Aged 29+

To mark the beginning of our own renewed partnership we are also thrilled to announce that we will be helping launch the Ability Programme for adults 29+ by way of a national fundraising campaign. The Ability Programme 29+ is a 10-week online course that will provide much needed support to, often overlooked, older adults with Down syndrome who have been left more isolated with significant job losses and limited options to engage with further education and other life activities due to COVID 19.

The first €10,000 raised by MACE Retailers has allowed Down Syndrome Ireland to set up and deliver the first 10-week online course beginning February 15th, with every €5,000 raised thereafter funding an additional course. If you would like to help support Down Syndrome Ireland and the Ability Programme 29+ keep an eye out for charity boxes in your local MACE store and donate what you can, or by purchasing selected MACE own brand items as a contribution from the sale goes to Down Syndrome Ireland.

How the Programme Supports Students

Throughout the course students will be supported by an online Adult Education teacher and will have the opportunity to interact with other adults on the course via Zoom, focusing on connecting with others, developing new friendships. The students study ten modules which cover a broad range of topics including:

  • How to live and work with Covid-19
  • Mental Well Being and Resilience
  • Writing skills – postcards and letters
  • Politics and Me and Independence
  • Decision Making and Life Goals

The students also take part in a coffee club call each week, which allows for social interaction and to build and maintain friendships.

How to sign-up

For more information, please contact Lisa Martin, Head of Adult Education by email at lisamartin@downsyndrome.ie  or Aoife Gaffney, Head of Employment by email at aoife@downsyndrome.ie.

You can also download this PDF which has further information about the Ability Online for adults aged 29+.