We are a group of young people aged from 13 upward who like to meet together at our Club. People say we have special needs. Our needs are the same as all young people. We like to be together to talk, make friends and have fun. In our club we can do this every week. We have volunteers and some coaches to help us and sometimes we go out in a group to play bowling or to the cinema or a show.
Our parents must bring us to our Club and collect us. We learn some simple rules and know that we should respect each other and the people that are with us. We are so happy to be together.
Our History
The Rainbow 13+ Arch Club has been in existence since August, 2007. The idea of setting up the club stemmed from discussions among parents whose children were members of the Junior Arch Club. As the children were outgrowing the junior club, parents realised that there was nowhere for them to move on to, and a small group of these parents got together and set up the Rainbow 13+ Arch Club. Our club is affiliated to Foroige and the National Federation of Arch Clubs. We rely on them for help and advice in matters relating to the club and they help us to be compliant with regulations.
Teenagers with an intellectual disability have very few social outlets and opportunities to meet and make friends. They can become socially isolated especially in adolescence as their siblings and other friends move on. There are very few clubs available that can meet the specific needs of these teenagers. While most youth clubs are open to all teenagers, young people with an intellectual disability often experience difficulty keeping up to the same level of participation and involvement as their non-disabled peers. Making and sustaining friendships can be difficult and painful, and can at times affect how a young person perceives and values themselves. Teenagers with learning disabilities are no different – they also need their own friends and leisure activities. However teenagers with learning disabilities often experience added difficulties in making and keeping friends. Four years ago group of parents of young teenagers with learning disabilities began to look at how they could help their children build sustainable long-term friendships, in a safe and supportive environment. The club is also a source of information and support to parents/carers where they can meet and share experiences.
The Club has a strong emphasis on social interaction, equality, participation and above all friendship. Our programmmes aim to continuously explore new skills and activities including drama, dance, music workshops, aerobics, crafts, games, table tennis, cinema nights, swimming, cookery, games and more. Through these activities we hope our members will make friends and gain the social skills needed to enjoy life to the full, and thereby avoid the isolation and stigma often felt by young people with special needs.
We currently have both a constitution and child protection policy. We expect that both of these documents will be amended and tailored over the coming months and years to suit our specific needs.
Who are the members?
Everyone who is at the Club, with the exception of Contracted Coaches/Teachers, are members and all will hold a membership card. The Club operates solely in the interest of the young people and they are the heart and focus of everything we do. This means that there is an ongoing need for volunteers and trainers.
Parents and guardians and volunteers are honorary members. They must attend Child Protection Training which is organised for them by the committee and all adults involved with the club must be obtain garda clearance.
Who runs the club?
The Club is run by a committee of parents who, with the help of volunteers, coordinate and run events. The committee is also responsible for ensuring that policies and procedures are in place and that all members are aware of terms and conditions of membership. The committee is also responsible for grant applications and fundraising events. The committee are elected annually at an AGM andwe hope to keep the Club vibrant through input from new committee members from year to year.
RAINBOW 13+ ARCH CLUB
We are a group of young people aged from 13 upward who like to meet together at our Club. People say we have special needs. Our needs are the same as all young people. We like to be together to talk, make friends and have fun. In out club we can do this every week. We have volunteers and some coaches to help us and sometimes we go out in a group to play bowling or to the cinema or a show.
Our parents must bring us to our Club and collect us. We learn some simple rules and know that we should respect each other and the people that are with us. We are so happy to be together.
HISTORY:
The Rainbow 13+ Arch Club has been in existence since August, 20. The idea of setting up the club stemmed from discussions among parents whose children were members of the Junior Arch Club. As the children were outgrowing the junior club parents realised that there was nowhere for them to move on to, and a small group of these parents got together and set up the Rainbow 13+ Arch Club. Our club is affiliated to Foroige and the Arch Club Federation. We rely on them for help and advice in all matters relating to the club and they help us to be compliant with regulations. We also associate with BRYR (Ballymun Regional Youth Resource), who keep us updated regarding course in youth work etc.
We currently have both a constitution and draft child protection policy. We expect that both of these documents will be amended and tailored over the coming months and years to suit our specific needs.
WHO ARE THE MEMBERS:
Everyone who is at the Club, with the exception of Contracted Coaches, are members and all will hold a membership card. The Club operates solely in the interest of the young people and they are the heart and focus of everything we do. This means that there is an ongoing need for volunteers and trainers.
Parents and guardians and volunteers are honorary members. All senior members must attend Child Protection Course which is organised for them by the committee and all senior members must be garda vetted.
WHO RUNS THE CLUB:
The Club is run by a committee of parents who, with the help of volunteers, coordinate and run events. The committee is also responsible for ensuring that policies and procedures are in place and that all members are aware of terms and conditions of membership. The committee is also responsible for grant applications and fundraising events. The committee are elected annually at an AGM and would hope to keep the Club vibrant through input from new committee members from year to year.
