§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to improve(a) respite and (b) social activity provision for young people with special needs in (i) Larne, Carrick, Newtownabbey and Ballyclare and (ii) the rest of the Northern Board area. [187449]
§ Angela SmithHomefirst Trust has established a team to manage the transition of young people to adult services using a community development approach to day care support services, which also includes social activities. Supported employment services for school leavers have been developed in Ballymoney, Antrim, Ballymena and Cookstown.
Funding has been secured from the Big Lottery to appoint a Project Worker to develop mainstream social activities for children and young people with disabilities in leisure centres in Larne, Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey and Ballyclare. An evaluation of this project will inform future planning priorities.
The Board is in the process of developing a family support strategy, which includes children with disabilities and their families. A wide-ranging consultation with parents, children and service providers has been completed. The strategy will identify gaps and shortfalls in services and will inform future planning priorities.