Official launch of Sligo CTC Blog

Michael Glennon (Chairperson Sligo CTC) officially launched the Sligo CTC  blog last Thursday

Christmas Party

Wishing all the staff and trainees a very Happy Christmas.  See you after the holidays.

Cyberbullying Information Day

Pictured above trainees attending the Cyberbullying information stand

Stand Up LGBT Awareness

Pictured above activities organised for LGBT Stand Up Week - petition, shoelaces, bracelets, discussions etc

Baking for Stand Up Week

Pictured above, Denyse and the catering trainees doing some colourful baking for LGBT Awareness. 

Globe House Christmas gifts

Thanks to all the trainees who took part in the shoebox appeal for Globe house.  31 gifts in total for this very worthwhile cause!!

Stand up week - Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying poster created and designed by IT trainees at Sligo CTC

Stand up week - LGBT

A series of murals have been displayed around the centre in support of LGBT young people.

Here is one at the main foyer at Sligo CTC

Christmas Cakes

Denise and the catering trainees were making and decorating their Christmas cakes yesterday with sugar craft holly and Christmas trees. They looked absolutely fabulous.

Christmas Cakes

Girls Active - Week Seven - Swimming

Last Wednesday, some of the girls went swimming in the Sports Complex.  It was great fun and something different. We are in week seven of the Girls Active program and it is proving to be very successful. We have tried out a lot of different activities and our fitness is improving.

Christmas Baking

Christmas baking in the kitchen today

Internet Safety: Acceptable Use Policy

An Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is a document which addresses all rights, privileges, responsibilities and sanctions associated with the internet. (Webwise.ie). Management and staff in conjunction with trainees are currently drawing up an AUP for Sligo CTC. A draft of the policy is currently available and will be circulated to staff and trainees. The policy will be implemented over the coming months.

Stand Up to bullying week

Girls Active - Week Six - Circuits

Last week the girls tried out circuits in the Sports Complex with their trainer Aileen. Circuits is a bunch of different types of physical activities, done in short amounts of time, usually no more than a minute per activity. Some of the activities included kettle bells, and using a mat for sit-ups and push-ups. The girls enjoyed the activity and expressed an interest in doing this again.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the centre

Trainees putting up the Christmas decorations in the centre 

Sligo CTC vs Mullingar CTC

Mullingar CTC visited the centre on Thursday 26th November. They played a friendly match against Sligo CTC in the showgrounds. It was a very enjoyable match and it ended up with a score of 8 - 8. We hope to go up to Mullingar after Christmas for another game.

Sligo CTC vs Mullingar CTC

Girls Active - Week Five - Basketball

This week we played Basketball again. It was a big hit with the girls last week, and out trainer Chris was good fun. This time we tried different drills than last week and we got a much longer game of basketball, which the girls really enjoyed. 

Basketball

Globe House Christmas Shoebox Appeal

Sharon Tuohy from SVP visited the centre on Tuesday to give a talk about Globe House.
Globe House is an asylum centre located on Chapel Hill in Sligo town. There are approximately 250 people and 36 being children from all around the world living in Globe House. The trainees have decided to do a shoebox appeal in conjunction with the IT students who have already done a fundraiser. Each trainee will get a box and €10 to buy gifts for the children for Christmas morning. Thanks to all the trainees who are going to participate for this worthwhile cause.

Girls Active - Week Four - Basketball

This week we tried basketball in the Sligo Sports Complex. Our trainer was very good and showed us a lot of great drills. All of the girls took part and we all had great fun. We are very interested in doing basketball again.  

Basketball

Girls Active - Week Three - Walking

Last week we decided to go for a walk around the Garavogue River. We are very lucky to have a long walkway that has many beautiful views that runs along the river right next to the centre. The sun came out for a time as well, so it made the walk all the more better. All the girls enjoyed the walk.  

Seven Bridges

Work Experience Module

My name is Andrew and I am doing the Computer course in the centre. I recently completed the Work Experience module with Janell.  The purpose of this module is to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies to perform effectively within a working environment. This module begins with preparation for work experience.  I started the personal profile by identifying my personal details, qualities, education and qualifications, interests and career ambitions.  I developed a Curriculum Vitae and cover letter.  As part of this module I had to complete 5 days work experience and I choose Sligo Supply Centre as it suited my interests.   From this placement I gained knowledge and experience in file management, market research, data entry along with going out on deliveries and working in a team environment.

In summary I found this module interesting and it gave me an opportunity to get a work placement, as I had no previous employment it was great to have on my CV.  I am currently still attending 2 days work placement as I really get a sense of accomplishment and purpose from it.  This module also gave me the opportunity to look at possible future training to progress my learning and career.  It helped me decide that I would like a future career in software development.   I would recommend to anyone interested in starting a course in Sligo CTC to take the opportunity of doing the work experience module.

Foggy morning along the Garavogue

Photos taken by Janell along the Garavogue River on a winter's morning

Arts & Crafts - Drawing and Painting

Trainees drawing and painting work in Art class

Sligo CTC football match

Sligo CTC were playing South West College Enniskillen in a friendly football match yesterday. Unfortunately while it didn't go our way, well done to all the lads involved and Courtney for a great game!

SLIGO CTC TEAM PHOTO

GAME PHOTOS

Road Safety Authority Visit

Louise from the Road Safety Authority visited the centre last Tuesday to talk to trainees about road safety awareness. She showed trainees videos that were very informative on the following:

• Road traffic accidents
• Wearing your seat-belt while driving
• Driver distraction - using your mobile phone while driving
• Drug and drink driving

For more information go to Road Safety

Arts & Crafts - 3D Mask Work

Trainees working on 3D mask work in Art class

Girls Active - Week Two - Soccer

On Wednesday 4th November we had our Girls Active workout session in the Astro pitch in Doorly Park. This week we tried out Soccer skills.  The girls really enjoyed the soccer and there was great teamwork involved. We had good fun and are very interested in doing this activity again. 

Soccer Skills

Girls Active - Week One - Rebound Class

On Wednesday the 28th October 2015 we started our Girls Active program with our trainer Aileen in Strandhill.  This week we tried out Rebound and Spinning activities. The girls took part and enjoyed the workout.

Spinning and Rebound Class

Baking with catering trainees

 The catering trainees often bake during the morning, below are some of the fabulous cakes and biscuits that the trainees baked today.

Comhairle na nÓg

Comhairle na nÓg are youth councils in the 34 local authorities of the country, which give young people the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies.

Six of the Sligo CTC trainees are attending the Sligo Comhairle na nÓg Annual General Meeting in the Radisson Hotel today Wednesday October 14th.  This forum will allow young people to discuss issues relevant to them in their local community.

For more information about Comhairle na nÓg click Here

Final day of Green Gym fitness classes

The Green Gym fitness classes have now finished.  Trainees and staff enjoyed the fitness classes very much. Well done to all who participated. 

Pictured above are trainees & staff getting involved in the Green Gym fitness classes. 

Girls Active

There is a Girls Active Programme starting in the centre this week. It is available for the female trainees in the centre.  There will be up to 5 different physical activities taking place once per week for 15 consecutive weeks in a fun and relaxed environment. This programme will encourage the female trainees to be more active.  For more information contact Aideen.

Desktop Work-Out

As part of Health Promotion and the Active@Work Award the IT Trainees have started the Desktop Work-Out in conjunction with the Irish Heart Foundation. The Desktop Work-Out is a web based physical activity programme with a series of aerobic, stretching and strengthening activities to encourage movement and activity at work. It is a great way of energising and stretching the body during the working day or even at home.  

For more information on how to take part go to:  Desktop Work-Out  

Outdoor Green Gym Fitness Classes

Pictured above: Trainees and Staff enjoying their first outdoor fitness class in the green gym

Taking advantage of the nice weather

Pictured above are some of the Computer trainees out for a walk with Lisa & Marian

Outdoor gym fitness classes

We are very lucky to have an outdoor green gym located in Doorly Park beside the centre. The outdoor green gym is designed to offer a workout for all abilities, from beginners to experts. Outdoor gyms have the same low-impact, resistant-based equipment found at indoor gyms, but with the added bonus of the lovely views and fresh air included.

Starting on Wednesday 16th September there will be a four week exercise class for both tutors and trainees running in Doorly Park between 2pm and 3pm each week. Following on from the successful walking challenge try and keep up your fitness for the winter. Come along and enjoy a fun safe outdoor exercise class suitable for all abilities.

Active@Work - Walking Challenge 2015

Staff and Trainees completed the walking challenge on 31st July 2015. The walking challenge involved walking for 30 mins every day for five days from 2:30pm - 3:00pm. On the last day after the walk there was a healthy breakfast in the canteen and presentation of the certificates to trainees by Gavin. Congratulations to all who took part and received their certificates.

Pictured above are trainees receiving their certificates for taking part in the walking challenge

Sligo CTC Sports Activity Day

The Sligo CTC Sports Activity Day was a very successful and enjoyable day for all who took part. Below is a collection of photos taken on the day.

Welcome back

The summer is now over and winter is just around the corner.  Welcome back to all trainees and staff after the summer break.  The first term of 2015 was very successful for the centre with projects and events such as the Green Ribbon Mental Health campaign, Yeats Day Vintage Cart, Só Sligo Pizza making, Walking challenge, Activity Sports day and the Minister visit,  Trainees in the IT room are also involved in a Cyber-bullying project and the development of the Sligo CTC Blog.  We are looking forward to continuing on our Health Promotion campaign along with achieving our Active@Work Silver award.  Trainees will continue to work hard at achieving their goals and awards. Best of luck at achieving your goals and enjoy the months ahead!

Summer Holidays

Trainees are getting their summer holidays on Friday. Hope everybody has an enjoyable break and we will see ye all back in September. Have fun!

Danielle working on her first balayage in hairdressing

Danielle putting on the root colour and mesh highlights for the balayage.

Danielle working on the finishing touches of the balayage and curling with the wand.

Cyberbullying Project

As part of Health Promotion the trainees in the I.T. Room are currently working on a cyberbullying project. This involves developing a cyberbullying poster and booklet to be used in the centre for induction.  This project is running along side the development of an anti-bullying policy for trainees. More information to follow in the coming weeks.

Walking Challenge

This is the third week of the walking challenge and once again it is proving to be very successful. Trainees are making a great effort and walking every day for 30 mins. Fitness is improving so keep up the good work!!

For more information on the benefits of exercise check out the SpunOut.ie website:  Click here

Sligo CTC Fun Activity Day

Sligo CTC are hosting a fun activity day on Thursday 30th July 2015 @ the Astro turf pitch beside the Sports Complex.

Activities include:

• Egg and Spoon Race
• Three Legged Race
• Wheelbarrow Race
• Welly Throwing etc 

Teams consist of minimum six trainees and a tutor & points given for each event.
Prizes on the day awarded for team with most points!

FUN DAY FOR ALL!!

Presentation of Awards from the Irish Heart Foundation

Sligo CTC is a health promoting centre. It was awarded the Active@Work bronze Award and the Happy Heart Healthy Eating Award in 2014 from the Irish Heart Foundation.

Pictured above:  Denyse and Mary accepting the awards  

Sligo CTC features in the Irish Times newspaper

Mary O'Hara, tutor and co-ordinator of the health-promotion programme featured in the Irish Times on March 10th 2015, in an artical called "An integrated approach to youth mental health". Mary spoke about health promotion in Sligo CTC and the importance of promoting mental health awareness. It was a great honour for the centre to feature in a national newspaper.

For more information on this article Click here

Planting flowers and gardening

Aideen and the exploring options trainees were improving the look at the front of the centre this week.  They waited for the spring plants to die and then cut them back for the new summer plants. Some of these plants are Trailing Fuchsia, Geranium, Pentunias, Violas and many more.  They used organic bedding compost for all their work.

Exploring Options trainees doing some gardening at the centre

The finished result

Starting the Walking Challenge

Staff and trainees keeping fit on their daily walk

Active@Work - Walking Challenge

Sligo CTC is a health promoting centre.  Last year it received the bronze award for the Active@Work Award in conjunction with the Irish Heart Foundation. This year we are striving to achieve the silver award. This award is designed to support and enable organisations to promote, develop and sustain physical activity programmes and create an environment which makes it easier to be active at work.

As part of this award staff and trainees are taking part in the walking challenge. The walking challenge involves walking for 30 mins every day for five days from 2:30pm - 3:00pm starting next Monday the 6th of July.

KEEP FIT

KEEP ACTIVE

KEEP HEALTHY

CTC Walking Challenge 2014 - Presentation of Certificates

Doorly Park Outdoor Green Gym

We are very lucky to have an outdoor green gym located in Doorly Park beside the centre. The outdoor green gym is designed to offer a workout for all abilities, from beginners to experts and from young adults to the elderly. Outdoor gyms have the same low-impact, resistance-based equipment found at indoor gyms, but with the added bonus of the lovely views and fresh air included.

Sligo Borough Council has provided a wide range of equipment to suit all needs which offers a range of exercise opportunities. This green gym provides a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy fitness and healthy active living for free.  As part of health promotion in the centre some of the trainees participated in a 6 week programme offered by Sligo Sports and Recreation Partnership.

For information on the outdoor gym programme please go to http://www.sligosportandrecreation.ie/ 

Pictured above are photos taken by trainees of the Outdoor Green Gym

Exploring Options

This is a part-time training course offering a variety of skills sampling and development tailored to the needs of each individual learner. Trainees get the opportunity to do art & design, personal & interpersonal Skills, work experience, computers and literacy & numeracy.

Catering Course

This course is for young people interested in learning to cook, or pursue a career in catering. Trainees are instructed in food safety and hygiene, cooking methods, food preparation, baking, nutrition and menu planning all to QQI Standards. The catering department was awarded The Happy Heart Healthy Eating Award from the Irish Heart Foundation in December 2014 as part of health promotion in our centre. Healthy food is produced by our canteen for all trainees in the centre using the food pyramid model.

IT Course

This course provides computer training in all commonly used software applications such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access and many others as part of the ECDL and QQI awards. This course is suitable for young people who enjoy using computers and want to gain the knowledge needed to perform routine office duties.