No Limits Get Active Activity Day

Last Thursday, the trainees went to a No Limits Get Active activity day in the Sligo tennis club. This was a very successful and fun day for trainees and staff. The activities included team building games, thump boxing, playing music, mindfulness and sports day events. No Limits aims to empower young people to be proactive in maintaining positive mental health through sport and activity. Thank you to Maggie and Leona for organising such a fantastic day. For more information go to www.nolimitsgetactive.ie

Photos above of  the No Limits Activity day

Girls Active - Week 15 - Yoga

The girls doing Yoga

On Wednesday the girls went to the Riverside Gym to take part in Yoga. They enjoyed it and it was a great end to an amazing fifteen weeks of different activities. Well done to all who took part.

North West Hospice Donation

The trainees and Ian presenting the €400 cheque to Cathryn O'Leary

Yesterday Cathryn O'Leary, the Community Relations Manager at North West Hospice came to the centre to accept the donation of €400 which was raised by the trainees, family and friends through their kind generosity. The donation was well appreciated, as the North West Hospice has to raise at least €1 million euro every year in order to maintain their current level of service. The North West Hospice provides a specialist care with compassion service to people who need end-of-life care. Every donation they receive, however small or big, goes a long way in helping someone. If you wish to make a donation, you can make one online, or call the North West Hospice.  For more information go to www.northwesthospice.ie

No Limits

Girls Active - Week 14 - Boxercise

Girls taking part in boxercise classes in the sports complex. 

Useful Websites for Young People

• SpunOut.ie
  SpunOut.ie is Ireland's youth information website created by young people, for young people.
  
  
• Aware.ie
  Aware.ie works to create a society where people affected by stress, depression bipolar and mood disorders are understood, supported, free from stigma, and are encouraged to access appropriate therapies.
  
  
• MentalHealthIreland.ie
  Mental Health Ireland's aim is to promote positive mental health and well-being to all individuals and communities in Ireland.
  
  
• Samaritans.org
  Samaritans' mission is to lessen emotional distress and reduce the frequency of suicidal feelings and behaviour.
  
  
• CareersPortal.ie
  CareersPortal.ie is Ireland's career guidance resource, providing up-to-date and relevant information to those needing career guidance.
  
  
• Qualifax.ie
  Qualifax is Ireland's National Learners Database. It is the "one stop shop" for learners.
  
  
• SligoTrainingCentre.ie
  MSLETB Training Centres provide a broad range of training options for learners including people seeking employment, people changing careers, persons with a disability and early school leavers.
  
  
• Intreo.ie
  Intreo is a single point of contact for all employment and income supports.
  
  
• BelongTo.org
  BeLonG To is the national organisation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) young people, aged between 14 and 23.
  
  
• WebWise.ie
  WebWise.ie promotes and offers resources for the safer use of the Internet by young people.
  
  
• CitizensInformation.ie
  CitizensInformation.ie provides information on public services and your rights as a citizen.
  
  
• Nala.ie
  Nala.ie increase participation in adult literacy services and make it easier for more people to learn through distance education programmes.
  
  
• YourSexualHealth.ie
  YourSexualHealth.ie provides information on sexually transmitted infections and where you can get tested.
  
  
• CrisisPregnancy.ie
  The HSE Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme aims to reduce the number of crisis pregnancies in Ireland and supports services that help women experiencing crisis pregnancy.
  
  
  (The above list was researched and compiled by Ross Maher during his work experience placement)
  
  

Girls Active Activity Festival

Pancake Tuesday

The catering trainees making pancakes for pancake Tuesday

Internet Safety Day 2016

Today is world internet safety day. The point of world internet safety day is to raise awareness to all young people, parents, guardians and teachers so they can help create a safer internet. The day is used to promote a safer, more responsible use of technology and mobile devices particularly among children and young teenagers. Sligo CTC are organising an internet safety day on the 10th of March 2016. For more information go to www.webwise.ie

Girls Active - Week 13 - Gaelic Football

This week the girls played some Gaelic football in the Sligo Regional Sports complex.  They decided to do Gaelic football again after enjoying it so much two weeks ago.  Next week they intend to try out Yoga.

Past Trainee Feedback

I recently conducted interviews with two past trainees and asked them a set of questions, the results are below:

Looking back at your time spent in the centre, what did you most enjoy?

"I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, the good buzz and energy and constantly doing new things." - Bethany
"I enjoyed the open atmosphere right from the start, everyone was very friendly." - Ross

What was it like in the centre?

"It's a lovely place, the staff are brilliant, constant good energy." - Bethany
"It's very relaxed atmosphere while keeping the focus on education." - Ross

What would you say to people interested in joining?

"It's a great choice, great place to learn and meet new people." - Bethany
"I'd say consider it, it's really worth it." - Ross

Have you noticed any personal improvements?

"I'm a more confident and outgoing person because of Sligo CTC." - Bethany
"I'm alot more open now, I used to be shy but now I'm more confident." - Ross

What did you achieve since you left?

"I achieved a Fetac Level 5 and recently got a full time job in hairdressing." - Bethany 
"Since leaving I've done about 6 months of link work after that I went to a PLC course in Software Development in Sligo College of Further Education." - Ross

Trainee feedback on courses

 Testimonials From Current Trainees in the Centre

I recently conducted interviews with trainees from each department on their thoughts on the centre. I asked them a set of questions and these are their responses:

“I enjoy participating in all activities that take place in the centre, such as the recent cyber bullying campaign and being a part of the health promotion committee was very enjoyable and interesting. I joined the centre because I wanted to progress my education and consider my future options. I hope to achieve my ECDL, and improve my confidence. It has improved my communication skills and my self confidence in my ability to perform. I feel it was very worthwhile, especially the time I spent in work placement. I plan to go on placement for the next 6 months, then go on to a software development PLC course.” – Andrew

"It’s got less of a school feel about it, it feels more like a workplace and how welcoming all the staff are. I moved from Castlebar to Sligo, I heard about the centre and found out hairdressing was available so I joined because that is what I’m interested in. I’ve completed my computer modules and I’ve nearly completed my hairdressing modules. Because of work experience it has given me more confidence in hairdressing, it's less daunting going into a salon. I’ve enjoyed it, I have taken part in girls active, the walking challenge, outdoor gym. I'd like to finish all my modules and continue with my work experience until I’m qualified." – Michaela

"It is good to progress your skills especially in catering. If you are starting out it is a great foundation. I heard it was a good place to start training, even if you have no experience. I just wanted to learn more about the preparation and cooking of food. I practiced my driving theory and passed the official test while practicing in the centre. The course was good because when I came in first I had no knowledge of cooking. I plan to either progress my skills further or find a job if possible." - Ross

"It’s motivating, enjoyable and I’ve made good friends and the centre is very friendly. I wanted to get into sports and start a career in that area. I hope to get all my qualifications out of the centre and continue on with my learning. I’m more positive, more confident and I enjoy sports more. My fitness level has improved. Football knowledge also improved. I found it enjoyable, educational and fun. I will continue on studying sport and go either to the IT or a PLC course." - Christopher

"I got to know new people. I heard people on about it and friends from school came here.  I've gained more courage. My english, maths and computer skills have improved since I’ve started here. I hope to become a hairdresser. " - Kathleen

Interviews conducted and compiled by Andrew.