A Social Group for Young Adults with Learning Disabilities THEACTIVEGROUP Annual General Meeting Report Held in Warrenpoint Presbyterian Church Hall On th 20 September 2023 Registered Charity Number NIC101901
TAG'S Mission To diminish social inclusion for adults with learning disabilities To help members feel more integrated in their own community To improve self confidence & self esteem To enhance their social skills •• To bring new opportunities - including participating in courses, promoting physical activity, make new friends and use their local facilities without fear or prejudice. TAG Members TAG has 24 members at present. Members have disabilities such as Downs Syndrome, Autism, Dyspraxia, Aspergers Syndrome, Sotos Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. TAG activities have increased the self confidence and self esteem of its members. Our members have formed good friendships with one another and this has encouraged members to meet one another in their own time within their community outside of TAG activities. TAG Volunteers Members are supported by a group of dedicated, trustworthy volunteers who ensure their enjoyment and safety during the activities and outings. TAG volunteers were awarded The Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2013, which is the equivalent of an MBE (the highest award which can be given). TAG is a member led organisation with two members and two volunteers who sit on committee and is registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.
Benefits of TAG Builds social skills, self esteem and self confidence. •• Builds friendships Cross community / cross border Integrates members into community Raises awareness of disabled young adults in the community by using public facilities and amenities Provides opportunities to become involved with other groups for young adults with learning disabilities such as Special Olympic City Strikers Provides support and respite for parents/carers IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS MILD/MODERATE LEARNING DISABILITY WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM TAG OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER FOR A FEW HOUR EVERY ALTERNATE WEDNESDAY EVENING PLEASE CONTACT: TAG Co-ordinator John Mitchel Place, NEWRY, BT34 2BU Phone: 07818418486 E-mail= theactivegroup@holmail.co.uk Website.. www.ta new .or Facebook: tagnewry
AGENDA
Chairpersons Welcome Minutes of previous Annual General Meeting Secretary's Report Treasurers Report Committee Steps Down Election of Committee for 2023/2024 Any Other Business
Minutes ofAGM on 22June 2022 In St Peters Pastoral Centre Warren oint Present Carmel Fee (Treasurer) Dympna Rafferty (Chairperson) Hazel Glenny Isecretary) Marie & John Mc Cann Majella Savage Michael & Barry Rafferty Ann Hollywood Michael & Gary Hanratty Fiona Redmond Marie & Neidin Morgan Siobhan Hollywood Wendy & Shannon Laffin Chris Savage Declan Hazzard Paul Fee Damien & Johnny Flynn Andrew Skillen Marie & Katrina Magee Rebecca Glenny Niall Cunningham Ciaran Mallon Marie Quinn Niamh Quinn William Wills Philomena Quinn Alfie Lonergan Ronan & Donall Lonergan Catherine opened the meeting by giving Dympna Rafferty's apologies as due to unforeseen circumstances, she was unable to attend. Catherine welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming and proceeded to read the minutes from the previous meeting in 2019 and asked Hazel to read her Secretary's Report. Hazel reported on the postponement of TAG activities during the lockdown and how the volunteers helped members by keeping in touch to have a chat especially with those who were finding the lockdown very stressful.
Following Hazels report Carmel gave the Treasurers Report and outlined the financial situation with TAG and advised that The Big Lottery Award was close to an end and we seriously needed to look at the sustainability of TAG financially. Mrs Philomena Quinn asked to say a few words and thanked Committee, volunteers and the co-ordinator for keeping in touch with phone calls and newsletters with photographs from members keeping them in touch with one another. She commended Committee, volunteers and the co-ordinator Catherine, on their efficiency at keeping the group going regardless of the difficult climate. Committee stood down and Mrs Quinn was asked to facilitate the election of the new committee, however, as there was to be no change in Committee, there was a block vote voting in the return of the previous committee. Position Name Proposed by Block Vote Anne O'Hagan Seconded By Chairperson Secretary Treasurer Committee Dympna Rafferty Hazel Glenny Carmel Fee Majella Savage Ann Hollywood Fiona Redmond Marie Morgan Catherine thanked Mrs Quinn and advised everyone present to avail of the refreshments and to view the photograph albums on display. The meeting closed at 8.15pm
Secretary's Report It has been another fun filled year of activities and trips for TAG which we are very thankful for. We got to spend a lol more quality time together as a group this year without the dreaded Covid putting a stop to things. Lateral flows are helping to prevent any spread of Covid within the group to ensure we can continue our fortnightly get togethers. We have been able to resume our Saturday trips this year which has been n, the members really enjoy our days away. We went to Mobile Team Adventure in Belfast to canoe and play team bonding activities last month and Snow Tubing and Foot Golf at Craigavon Ski Slope in June. As a group we also had the pleasure of making Christmas Wreaths, doing some cookery) archery, Line Dancing and Yoga. We had a movie and games night and played Bingo, darts and board games. We had a get together with Newry Gateway Club for some Line Dancing to mark Learning Disability Week, which everyone loved. There was a treasure hunt followed by a social evening in the Whistledown and we did outdoor bowls in Warrenpoint also. Suffice to say we are never short of activities to take part in. TAG would like to thank the volunteers for their dedication to TAG whether it be day trips or evening sessions with the members to help with the smooth running of things. We are all looking forward to another successful year with TAG and hope everyone stays safe and well until we meet again. Secretary
Treasurers Report Unfortunately our funds are not as healthy as we would like them to be. However, at the moment Catherine is working very hard in seeking funds from other resources. Fundraising itself is also a priority ie: Christmas Raffle Moonlight Walk Support from local Businesses Donations Ideas from families and friends Many thanks to all who have supported TAG throughout the years and especially our volunteers. C6wJxdFee Treasurer