The ONSIDE team know this is an uncertain time for everyone, not just our participants but all disabled people and their family and friends. We can no longer meet face to face with our participants to undertake personalised one to one support or carry out our proposed 8-week training courses because of the COVID-19 social isolation restrictions.
Read our latest press release 'Social isolation not 'new' but a well-trodden path for disabled people here.
However, our peer advocacy and co-production peer research work continues behind the scene. Over the next weeks and possibly months head we will be using our social media platforms to provide practical and relevant information.
Please find below a series of factsheets that may benefit you or your family.
How to look after your mental health May 2020
How to safely shop online
How to avoid scams
How to parent in 'unprecedented' times
Caring for a disabled child through COVID-19
Teenagers and COVID-19
Online hobbies and interests
Apps to help you stay connected
How to look after your mental health March 2020
How to cope with COVID-19 anxiety
Please note, if there is a topic or issue you would like us to cover, please get in touch 028 9029 7880 or 00 353 1873 0455 or email [email protected]
The ONSIDE (Outreach, Navigation, Social Inclusion and digital Engagement) project aims to improve the health and wellbeing of disabled people through increasing their social and digital involvement in the community.
A wealth of evidence shows how positive relationships and shared activities contribute to our overall health and wellbeing. Evidence also shows how physical and attitudinal barriers created by society towards disability can create loneliness and social isolation. ONSIDE aims to address these issues and empower disabled people to become socially engaged.
The ONSIDE team will identify disabled people (aged over 16) who are seeking to improve their health and wellbeing through increasing their social networks both in the community and online. We will fully support participants through a tailored development plan suited to their wants and needs. This plan will identify and address the barriers that make it harder for disabled people to access social networks in the community and online. The personal development plan will offer participants independence, choice and control.
Part of the ONSIDE journey will include an eight week digital skills programme which will train, equip and support participants to become socially connected online.
Are you interested in being a volunteer Peer Advocate?
We are seeking Peer Advocates to help support participants maintain their community connections during and after participating in the ONSIDE project.
If this interests you please contact Lisa Marie Ferris on 074 2529 4854 or download a 'Peer Advocate application pack'.
To find out more, contact the ONSIDE project team on telephone: 028 9029 7880 or email: [email protected]
Alternatively, you can follow us and stay up-to-date via:
ONSIDE is a cross border project funded by the European Union's INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).