Community Art for adults with disabilities
Jigsaw NI Arts groups are very popular with many of our service users. Our artists have been working with Jigsaw NI groups for years and have an understanding of what our service users want to get from the class. Every service user is unique and goes to the class for different reasons. We currently have 4 Art groups running in Belfast in areas of urban deprivation where it is often more difficult for people with disabilities to access services and we also run art projects in the Bangor area throughout the year.
"I've been coming to the Art group for about 6 years and I wouldn't miss it for anything."
Service user
"I really enjoy the Art class in Glen CC. It has changed my life; I even do some Art work at home now."
-service user
"Before I came to Jigsaw NI, I had never heard of the game Boccia. I now play it on a weekly basis and love it. We all get on so well within the group, the banter is good and the games can get quite competitive, but the session is always fun!"
Service user
Boccia - Great game to play from your chair
​Boccia is an inclusive sport that can be tailored to suit children and adults of all abilities. The game is played from a seated position and is played with small leather balls. A game consists of two teams of 3 players who each receive two red or blue boccia balls to play each end. Boccia has some similarities with indoor bowls, the aim of the game is for each team to propel and land their Boccia balls closer to the white jack than their opposing team. Boccia is a great way of getting people active, while adding a little competitive edge when playing games. Weekly sessions of Boccia takes place in Divis CC on Wednesdays, Glen CC and Connswater CC on Thursdays and Bangor groups play boccia regularly also. It is a very popular activity with our service users and we hold an annual Jigsaw NI boccia tournament for all participants to take part in.
Swimming
Jigsaw NI has swimming groups in two leisure centres, one in Olympia LC on Tuesday's and the other in Lisnasharragh LC on Friday's. Groups attending are of both genders. The benefits derived from using the pool include exercising the whole body with support from the water. Qualified staff are present to encourage and support our members and if appropriate, to encourage them to learn to swim. This all takes place in a relaxed, non-threatening environment. A pool pod facility is provided in both centres to help members with complex mobility problems to enter the pool. This activity is very popular with our service users.
Exercise in the water
Jigsaw NI has two exercise in the water groups, both held at Lisnasharragh LC on Thursdays. Groups are made up of both genders. A qualified instructor works with service users individually and sets exercises designed to assist rehabilitation. The instructor also encourages participants and works on building their confidence in the water. A pool pod facility is provided to help members with complex mobility problems to enter the pool. These groups are popular with our service users.
"Being a part of a group has greatly increased my confidence and I really feel the benefit of the exercises I do in the pool."
Service user