ILMI Team News
For many of us COVID-19 is a worrying time as we are inundated with facts and figures relating to the growing pandemic. For others the isolation that comes with this virus has little impact on their daily lives as they continually live in isolation due to lack of appropriate services and supports. For all of us we can unite and chose to positively spend our time connecting with our online Independent Living community to ensure the protection of our human rights and true equality post COVID-19.
Connecting Differently:
ILMI is working to maintain all of our connections during this pandemic. We have a number of new online communities emerging and would encourage everyone to get involved. To ensure everyone has an opportunity to do so we have developed social media training to enable people to learn more about the applications we are all now using to stay in touch with our family, friends and colleagues. We are also aware that this can be an anxious time for many and have developed an online community to positively support our emotional wellbeing.
Please remember all of these training and online community groups are open to everyone and you do not have to be an ILMI member to get involved.

Photo shows a graphic stating Let's Support Each Other Through COVID-19. ILMI Online Communities - Providing Information, Training and Support
Our PAS Support and Information Community is now up and running and has held two very successful online meetings over the past two weeks. The purpose of the group is to provide peer support and information on maintaining and managing your PAS during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are in receipt of a PAS and would like to join this online community then please do let us know. You do not have to be an ILMI member or in receipt of a service from a specific service provider to take part and everyone is more than welcome . Contact any member of the ILMI team to register your interest in joining or email Susan at susanobrien@ilmi.ie
Note: Meeting's are taking place using Zoom technology so if you would like to learn more about using Zoom, before the next PAS meeting, then please do join one of our Zoom training sessions.
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Social Media Training
As we all move toward a new way of connecting ILMI are rolling out Social Media Training. Running over six weeks modules covered will include:
- Facebook
- Zoom
- Twitter
- WhatsApp
- Instagram
Each module will be delivered as a beginner's guide so please do not feel that you have to have any IT experience to take part. Delivery is via Zoom and by way of an interactive PowerPoint, which will be distributed to all participants in advance. If you would like to learn more about using any or all of these platforms then just let any of the ILMI team know or register with Susan at susanobrien@ilmi.ie
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ONSIDE is continuing to provide access to it's community support and training programme through a number of ONSIDE community platforms. Specific sessions include:
- Tuesday: Cavan/Monagahn
- Wednesday: Sligo/Leitrim
- Thursday: Donegal
If you would like to register to take part in any of these community platforms then please contact any of the ONSIDE staff team or Peter at peterkearns@ilmi.ie.
Minding Your Emotional Wellbeing (ONSIDE Only)
Every Monday at 2pm we will be Zoom broadcasting a 'live' Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programme for stress and anxiety. Qualified CBT Therapist Maria Whelan will bring a practical approach and holistic view towards emotional wellbeing and physical health signs and symptoms of stress in relation to current health crisis.
Maria will introduce us to her 5-A-Day Actions for maintaining wellness and the concept of your own COVID-19 self-management toolbox. She will also show relaxation techniques and finding those inner 'Anchors' for getting grounded, plus getting the body and mind relaxed with simple breathing exercises.
This workshop is only open to ONSIDE participants and you can register your interest by emailing any of the ONSIDE staff team or Orla at orlabeirne@ilmi.ie.
Minding Your Emotional Wellbeing (Open to Everyone)
We are delighted to bring you a Zoom 5-part series of Minding Your Emotional Wellbeing during COVID-19.
Michael Ryan is an ILMI member and a qualified Counsellor/Psychotherapist. Michael is looking forward to providing strategies and effective exercises for disabled adults to cope and possibly spring bloom out the other end of this national crisis.
Michael's one-hour workshop will be every Thursday from 4pm to 5pm starting on 9th April until May 7th. If you’re are a disabled adult interested in taking part then please email any of the ILMI staff team or 'James at jamescasey@ilmi.ie.
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Introduction to Photography and Reportage Artwork
For anyone interested in learning a new skill over the coming weeks we will be hosting a Photography and Reportage Artwork course via Zoom. It kicks off this Thursday at 4pm and everyone is more than welcome to join. You do not need any specific photography skills to take part,
If you would like to register your interest please contact any of the ILMI team or Maryam at intern@ilmi.ie
Film Club
Are you missing the social connections you had during COVID-19? Does a lack of services and supports mean that your social connections are usually restricted? Then why not connect differently and join the ILMI film-club? Every Thursday evening at 8pm we will get together via Zoom for some chat, movie trivia and a chance to discuss the latest movie offering we are all glued to. Just bring your own popcorn!
If you would like to register your interest please contact any of the ILMI team or James at jamescasey@ilmi.ie
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