ILMI Team News
Many thanks to all the people who have embraced the changes required of us all over the last few weeks. As we all continue to connect differently ILMI have a number of online communities that we will continue to offer in the weeks ahead. Details of each of these programmes are available below.
Please remember that you do not have to be an ILMI member to avail of any of these sessions. If you have never used Zoom, the platform we are using to deliver these sessions, you can still take part. Simply contact info@ilmi.ie or any of the ILMI staff team and we will be happy to organise a one-to-one Zoom tutorial to get you started.
Leader Training - Effectively Managing Your PAS

We are acutely aware of the current fear around managing and maintaining our Personal Assistance Service (PAS) during the COVID-19 crisis. At all times leading our own PAS is a complex role, which requires recognition of the unique relationship that exists between our Personal Assistants (PAs) and us as Leaders. In response we have developed a distinctive training programme that recognises the challenge this presents and the information we need to take our first step toward Independent Living (IL). This peer-led programme is now being rolled out online with a specific focus on effectively managing our PAS during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Training will take place on Tuesdays at 11am for 5 weeks with each training session lasting for one hour. To ensure maximum effectiveness this training will accommodate a maximum of five participants per session. Advance registration is required. If you would like to learn more please contact Susan at susanobrien@ilmi.ie or read our information circular here https://bit.ly/2UWzawj
Our PAS Support and Information Community meets on a weekly basis on Tuesday's at 3pm. The purpose of the group is to provide peer support and information on maintaining and managing your PAS during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group are currently seeking clarity from Government Departments and Agencies on a range of issues currently impacting upon our PAS. They will feedback to all PAS users through ILMI once feedback has been received.
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
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Social Media Training
We are continuing to roll out Social Media Training with this week's module focusing on WhatsApp. 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.
We are also offering one-to-one Zoom sessions for any individual who would like to avail of them.
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

Photo shows Therapist Maria Whelan
For ONSIDE participants 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.
Note as this Monday is a Bank Holiday this session will not be running this week. However you can still register your interest by emailing any of the ONSIDE staff team or Orla at orlabeirne@ilmi.ie.

Photo Shows Therapist Michael Ryan
Then on Thursday's we are delighted to bring you a Zoom 5-part series of Minding Your Emotional Wellbeing that everyone can avail of.
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

Photo Shows photographer Dave McKane.
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. We are delighted that this programme is being delivered by renowned photography Dave McKane.
If you would like to register your interest please contact any of the ILMI team or Maryam at intern@ilmi.ie
Film Club
Our new Film Club is providing a new way to connect socially. Film buffs and movie lovers are invited together at 7pm (note the earlier time) this week where we will be discussing Jim Sheridan's 'My Left Foot' (1989). Now entering it's third week why not join in on the fun this Thursday.
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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