Awards encourage independent living – Chief Medical Officer

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Michael McBride, today attended an Award Ceremony for learners achieving the Awards Scheme Development Accreditation Network (ASDAN) ‘Towards Independence’ qualification.
~ Monday, 16 January 2012

Dr McBride presented certificates to the successful candidates who are members of the Muckamore Telling It Like It Is! Group and the Muckamore Patients’ Council.

Presenting the certificates Dr McBride said: “There is a growing recognition of the value of advocacy services within our society, both in terms of protecting the rights of vulnerable people and tackling inequalities in health and social care. Independence Qualification Programmes such as these create opportunities for young people to develop personal and social skills, and through the achievement of awards and qualifications, it enhances their self-esteem and aspirations for their future.”

Concluding the CMO said: “It has been the Department’s policy over a number of years to encourage and support people with a learning disability to live as independent a life as possible. To access all the opportunities that others take for granted to look forward to the challenges of being grown up, of being independent and of being able to decide and do things themselves. I am delighted to present these certificates and to recognise the hard work if those who achieved them and their trainers and mentors, who supported them in that work.”

Notes to editors:

1.The Association for Real Change (ARC (NI)) is an umbrella organisation that operates throughout the United Kingdom. Membership of ARC is open to organisations from all sectors that provide support for people with a learning disability.

2.Awards Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) is a charitable social enterprise creating opportunities for learners to develop personal and social skills through the achievement of awards and opportunities.

3.Media enquiries about this press release to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0567, or out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.