User Forum | Orchardville - Opportunity Employment Support
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User Forum


The User Forum is representative of all participants who attend Orchardville services. The forum is currently comprised of twelve members representing employment, the social enterprises and community services from all the geographical areas covered by Orchardville. The group meet on a monthly basis and have been involved in various projects which support the work of the organisation.


The User Forum has been involved in the following projects & initiatives:


  •  Organising and supporting fundraising events including bag packs, fun runs and gala balls
  •  Learning Disability Pride Day, a bi-annual event that attracts organisations from all over Northern Ireland to celebrate the contribution people with Learning Disability make to society.
  •  Assisting with duties and speaking at the annual awards ceremony held each year in May.
  •  The group also work with staff to plan and co-ordinate Learning Disability week events each June.

An important project the forum has recently worked on has been the development of a User Charter. The Charter outlines what participants and staff can expect from each other regarding support and how everyone should be treated. The group also worked in partnership with staff to develop a video to explain the User Charter.

At Orchardville we want to make sure our policies and procedures are easy to understand and follow. The User Forum has worked with the senior management team to develop easy read versions of policies such as safeguarding, social media and training materials.

The work undertaken by the User Forum is diverse and it is important to have confident and capable members. Each year free training is offered to members to develop their skills in areas such as communication, presentation and team building to ensure everyone can fully participate.

If you are interested in finding out more about the work of the user forum or would like to get involved please contact Lydia.lynas@orchardville.com

At work in the Orchard Café, Belfast

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