Lady Sylvia Hermon, MP for North Down, is Patron of a Summer School for people with disabilities and recently presented certificates to participants at a special graduation ceremony.

54 people with disabilities aged 18-65 took part in this year’s Summer School, which has now been successfully up and running for 19 years. The programme of activities was jointly organised by The Cedar Foundation, Well 2 Project and South Eastern Regional College (SERC). Classes including cookery, arts & crafts, photography and light decorative metalwork were delivered across four campuses; Newtownards, Downpatrick, Bangor and Lisburn during July.

Speaking after this year’s graduation at SERC’s Bangor campus, Lady Hermon said: “Once again, I was absolutely delighted to take part in The Cedar Foundation’s presentation of Certificates of Achievement event. It was a very joyful occasion where students, family members, guests and tutors shared in the laughter and in the real sense of celebration. I felt enormously proud of everyone who received a Certificate, and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to talk to every student who came forward for an individual presentation. The obvious enthusiasm of the students for the Summer School courses, and their praise for the dedication of their tutors reflected very positively upon the organisers of the 2014 Summer School. Consequently, I’m hopeful that those who have participated in the courses will feel inspired to pursue further educational courses through SERC.”

Valerie McMullan from Crossgar, on receiving her certificate of achievement, said: “I really look forward to the Arts and Crafts Summer School. It’s lovely trying new crafts and skills as well as meeting up with people you may not have seen for a year. The tutors are excellent and ensure that everyone, no matter what their ability, has a go and has something to show at the end of the week. I would be very disappointed if this wonderful scheme was cancelled or if I was unable to attend. Please powers that be keep the Summer School alive and thriving.”

Ken Webb, Principal and Chief Executive at SERC added: “It was a privilege to host this very special graduation ceremony and I would like to congratulate all of the students. The enthusiasm of all involved has ensured that students and staff enjoyed the sample courses on offer at SERC over the past three weeks. We look forward to welcoming some of the students to the College in September as they progress to further education.”

Cedar delivers a range of services in Northern Ireland that enable children and adults with disabilities to be fully included in their communities. Phone 028 9066 6188 or visit www.cedar-foundation.org to find out more.

Well 2 is a project aimed at 16-25 year olds with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental ill health or Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The project is a partnership between the South Eastern Heath and Social Care Trust, Action Mental Health and Cedar. For more info contact Caroline Digney on 028 4483 8943.

SERC provides a range of courses, for everyone in the community, from entry level to degrees. The focus of many courses is to help students reach their full potential, developing social and personal skills as well as their technical ability. The college partners with a number of community based organisations to ensure wide access to high quality education. Such organisations can contact Alma Wardlow on 028 9927 6816 Ext. 2816 or email awardlow@serc.ac.uk to discuss opportunities.

Pictured - Valerie McMullan from Crossgar receives a certificate of achievement from Lady Sylvia Hermon after taking part in Cedar’s Summer School.