Chooseday Tuesdays!
At ATD Ireland, we have an open office day every Tuesday 11 – 4 pm.
Some of the activities we do together include painting and art, DIY, fitness. We also often use the time to plan together some of our upcoming projects. The Tuesday open house is also a safe community space for nice chats to happen over a cuppa. Take part in what you choose!
All welcome and please let us know if you have any ideas for a Choose – day Tuesday activity!
Reflections from Chooseday Tuesday participants
“I feel it is important because first my kids love it and so do I the amount of amazing talents and stories that has come out of it I’d be lost without it to be honest I look forward to it every week the art the cooking the stories and the bond my daughter* has with everyone.”
I think this is a great thing you started with people dat struggle with mental health it’s a place to come and feel free an safe an supported its also a big part in family’s. And it’s teaching people different skills weder it’s painting or wood work planting flower pots all different opportunities to learn plenty of interests but most of all witch I think is most important it brings us TOGETHER as one. Not many people have family’s or a place to go were they feel safe they can express them self’s true art music weder it’s poetry working with plants wood .. its a great experience for all an without it many be lost”
“It’s not only important to bring people together in a safe and caring environment but beneficial for the community at large – the creative side is a great benefit to all involved”
“It has connected well with the community and people who are involved, feels like home”
“It has helped me with my anxiety in the past my anxiety was very bad but the Tuesday group has really helped I now don’t feel afraid I can come to the office and be myself and see all my friends in a safe environment and I have Learned a lot too and make some great friends some have gone but I always have the chance to meet new ones – thanks ATD”
Cultural Outings
We have also started to do more outings as a group. Those living in poverty can experience physical and psychological barriers to branching outside of their everyday surroundings and everyday routine. This can result in feeling trapped and excluded from the things others in society gain so much from experiencing.
Recent trips have included to scenic areas such as the Wicklow mountains, swimming at Seapoint. We have gone to the Hugh Lane Gallery and Colins Barracks museum. Read more here. These have been really enjoyable days out for all involved!
Those with an experience of poverty often do not have the same opportunities to engage in culture and history. Recent projects such as “Creative Pathwasy to Participation” show the valuable contributions those in poverty can make to arts and culture but they should also have an opportunity to appreciate and be immersed in culture outside of their own lived experience.
Further, living in inner city areas can restrict your access to nature, which can be so important for our physical and mental wellbeing.
