Arguments for and against wearing school uniforms have raged since time immemorial. From ‘reducing peer pressure’ and ‘improving focus’ to ‘stifling individuality’ and ‘unaffordable cost for parents’, there’s no doubt that there are both pros and cons for uniforms.
For parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), however, the list of ‘cons’ is never-ending. That’s because, in addition to the usual gripes that children may have with wearing school uniforms, children with ASD have their own specialised, individual issues with it.
Meta Auden, founder of Spectra Sensory Clothing explained: “If you’re a parent of a child with ASD, you’ll be only too aware of how many problems your child can experience with regard to clothing, let alone the additional problems posed by having to wear a school uniform.
“Your child may, for example, have a sensitivity to certain materials and labels. School uniforms may throw up a raft of extra problems, such as washing labels, itchy materials and seams. We recently heard of one child, who repeatedly developed a patch on her neck, which seemed to arise from wearing her school polo shirt. She has now become so sensitive to even the sight of the polo shirt that she is refusing to go to school
“Perhaps you have a child, who only wants to wear jogging pants and T-shirts? How do you persuade them to wear a shirt and more ‘formal’ trousers?
“Or maybe your child isn’t toilet trained when they first start school? Then you’re faced with the dilemma of how to fit nappies under traditional school trousers: trousers which, as you know, he won’t tolerate in the slightest anyway.”
According to Meta, the same goes for if you have a daughter, who refuses to wear the regulation skirt. How do you circumvent this issue?
The answer to many of the problems created by school uniforms can lie in a sensory clothing range, which also offers school uniform items: items which look like traditional uniforms, but have the added advantage of providing the most comfort and least sensory irritation to your child.
These items contain special features, which may be the answer to your prayers:
If your child is affected by certain types of material, for example, a sensory school clothing range can enable your child to wear soft clothing items, such as a T-shirt, under their school clothes as a ‘barrier’ to calm any potential irritation caused by the school items
Autism-friendly socks, meanwhile, are completely seamless, therefore removing the need for your child to itch and scratch at seams throughout the school day
Necklines on tops and shirts may also be worn inside or out, enabling your child to wear the top whichever way feels most comfortable to them and removing any potential embarrassment about having their T-shirt on ‘the wrong way round’.
Shirt collars may have ‘soft collars’ for maximum comfort and may come with imitation buttons, meaning that your child can put the shirt on over their head instead of having to struggle with buttons.
“As a parent of a child with ASD, you’ll be only too aware of how difficult it is for your child to concentrate and focus for long periods of time” said Meta, “You want them to get the most out of their education and school experience – not having them spending the whole school day focussing on the discomfort and distress caused by what they’re wearing.”
For many families sensory clothing may provide both they and their child with peace of mind.
For the first time ever the YMCA’s extensive Greenhill residential facilities in Newcastle, County Down will be available to the general public to book.
Prior to the Covid 19 outbreak, the national YMCA centre was only available to YMCA young people and community groups. But due to the restrictions on school and youth group residentials, it has cabins, chalets, and a guest house which can now be booked by families for a short time.
Centre manager at Greenhill, Kenny Baxter, said the work of the YMCA continues to be to support vulnerable young people as a core part of its mission, but now we have the opportunity to welcome families to our beautiful site on the side of the Mournes..
“We have a range of self-catering accommodation that is used and enjoyed by 10,000 young people every year,” he explained.
“While that outdoor learning experience is part of our essential work that we hope to return to very soon, we are delighted to be able to offer the accommodation sited in beautiful surroundings to another audience.”
In Donard Forest Park, Greenhill has five cabins that would be the perfect location for a family staycation, and two large chalets ideal for groups such as walkers or cyclists.
“Greenhill is more than just accommodation, there are always a diverse group of volunteers here to welcome you,” said Kenny.
“Opening up to the public and enabling them to experience what we have on offer is a key part of this move.
“Our mission is to develop a society where children and young people can freely explore, learn and develop. Making our facilities open to the public will allow us to make sure our excellent facilities are used for the benefit of young people in the future.”
“Our mission is to develop a society where children and young people can freely explore, learn and develop. Making our facilities open to the public will allow us to make sure our excellent facilities are used for the benefit of young people in the future.”
Any revenue generated will be ploughed back into Greenhill to help us through these difficult times to return back to doing the work that we have been doing on this site for many years.
Over the recent lockdown period staff and volunteers provided support for young people with significant additional needs, delivered food parcels in the community, and engaged in online youth work support with local and international young people.To find out more, or to book one of the facilities at Greenhill visitgreenhill-ymca.org
Most women have a best friend group, the women closest to us in our lives that we share unforgettable memories with.
“We all think we’re unique and special in our own way. But, every friendship group has a classic stereotype of characters” said artist and designer Kelsey Tyson, owner of Girl Limit, a home accessories and beauty brand.
I mean it would be pretty boring if we were all the same, right?
Here are 8 types of friends we all have, which one are you?
1. The Organised One
Just like Monica from “Friends” you need to have a plan of action all the time. You’re probably the one who organised the Whatsapp group chat or the one who makes the dinner reservations.
You’re smart, level-headed and always remain calm under pressure. So if you find yourself always organising the taxis home on a night out then you’re more than likely the organised friend of the group.
2. The Funny One
Just like Megan from “Bridesmaids” you’re always up for a laugh.
You’re always making jokes even in awkward situations, always lightening the mood. You know how to cheer your friends up even on down days and you always look on the bright side of life.
3. The Photogenic One
You always look picture-perfect, the “Kim Kardashian” of the group. You stand out in pictures, even in the dreaded tagged photos from the night before.
You’re the envy of all your friends. You’re always sharing your skincare routine with the group and beauty tips, much to their appreciation.
4. The Mum of the Group
Always find yourself reminding the girls to bring their passport to the airport? Or on hand with the ice cream and wine when there’s a break-up?
Then you’re more than likely the mum of the group. You always know what to say in tense situations and you’re wise before your years. Everyone looks to you for advice and you’re most definitely the “hugger” of the group.
5. The Competitive One
Everything is a race with you. You’re always cheering your friends on and hyping them up to be the best they possibly can be.
You want your friends to win and achieve their goals. You always speak words of wisdom and refer to favourite motivational quotes to inspire your friends. You’re always the one hosting games night and 9 times out of 10 you’re on the winning team.
6. The Tough Friend
Like Jen Harding from “Dead to me” you’re always telling it like it is. You give your friends tough love and always have their back. You don’t care what anyone thinks, whether it’s sticking up for your friends in a fight or sending back the wrong food in a restaurant, you most certainly won’t let anyone walk all over you- or your friends!
7. The party animal
You’re always ready to party and always the last to leave. You have the energy of a five-year old and you’re always positive.
You can convince your friends in seconds to stay for “just one more”. Your friends can always count on you for a good time and to lift their spirits when they’re feeling down.
8. The Social Media Savvy Friend
You always want to take selfies, everywhere you go is a photo opportunity, the world really is your stage.
You’re always on the lookout for the perfect photo backdrop and you will stand for as long as it takes snapping photos of your friends to get the right angle. Your friends can count on you to make everything look perfect and be their professional photographer on day-trips or nights out.
Looking for the perfect gift for one of your girls? Check out the Girl Limit collection at https://bit.ly/girllimit
Soulful Singer/Songwriter Jacqui Sharkey has released the second single from her E.P. Home, hot on the heels of the title track of the same name released last month.
Her beautiful arrangement and performance of the Dutch brothers, Cornelis and Thomas Tol’s song Just An Illusion was specially chosen by Jacqui, as the words resonated so much with her.
“Of the covers I have chosen to record on my new EP and album, I was really drawn most to this song as soon as I heard it,” she explained. “I am all about lyrics, and for me, ‘Just An Illusion’ sums it all up, really.
“The Music Industry is a very hard and crazy business, and one which I will never understand. It can be cruel at times for musicians in different ways, but, regardless of the pitfalls, there is nothing like that feeling when you are creating or performing music. Then all the hard stuff almost fades into oblivion.”
Jacqui’s E.P. entitled Home is due for release on July 31st, 2020, and includes Until Then, one of Jacqui’s own original songs. Jacqui recently shared a live performance of the track for Social Media, recorded from her home in Bunbeg in West Donegal, along with her friend, Musician and Music Director, Ray McLoughlin, who accompanied Jacqui on the recording on piano from his home in County Westmeath.
The Donegal based Singer/ Songwriter, known for her soulful, deep tones, has three albums under her belt, and since her smash hit cover of The Waterboys’ Whole of the Moon, she has been taking time to reflect on her journey so far, as well as writing and recording tracks for a forthcoming album.
Jacqui hadn’t anticipated she would have so much time, given the current situation.
“At the moment, in these crazy times, the industry hangs in the balance, with gigs postponed and everything up in the air,” she said. As to what will happen next? Who knows? I didn’t see this coming! I don’t know what’s next other than to watch that space.
“I can’t go for long without writing, recording and performing. Music is truly my sanity and my peace, and I can’t imagine life without it. Music creates feelings and feelings create music. I am blessed to be able to do it, and I am looking forward to sharing Just An Illusion and quite a few new songs in 2020.”
Just An Illusion is OUT NOW and Jacqui’s E.P. HOME will be released on July 31, 2020.Find out more at or jacquisharkey.com or connect with Jacqui Sharkey on social media.
Cropped Image Of Businessman Using Laptop At Desk In Office
July’s free webinars from Excalibur Press kicks off with a session this Thursday (July 2) with founder Tina Calder telling attendees just what she does in order to organise, promote and deliver her webinars each week.
Running A Webinar? Here’s What I Do Each Week is the latest session publicity management, content creation and copywriting company Excalibur Press has been running for the last three months to support businesses and individuals to transform their business and take advantage of online opportunities quickly.
A total of seven sessions will be held throughout July including topics such as blogging, podcasts, and maximising use of LinkedIn.
Tina will use over two decades of experience in media, publicity, publishing and content creation to deliver unique “action orientated” sessions.
She said: “At the beginning of the Covid crisis like many businesses I was in shock at the speed at which my business was changing. Clients were no longer able to commit to budgets and large projects were put on hold.
“I could have very easily just settled in, bunkered down and weathered the storm waiting for things to come back again but I decided that was 100% the wrong thing to do.
“I realised quickly that if I could use my experience to help people learn new skills and cope with the crisis a little better then I could create a wonderful community of learners and welcome them into the Excalibur Press family through our online brand The Content Club.
“These webinars offer me a great way to connect with the business community and find out exactly what services they need and want during this time.”
“This week I’ll run through what I do behind the scenes, what systems and processes I use and explain how to streamline creating your webinar” said Tina.
The following Wednesday (July 8) Tina will present Do You Want To Start Podcasting? Here’s How!, equipping attendees with everything they need to know to get started, including the required tools, to set up their first podcast.
“This session has been tailored to show how webinars can help businesses and individuals supercharge their marketing and sales efforts, as well as establishing them as real influencers and market leaders,” Tina explained.
“We’ve set aside an hour and a half for each webinar which will help you start thinking about what you need to do to begin reaching towards online success,” Tina said.
Throughout each session Tina aims to simplify the process, as well as an opportunity for questions and answers to give attendees real and practical tips and advice.
The global Coronavirus pandemic was unprecedented. It has had a significant impact on our working and social lives and has been responsible for a high number of deaths throughout the UK.
As necessary but restrictive lockdown measures are eased to help secure the UK’s economy, workforces across the country return to a “new normal”.
For many organisations, additional safety measures need to be implemented and maintained to reduce risk and to help control the spread of the virus.
She said: “There are a wide range of safety measures available to help protect your employees, customers, and the wider community.
“Some measures are more useful or applicable in certain sectors, with a range of government guidance available online.
“However, at Tyson Wilson we have identified five measures that are more generally applicable and can help you to ensure you have taken reasonable steps to keep your workforce safe from COVID-19.
“Not only that, we currently have a policy and procedure in place to train all our candidates being placed in temporary and permanent positions on things such as hand washing, sanitising work spaces, wearing PPE to prepare them for entering workplaces where they will have to adhere to strict rules and regulations.”
1. Carry out a Coronavirus-specific Risk Assessment
Risk Assessments are common documents across all sectors and industries that typically list the hazards present in the workplace, or hazards that are created by carrying out a range of tasks and duties. The assessments indicate the level of risk from each hazard, as well as listing specific control measures that must be implemented to mitigate risk.
“Carrying out a Coronavirus Risk Assessment helps ensure you take a methodical approach to assessing risk and identifying reasonable control measures that can be implemented to reduce risk” said Michelle, adding: “The assessment should be detailed enough to cover all activities that are undertaken by your organisation, as well as identifying all persons who could be at risk. Once complete, the document can be sent to all employees and displayed in a prominent location at your premises to ensure it is well communicated and understood.”
2. Maintain remote-working practices, where possible
Michelle explained: “While the government is taking steps to reduce restrictive lockdown measures, key advice to employers remains the same – where your employees can work from home, they should be working from home.
“Many organisations adapted quickly to remote working practices, including the use of video conferencing software, setting up group chats, and carrying out daily or weekly team briefings. Unless your employees do work that is of a nature that cannot be carried out from home, such as production operatives and construction workers, then remote working practices should be implemented and maintained.”
3. Implement workplace social distancing measures
For employees who cannot work from home, it is vital that social distancing measures are implemented in the workplace.
Michelle said: “As of June 23rd 2020, the guidance is two metre social distancing. To help enforce this, employers can introduce a range of measures including: reduced numbers in the workplace at any one time, spreading out the workforce by changing the layout of offices and work spaces, minimising the maximum number of people permitted to be in one room, staggering tea and lunch breaks, allowing employees to eat at their desks or stations to reduce cross-contamination in communal areas, restricting visitors to the workplace, erecting perspex screens and dividers, marking out social distancing lines on floors, and putting up posters as a reminder to socially distance.”
4.Implement a robust cleaning regime and hygiene practices
“Thorough cleaning regimes that were introduced at the start of the pandemic need to be maintained” said Michelle.
“This can include frequent disinfection of surfaces, equipment, door handles, and other touch points, regular emptying of bins, and removing shared cutlery and cups from use, etc.
“In addition, adequate hand hygiene must be maintained, and employees should have access to a suitable supply of hand washing materials, barrier and emollient creams, and hand sanitiser. A wide range of hands-free dispensers have become available on the market from local suppliers.”
5. Supply and proper fitting of appropriate PPE
Michelle advised: “Where it is difficult to maintain social distancing, or work activities require employees to be in areas that have higher levels of traffic (or if employees feel more secure with PPE available), you should provide suitable PPE such as face masks or covering, or full face shields.
“This is particularly common for employees in the hospitality sector, in supermarkets, and on public transport. If supplying PPE to employees, ensure they know the correct methods to don and doff the equipment to ensure it provides adequate protection.”
More information for employers can be found on the NI Direct website and the HSE website. The HSE website provides guidance for the UK and the rules in Northern Ireland may differ slightly.
However, in general, the advice with regards to health and safety measures in the workplace is robust.
In many cases your website is your shop window, the place people will go to find out more about you and your product or service before making the decision to buy.
Getting it right is imperative to ensure your potential customer moves through your customer journey to convert into a solid sale.
Damien Maddalena is the founder of Elucidate Studios. Based in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, Elucidate aim to design, develop, and deploy meaningful brand and digital experiences through exploration, experimentation, and collaboration.
Building websites since the early days of the internet, Damien has more years’ experience than he cares to remember.
Damien delivered a talk at a Lunchtime Learning session facilitated by the Cathedral Quarter BID (Business Improvement District) full of tips for small business owners.
Here are Damien’s key questions you need to answer for anyone thinking of building or changing their business website:
“Your website should be at the centre of your digital universe” said Damien, adding: “All your online activity should direct users to your website for more information – from social media, to email marketing. All your offline marketing activity should also point to your website – from letterheads to print adverts. Your website acts as a centralised online hub for your business.”
A website creates a destination for those who want to know more about your business, acts as an archive for content, news, and stories about your business, and is a simple means of contact for your customers and potential customers to find you and get in touch. As such a key communication tool, it’s important that your website is high quality and effective.
Key Questions For SME Website Development
What is your business strategy and how will a website help you meet your business objectives?
What does your current online presence look like and what needs to change?
Who is your online audience, and how do you find them? How do they find you?
How do you perform online compared to your competitors?
Damien explained: “Websites are not vanity projects. It is a functional tool for your business. Consider your wants versus your needs when designing and developing your website. What is going to add value to your business? Sliding banners and additional features like moving components might look good, and maybe your competitor has them, but what value are they going to add to your website?”
What else should you ask yourself?
What does the website need to do?
What is the scope of your website development project? The scope will impact on your design and functionality needs, and ultimately on your budget.
Have you considered mobile responsiveness, search engine optimisation, hosting and security?
“Your website design should represent and reflect your brand” said Damien.
“Core features include a home page, an about page, product or services pages, a news or blog section, a contact page, and a cookie policy/privacy notice. Additional features can include an online booking system, customer portal or login area, and an ecommerce online store.
“Spend sufficient time scoping and planning your website from the start. Adding in functionality down the line can be costly and make the design and development process much more difficult. This is known as “reactive creep.”
But it’s not just about the structure of your website that businesses need to consider when developing their website, said Damien. He identified the following questions as integral to the website build.
Do you have a plan for the content of your website? If you are not comfortable or confident writing this yourself, you can hire a copywriter to write it for you.
Do you have high resolution logos, artwork and images for your website? Or do you need to hire a graphic designer to create these for you?
What are your expectations for the website? Have you seen samples of things that you like that you could show to your web developer?
Damien added: “Some website developers will have graphic design and copywriting skills in-house, but many won’t. It’s up to you to make sure all the content and imagery is how you want it to be. Not having the content ready can delay the creation and launch of the website, so make sure you have thought about this in advance.”
Practical questions
What on-going support do you need from a website developer? Most websites will require plugin or security updates at a minimum, some will also require a budget for on-going tweaks and improvements over time.
How do you choose which website developer to go with? Ask to see a portfolio of their work or speak with some of the clients they have worked with in the past.
Are you happy to use a WordPress or similar website developer who designs using templates, or do you want a website that is fully bespoke? What does your budget allow?
Three-year-old Lucius Corry, who has Down’s syndrome, a hearing impairment and ventricular septal defect, is taking on his biggest challenge yet to raise vital funds for Mencap Northern Ireland to thank the charity for supporting him to take his first steps. . Distributed pro bono by Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209, tina@excaliburpress.co.uk For further information, contact Seán Conlon, Mencap on: sean.conlon@mencap.org.uk
Three-year-old Lucius Corry, who has Down’s syndrome, a hearing impairment and ventricular septal defect, is taking on his biggest challenge yet to raise vital funds for Mencap Northern Ireland to thank the charity for supporting him to take his first steps.
Lucius will be taking on a 50-jump challenge as part of Mencap in Northern Ireland’s “Move It For Mencap” fundraising campaign, which will raise money to help the charity deliver its life-changing services to people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland.
Proud mum, Joanne Corry, gave birth to Lucius at 38 weeks by C-Section after developing gestational diabetes. Lucius was immediately taken away for blood tests and was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome. Further scans showed that Lucius has a hearing impairment as well as a ventricular septal defect, which will require him to have surgery at some stage.
At two-years-old Lucius started attending the Mencap Children’s Centre, which is run in partnership with the Belfast Trust, where he was supported to take his first steps last December.
Although the coronavirus pandemic has meant that the Children’s Centre has not been able to deliver face-to-face support, Mencap quickly adapted its services to offer virtual support to families. Mencap wanted to make sure children with a learning disability continue in their development and that families can get the vital support they need during lockdown.
Lucius and Joanne are grateful for the ongoing virtual support they have received and continue to see Lucius develop despite lockdown. Lucius had been trying for weeks to jump and was really struggling, but during lockdown Lucius achieved his first jump.
Now he loves jumping and the family have set Lucius a new challenge to do 50 jumps to fundraise for Mencap to thank the charity for its support.
Joanne Corry, mum to Lucius, says: “Lucius has thrived at Mencap’s Children’s Centre. He learned to walk in December, which was a major achievement for him. He couldn’t have done it without the support from Mencap. The staff at Mencap have been brilliant to us and are always there for support. We have got to meet so many other families who were in a similar situation and could relate to what we were going through, which really helped. The workshops and training courses were a great help to me and my family.
“Even though this is a difficult time for everyone, we were delighted when Lucius hit another milestone a few weeks ago by learning to jump! He had been trying for weeks but his feet never left the ground, but he was so determined to do it. Then suddenly his feet lifted, and he was so excited. He loves jumping now. We decided we would like to help to raise as much as we can for Mencap so they can go on supporting other families like ours and to also say thank you to Mencap for everything that they have done for us so far.”
Margaret Kelly, Director of Mencap Northern Ireland, says: “I just want to say a huge thank you to Lucius and Joanne for fundraising for Mencap. It means to so much to us that our families so value our services that they are willing to fundraise on top of everything else they do. Our extraordinary teams are working extremely hard in challenging circumstances to help many children and adults with a learning disability and their families in need of support during this difficult time. Lucius’s jumping is a very special ‘Move it for Mencap’ challenge. It is really wonderful that Lucius and Joanne are helping us to transform the lives of other children with a learning disability and their families to help them build independent and fulfilling lives.”
The coronavirus crisis is affecting people nationwide, but it is society’s most vulnerable people, including people with a learning disability and their families and carers, who are most likely to be hit hardest. Mencap continues to provide the highest quality care and support to thousands of children and adults with a learning disability and their families and carers, while ensuring that the 42,000 people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland are supported through the charity’s helpline, online support services and programmes, and lobbying and influencing work.
“Move It For Mencap” is asking you to move in whichever way suits you to raise money for Mencap in Northern Ireland and help support local people with a learning disability. Set yourself a challenge, be it walking, running, or even dancing, set up a fundraising link and get started. Find out more about getting started and other ways you can get involved too at:
There may be no blues echoing around the pubs and venues for this year’s Belfast City Blues Festival owing to the Covid-19 crisis, but your fix of superb music will be delivered thanks to the virtual festival live from the Blues Bunker.
Saturday, June 27 sees 11 acts lined up to deliver from the Blues Bunker an entire eight hours of tunes.
From 2pm through to after 10.30pm the virtual fest sees local, national and international acts play for fans who need their music fix in these strange times.
Headliners are the Canadian Blues sensation The Johnny Max Band – an act guaranteed to get your toes tapping whether you are tuning in from your backyard or your bedroom.
The vast array of talent on display is a tribute to the pulling power of the Belfast City Blues Festival, as well as in the different climate of the pandemic.
“The wellbeing of our friends, fans, musicians and Blues family, alongside the amazing staff, volunteers, sponsors and festival team who support us every year out number one priority,” said festival director Seamus O’Neill.
“As we consider what we can do later in the year we’re pleased to host this special online show from the Blues Bunker.”
And, what a show it is. As well as The Johnny Max Band there will be The Lee Hedley Blues Band (live from Kelly’s Cellars), and Mirenda Rosenberg, who will be streaming all the way from the US.
Opening proceedings will be Sam Davidson’s Taste live from The American Bar, with sets following throughout the day.
Included are the Red Hot Roosters (live from Kelly’s Cellars), DD and The Delta Boys, Robin Bibi, Tony Villiers, Light, Christy Crow Black Chicken, and Dom Martin.
Seamus said that while they are considering a scaled back later in the year the June 27th show will again demonstrate the commitment to the best of musical talent.
“From an idea 11 years ago the Belfast City Blues Festival grew to such an extent that by 2019 22,500 visitors flocked to venues,” he said. “The success of the festival is testimony to what we can achieve when we come together.
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of the festival to date and I promise that in 2021 we will be back, bigger and better than ever.”
With the likes of Mirenda Rosenberg delivering her African American roots take on the blues, The Johnny Max Band’s ‘Roadhouse Soul, the exciting talent of Robin Bibi as well as the local stars the Belfast City Blues Bunker will be your essential online musical destination on Saturday
The Belfast City Blues Festival 2020 is un-funded and operating without sponsors, your support has been vital to our survival, thank you for your donations.
For more information, to register for tickets or make a donation go to https://bit.ly/2Bc8G2Z
Derry YouTuber Adam B visits some lucky kids in the big 20k giveaway where Adam travelled around Derry in an ice cream truck giving gifts to people he believed deserved them.
Photo (c) Adam B
For more info contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209, tina@excaliburpress.co.uk
Last weekend Derry YouTube star Adam Beales gave out over £20k worth of gifts to people he believed needed help.
But three young people really stood out to him because they aspire to having YouTube success just like the 20-year-old who is better known as Adam B online.
Adam had asked for nominations for children and young people who needed a lift, and distributed tech gifts, and even a car, to many deserving families, including those who want to follow in his footsteps.
For 12-year-old Shayne O’Carolan Adam’s visit came after being nominated for his hospital fundraising efforts, following on from spending the first four year of his life in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Birmingham.
Derry YouTuber Adam B visits 12-year-old YouTuber Shayne O’Carolan who received a camera and a laptop in the big 20k giveaway where Adam travelled around Derry in an ice cream truck giving gifts to people he believed deserved them.
Photo (c) Shayne O’Carolan
For more info contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209, tina@excaliburpress.co.uk
But it wasn’t just his inspirational story that captured Adam’s heart, the fact the youngster had his own YouTube channel made Adam want to help him even more.
Mum Shauna explained how much Adam’s visit and gifts meant to him.
“Shayne’s whole life is based around YouTube,’ she said. “He has his own YouTube channel and spends hours every day making videos.”
Shayne’s video making will be a lot easier now thanks to the camera and Macbook for editing that were presented to him by Adam, during a visit to his house.
“I wasn’t expecting any presents,’ Shauna explained. “The visit was phenomenal enough. We couldn’t get Shayne to go to bed that night because he said that he didn’t want the day to end. Since then he has been talking about Adam nonstop. We can’t believe the effect that Adam has had on him.”
Adam’s gift-giving initiative is the latest that the YouTube star has undertaken, having previously donated more than £1k to those in need. This time it saw him delivering the gifts in a special ice cream van.
“I set up an email account asking people to send emails in, nominating people who they thought deserved a gift,” he explained. “I received thousands!
“My whole family and myself sat reading through all the emails over a series of nights. Some people got lots of nominations who, most obviously, deserved a gift. Others I chose because they stuck out to me personally.”
One of those that struck a chord was that of nine-year-old Lucas Noah Broderick. When he started uploading videos to his YouTube channel, negative messages upset and hurt him.
Derry YouTuber Adam B visits young 9 year old YouTuber Lucas Noah who received a camera, tripod and drone in the big 20k giveaway where Adam travelled around Derry in an ice cream truck giving gifts to people he believed deserved them.
Photo (c) Lucas Noah
For more info contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209, tina@excaliburpress.co.uk
But now Lucas Noah is having the last laugh.
Adam turned up at Lucas Noah’s house and gave the young man words of encouragement – telling him to go on uploading videos and ignore the trolls’ messages.
To help him on his way, Adam presented Lucas Noah with a brand new camera, a drone and a tripod to make better videos.
“I wasn’t expecting the gifts”, said mum Caroline. “Adam’s visit was more than enough, but this just made Lucas Noah’s day. I’m so glad that I responded to Adam’s Facebook post. He doesn’t know the impact he has had on our wee boy’s life.
Lucas Noah was inspired by Adam to create his own YouTube channel in February this year, he has about 1.5k followers and the videos are mainly of him and his dad having fun – although usually his dad getting the brunt end of anything.
“Lucas Noah wants to make videos because of Adam. When I applied, I told Adam that Lucas Noah was getting very negative messages in response to his videos. People were posting messages such as ‘go and kill yourself’ and then they would follow up with other negative messages.
“Adam’s team asked if Lucas Noah needed any presents. I said no.
“When he saw AB he was in total shock but couldn’t stop smiling.
“Lucas Noah was absolutely over the moon. Adan had a few quiet words with Lucas Noah about his videos. Told him not to let anyone stop him from making them. Then he gave him a brand new camera, a drone and a tripod to make better videos. I wasn’t expecting this. The visit by Adam was more than enough, but this just made Lucas Noah’s day.”
For Adam, inspiration to give the gifts came from another YouTube star, David Dobrik.
“I’m a massive fan and anyone who watches David would know that he likes to surprise people,” he explained “And I think during this climate, with bad news after bad news, people locally need someone like David. So, I too am going to do my best to try to make people smile.”
As well as having 2.7m YouTube subscribers Adam has more than 500,000 followers on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok with his witty pranks and sketches, but he is committed to continuing charity work and supporting others. In addition to his cash and gift giveaways he recently bought his parents a four-bedroom dream home.
However, choosing those that were to receive the gifts for this video has involved his entire family, from picking the successful nominees through to joining Adam on the ice cream van.
“It’s amazing to be in the position where I can make people smile, take their mind off things, or potentially make a difference in their lives,” he said. “The stories really touched me. The same stories that also touched my mum whilst we were reading through the emails. It is the most I’ve ever seen my mum cry in one week.”
Among other recipients was 14-year-old superfan Lucie McElwee who received a Macbook, iPad and iPhone. The 14-year-old also had a box of chocolates as a bonus.
Derry YouTuber Adam B visits 14-year-old superfan Lucie McElwee who received a Macbook, iPad and iPhone in the big 20k giveaway where Adam travelled around Derry in an ice cream truck giving gifts to people he believed deserved them.
Photo (c) Adam B
For more info contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209, tina@excaliburpress.co.uk
Lucie’s mum Sue McElwee said: “I saw the post on Facebook and sent an email. Lucie is such a superfan and knows Adam B very well. She has been a fan from the very start. I knew that if she didn’t get the surprise she would be crushed and so I kept it all very hush hush.
“On the day, Adam came quite late and so I had to find an excuse to keep her in the house.
“It was about half four or five before Adam arrived. Her dad said to her that someone was coming up the road and when she saw the ice cream van she had to take a double take. She had no shoes on and when the ice cream truck pulled up outside, she ran out panicking with no shoes on, screaming ‘I can’t believe it’.”
For Adam the real thank yous go to each and every fan like Lucie who has helped him get to where he is today.
He said: “I want to thank everyone who has supported me, watched the videos, shared, liked, commented and subscribed. You have given back to the local community. And for that, I just want to say thank you.”
His final message is one for everyone: “You don’t have to spend money to be kind. This video was a special one because I was able to give back,” he said. “But you don’t need to go to those lengths to be a nice person. Be the reason why someone smiles today. You won’t regret it.”
