A stunning array of Northern Ireland talent has been gathered to present Cahoots NI’s immersive digital theatre experience with the aim of bringing the magic and joy of theatre to young audiences at home.

The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers.

In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, actors, magicians and composers will be part of the Cahoots NI team broadcasting from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.

From Belfast to Ballycastle, from Bangor to Armagh, all have assembled to help families enjoy the theatre experience, this time with a tremendous twist.

The show will have its Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.

The cast includes actors Sean Kearns (Newry), Hugh Brown (Bangor), Philippa O’Hara (Belfast), Lata Sharma (Bangor) and magician Caolan McBride (Armagh).

Also involved with the show is composer, sound designer and musical director Garth McConaghie (Ballycastle).

Artistic Director and Creator of University of Wonder and Imagination, Paul Bosco McEneaney, said he was delighted to have so much talent for the show.

“We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the University of Wonder and Imagination for enrolment, with such an array of Northern Ireland’s best contributing,” he said. 

“Now, more than ever, we want to capture the sheer joy and wonder that theatre and live performance brings young audiences, something we so desperately miss being able to provide at this time.

“Developing this production has allowed us to explore a completely new channel through which to bring magic and illusion to children and their families via digital technology. The choices our audiences make live, during the event, will shape their unique theatre experience – and that’s hugely exciting for us.”

The show will have its Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.

Speaking of the show Hugh Brown said: “A huge amount of effort is going into the development of this show on all levels. From writing and development, vision and production, technology and design there is a crack team of individuals working together to produce what I believe will be hugely entertaining and a theatrical revelation in these unusual and testing times.”

Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems.

Sean Kearns said he was excited to be part of the ambitious undertaking.

“The wonderfully frightening thing about this project is that the format is new to all of us, so we are all discovering it together,” he said. 

“Technically the show is enormous, and we are still figuring out what can be achieved. As the University Motto states ‘In Imagination we Trust and in Wonder We Must’.”

Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.

Magician Caolan McBride said: “From a magician’s point of view there were things I hadn’t seen done anywhere before and I knew early on that something special was happening.”

Philippa O’Hara added: “It feels like we’re entering a new frontier of online theatre due to Covid-19 and Cahoots are diving headfirst into this new world.” 

Composer Garth McConaghie said Cahoots NI are bringing the theatre directly to people in their own homes.

“The fact that we are pushing technical boundaries in exploring new ways to tell stories and present theatre.”

Radio star Lata Sharma, said that even the cast were daunted at first by the scale of the show.

“When I first heard about the format, it was a little scrambled in my head but as I read through the script and began to recite it out loud, it all began to fall into place.”

Speaking of the technology being implemented to show The University of Wonder and Imagination Paul McEneaney said: “The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions.

“Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.”

The University of Wonder and Imagination is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI

Antrim Castle Gardens will host a photography exhibition on the COVID-19 pandemic captured by Dr. Tuck Goh, an associate specialist at the Ulster Hospital.  

Dr. Goh who has worked in the Emergency Department for 23 years, quickly engaged his passion for street photography to the Emergency Department at the Ulster Hospital as they prepared for COVID19.

Originally from Malaysia, Dr. Goh has enjoyed extensive travel which has taken him across the world, however nothing could have prepared him for COVID19.  He knew that he had to capture the real action in the fight against the pandemic from the frontline for both this generation and those to come.

This remarkable exhibition gives the sense of what goes on in the day-to-day work carried out by the doctors, nurses, porters and domiciliary staff as they battle against COVID-19.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said “I am looking forward to seeing this unique exhibition, capturing first-hand the real story of COVID-19. This pandemic has gripped the nation for many months and this is a valuable opportunity to see the story unfold through these images. I am pleased the Council is supporting Dr. Goh and giving the public a chance to see the courageous work carried out by the real heroes of this pandemic.”

The exhibition opens at The Oriel Gallery from Tuesday 6 – Sunday 15 November. Visitors are welcome to view this exhibition whilst maintaining social distancing and adhering to the NI Executive guidelines. 

Ards and North Down Borough Council is encouraging everyone to be part of a collective effort to reduce air pollution on 8 October and throughout the year by taking part in Clean Air Day.

Many people in the borough have embraced walking, cycling and general exercise in recent months. They have grabbed the opportunity to walk along the coastal paths, dander along the beach, cycle on the Greenway and perhaps walk or cycle to the shops.

But as society attempts to make tentative steps to return to business as usual, everyone is being encouraged to forget old habits and try to maintain these new activities by incorporating them into their daily lives.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Trevor Cummings, said:

“During lockdown, there was a noticeable reduction in air pollution relating to vehicle emissions. Now that many people are returning to work and students have returned to school, we want to encourage everyone to try to maintain the momentum of living a healthier lifestyle by leaving their cars at home, when possible, and choose to walk or cycle. Not only is this healthier but it helps to reduce air pollution and is better for the environment which ultimately benefits everyone.”

There is no better time to start than Clean Air Day on Thursday 8 October. So why not try to leave the car at home and get on your bike, or your feet. Your health and the environment will benefit!

Newry born actor and performer, Sean Kearns, is set to star in Cahoots NI’s latest immersive magical digital theatre experience.

The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers from the comfort of their own home.

In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, Sean will be part of the Cahoots NI team broadcasting from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.

Sean said that he was looking forward to taking part, and can’t wait until audiences get to experience it.

“The sheer scale of this show and the technical wizardry required to bring it to fruition is what excited me,” he said. 

“From my initial chat with Cahoots NI Artistic Director Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney it became very clear how passionate he was about bringing a different style of on-line performance to life.

“The wonderfully frightening thing about this project is that the format is new to all of us, so we are all discovering it together. Technically the show is enormous, and we are still figuring out what can be achieved. As the University Motto states ‘In Imagination we Trust and in Wonder We Must’.”

The show will have it’s Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.

The 55-year-old is no stranger to the ambitious productions of the theatre company.

“I have previously worked with Cahoots on Two Christmas at The Mac Belfast, playing Rocombollo in Pinocchio and Stan the shoemaker in The Elves and the Shoemaker, he said.

“I love working with Cahoots as Paul really knows who his target audience is, I love being in a rehearsal room with him helping him bring to reality the myriad of incredible ideas he has flying around his head.”

For Sean this is the latest in a long line of successes.

“I didn’t go to drama school so the fact that I have performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company for two seasons plus two seasons at Shakespeare’s Globe,” he explained. “I have appeared in the West End in Billy Elliot, The 39 Steps, The Commitments, Wicked and the comedy About a Bank Robbery.”

Other credits include the hit TV show, Ballykissangel and the film Angela’s Ashes.

Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests of the University of Wonder and Imagination will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems.

Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.

Speaking about the new production, Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, Creator/Director of The University of Wonder and Imagination, and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the University of Wonder and Imagination for enrolment.

“Now, more than ever, we want to capture the sheer joy and wonder that theatre and live performance brings young audiences, something we so desperately miss being able to provide at this time. We have worked hard to create an experience that would act as a first step to bridge the gap between young people and live theatre that can be enjoyed at home.

“Developing this production has allowed us to explore a completely new channel through which to bring magic and illusion to children and their families via digital technology. The choices our audiences make live, during the event, will shape their unique theatre experience – and that’s hugely exciting for us.

“The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions. Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.”

The University of Wonder and Imagination is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Despite the enormous challenges presented to the Arts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cahoots NI continues to offer audiences world-class children’s theatre with their latest show, The University of Wonder and Imagination, this Autumn.
“This latest show promises to be a wonder to behold! The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is hugely proud to support this terrific production which will be enjoyed by many online, helping to bring great art to everyone.” 

Cahoots NI is at the forefront of Northern Irish theatre and is the leading professional theatre company producing work for children. Since beginning operations in 2001, Cahoots NI has produced original, critically acclaimed work for children including Under the Hawthorn Tree, Secrets of Space, Shh! We have a Plan and has toured its work internationally including in China and the USA.

For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI

Enjoy autumn’s kaleidoscope of colours during a family getaway

As the half term school holidays approach, it is the perfect time for families to enjoy some epic fun without the epic trek.

Northern Ireland has a host of hotels with fun family activities just a small step away. As the nights draw in and we prepare for the long winter months, why not enjoy autumn’s kaleidoscope of colours when spending some time together with loved ones.

Discover Northern Ireland has put together a list of great places to stay with fun activities on your doorstep:

Belfast

La Mon Hotel & Country Club (4*)

Located 15 minutes from Belfast city centre, La Mon Hotel & Country Club is nestled in the picturesque countryside of County Down. The hotel offers family friendly accommodation with 121 luxury bedrooms, suites and award-winning dining. Guests can relax and avail of the 15m swimming pool and tennis court on site. For local activities, you’re about a 15-minute drive from a wetland paradise at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre and a ten-minute drive from Streamvale Open Farm, with a Halloween Pumpkin Patch experience from 17th October – 31st October. Offer from £215 for one night’s B&B plus two-course meal, treat plate and kids Halloween activities and access to the Country Club (based on two adults and two children). Subject to availability. https://www.lamon.co.uk/

Crowne Plaza, Belfast (4*)

Crowne Plaza is a refined hotel in a parkland setting in the Lagan Valley regional park just 15 minutes from central Belfast, with stylish dining, complimentary car parking and an indoor pool (separate time for kids and families to enjoy). Plus, for a day of family packed adventure, you’re only a quick drive away from We Are Vertigo, featuring Northern Ireland’s largest indoor inflatable activity course. Offer from £184 per night based on two adults and two children and access to leisure facilities. Subject to availability. https://www.cpbelfast.com/

Clayton Hotel, Belfast (4*)

A city centre location means you will be close to many of Belfast’s main entertainment and attractions including Titanic Belfast and Ulster Museum. Facilities ensure there are endless activities from entertainment in the hotel’s swimming pool and family friendly dining options. Offer from £179 B&B per night based on two adults and three children (limited availability). Subject to availability. Visit https://www.claytonhotelbelfast.com/ 

County Fermanagh

Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges (4*)

Commanding stunning views overlooking scenic Lough Erne, the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges features luxury hotel accommodation, lakeside lodges, an Elemis Spa, choice of restaurants and Health Club (also accessible to kids and families). Only about one mile from Enniskillen, and a short drive from the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark and National Trust’s Florence Court, there is lots to explore with the family. The kids will also love the new ‘Killy Kids’ Outdoor Play Park. Offer from £155pps for two nights B&B, plus dinner on one evening. Children aged four years and under stay complimentary and for 5-12 year-olds it’s £20 per night B&B. The offer also includes use of the indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and outdoor hot tub at Killyhevlin Health Club. Subject to availability. https://www.killyhevlin.com/ 

County Tyrone

Silverbirch Hotel (3*) 

Within walking distance of Omagh, a bustling market town, the hotel is a family-run business for over 41 years. It is home to a collection of 64 bedrooms a bustling entertainment scene and its Barreta Bar & Grill is a firm favourite with the locals. During your stay, plan a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park. About a 10-minute drive away, immerse yourself in the story of the brave emigrants who made the journey across the Atlantic to America hundreds of years ago. Offer from £99 B&B based on two adults and two children under 12 or £129 B&B for two adults and three children under 12 in a large family room. Subject to availability. https://www.silverbirchhotel.com/ 

County Antrim

Bayview Hotel (4*)

The Bayview Hotel is situated at the heart of the picturesque village of Portballintrae, one mile from Bushmills, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and close to the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle. A great spot for families with their junior and superior rooms, and ideal for traveling around the Causeway Coast and Glens. In addition, the warmth of the Porthole Bar & Restaurant provides a focal point of the hotel where you can watch the world go by with the sea view and enjoy a memorable family-friendly meal. Offer from £149 including Bed & Full Breakfast for two adults and two children. Subject to availability. http://www.bayviewhotelni.com/ 

County Armagh

Armagh City Hotel (3*)

A fantastic base for exploring all Armagh has to offer, guests can enjoy 93 en-suite bedrooms, delicious modern cuisine in the Friary Restaurant as well as the state-of-the-art health and leisure club. The Armagh City Hotel combines all the rest and relaxation you need with activities right on your doorstep. Kids will love the hotel pool and you’ll love the great value and spacious family rooms. Family break offer from £295.00 includes two-night B&B for two adults and two kids, £50.00 meal voucher and a family ticket to Navan Center & Fort or Armagh Planetarium (re-opening on 28 October) and tickets to the Armagh Cider Tour. Subject to availability. https://www.armaghcityhotel.com/ 

For further inspiration on great activities and places to stay across Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com. Or follow Discover Northern Ireland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Accommodation availability and prices correct at time of publication. All offers are subject to availability. 

Northern Ireland’s first ever outdoor forest school has launched a week-long spook-tacular Halloween Camp at Barnett Demesne in Belfast.

The Holistic Kidz Forest School Halloween Camp, which takes place from Monday 26^th – Friday 30^th October, promises lots of fun for children aged 4 to 12 including tree climbing, tepee creations, scarecrow building, magic wand and mud pie potion making, spooky stories, hot chocolate around the campfire and the Hogwarts nature trail.

Colette McCartney, Founder of Holistic Kidz said: “We are delighted to launch our 2020 Halloween Forest Camp. With children now settled back into school, we’re pleased to be able to help families continue with a routine during the half-term – and add a lot of fun and fulfilment at the same time. Our camp is all outdoors in nature and we are fully compliant with the current government regulations so parents can rest assured in the knowledge that their child is having a good time in a safe and nourishing environment.

Children are stimulated by spending time outdoors and there are so many proven scientific benefits including increased energy levels, improved mood and focus and running around breathing in the fresh air always ensures a good night’s sleep. Our ethos is very much built around nature and giving our Holistic Kidz the opportunity to learn new skills, build their confidence and emotional well-being, boost their creativity and imagination and develop essential problem-solving skills.”

“Our coaches are highly skilled and fully qualified in early years education and various holistic services and we keep our group sizes small to ensure each child has the chance to really make the most of their special time with us in camp. Sensible clothing is recommended as we love nothing more than climbing trees and jumping in muddy puddles – all the things that children love to do best when in the great outdoors!” Colette added.

A Weekly Explorer to the Holistic Kidz Halloween Forest Camp is £110 per child and a Daily Explorer is £27 per child.  There is a 10% discount for siblings. Places must be booked in advance.

For further information go to www.holistickidz.com or holistic_kidzni on Instagram.

Ground-breaking immersive digital show by children’s theatre company Cahoots NI set to delight Irish audiences

Children’s theatre company Cahoots NI has launched an immersive digital theatre experience with the aim of bringing the magic and joy of theatre to young audiences at home.

The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers. 

Opening on October 4 & 5 at Wainfest, Donegal the show will “tour” across Ireland stopping off at Lime Tree Theatre & Belltable’s Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival – Limerick (Oct 7 & 10), Baboro International Arts Festival – Galway (Oct 12-17), Linenhall Arts Centre – Castlebar (Oct 19 & Nov 7), Belfast International Arts Festival (Oct 22-25 & 29-Nov 1), Hawkswell Theatre – Sligo (Oct 28) and more.

In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, Cahoots NI will broadcast from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.

Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems. 

Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.

Speaking about the new production, Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, Creator/Director of The University of Wonder and Imagination, and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the University of Wonder and Imagination for enrolment.

“Now, more than ever, we want to capture the sheer joy and wonder that theatre and live performance brings young audiences, something we so desperately miss being able to provide at this time. We have worked hard to create an experience that would act as a first step to bridge the gap between young people and live theatre that can be enjoyed at home or in classrooms.  

“Developing this production has allowed us to explore a completely new channel through which to bring magic and illusion to children and their families via digital technology. The choices our audiences make live, during the event, will shape their unique theatre experience – and that’s hugely exciting for us.

“The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions. Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.” 

Cahoots NI is at the forefront of Irish theatre and is the leading professional theatre company producing work for children in NI. Since beginning operations in 2001, Cahoots NI has produced original, critically acclaimed work for children including Under the Hawthorn Tree, Secrets of Space, Shh! We have a Plan and has toured its work internationally including in China and the USA.

For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNImagic

Belfast will be the only UK city to host interactive art installation

NEXT month will see Northern Ireland join a number of European countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and Greece to host The Disappearing Wall, an interactive art installation that celebrates Europe’s diversity of languages and ideas.

Belfast is the only city within the UK to host the installation which is based on an idea proposed by Maria Jablonina in a workshop carried out by the architect and engineer Werner Sobek and initiated by the Goethe-Institut.

The Disappearing Wall, which will be on display on the roof of Castlecourt Shopping Centre from October 1-12, consists of a plexiglas frame which will host 6,000 wooden blocks showing original and translated quotes collected by the Goethe-Institut earlier this year via local contests across Europe.

Visitors to the Wall are invited to take home a block which will contain one of a wide range of quotes, from the likes of Albert Einstein, Adorno, Rosa Luxemburg, Sartre and Jonas Mekas, to Beatles’ lyrics and lines from Winnie the Pooh or the film Amélie.

As more and more blocks are removed, the Wall will ‘disappear’ with only the clear Plexiglas grid that held them remaining.

Other cities to host the The Disappearing Wall include Antwerp, Barcelona, Brussels, Gdansk, The Hague, Madrid, Milan, Namur, Nicosia, Poznan, Segovia, Thessaloniki, Turin, Vilnius and Warsaw.

Katharina von Ruckteschell-Katte, Director of the Goethe-Institut London, commented: “We are delighted to bring the Disappearing Wall to Belfast. This installation will not only celebrate Northern Ireland’s diversity but also the potential to symbolically overcome borders visible and tangible.”

Goethe-Institut London has commissioned Belfast-based Urban Scale interventions (USI) to bring The Disappearing Wall to life in Belfast with Claire Hall, USI Projects Producer, commenting: “We are proud to help bring The Disappearing Wall to Belfast as it is an important project for NI as we celebrate our country’s diversity. Encouraging visitors to take away inspirational and thought-provoking quotes and therefore destroying the wall to leave a clear view across the city symbolises how we can come together to destroy any barriers that are holding us back.”

Mirroring the project’s aims of celebrating the diversity of Belfast and Northern Ireland, Belfast arts collective Catalyst Arts is running a programme of workshops that will engage with the community through sharing stories, experiences and history.

[more…]

Thomas Wells of Catalyst Arts said: “Over the next couple of months, Catalyst Arts will develop and present a series of engagement events looking at a re-mapping of the city beyond geography by inviting participants to share lived experiences of Belfast. The outcome of which will be shown as part of an ongoing engagement with the installation of the Wall in Castle Court Shopping Centre kicking it off”.

The Disappearing Wall is one of several projects that the Goethe-Institut is carrying out for Germany’s EU Council Presidency and as part of the Federal government’s cultural programme in Europe.  With different topics and target groups, the projects are devoted to the overarching question of what will constitute Europe in future and how the European community and cohesion can be strengthened.

The Disappearing Wall is backed by the Federal Foreign Office with special funds for the German EU Council Presidency 2020.  In Northern Ireland, the installation is supported by Catalyst Arts and Urban Scale Interventions.

More information on The Disappearing Wall with dates and locations can be found at www.goethe.de/disappearingwall. 

In fact, anxiety is estimated to affect at least 40% of autistic individuals and is a prevalent problem for autistic children and young people.

According to Meta Auden, founder of Spectra Sensory Clothing there’s no doubt the world can be a confusing place for children with ASD. 

She said: “Whether it’s dealing with social situations or unfamiliar surroundings, children with ASD can often have difficulty working out what others are thinking or trying to anticipate how others will react to certain situations. 

“As a result, they can feel anxious and stressed. To make matters worse, they may often find it difficult to tell parents or others that they’re feeling anxious and instead begin to display challenging behaviour.”

Challenging behaviour

According to Meta, circumstances that can lead to challenging behaviour can include:

• Changes in environment – from the most simple changes such as furniture in the home being moved, to new equipment in the local park – all are capable of leaving a child with ASD feelings of being unable to cope
• Changes in routine – this can often be one of the biggest challenges for a child with ASD. If, for example, a piano teacher is unwell and unable to hold the weekly lesson, the child can become extremely upset and anxious
• Unfamiliar social situations. Even something as simple as a friend’s birthday party, while generally enjoyable, can create anxiety as a result of the new noises, bright lights, unfamiliar foods etc
• Worry created by familiar situations such as going to the toilet, vacuum cleaners etc

Separation anxiety is another source of extreme anxiety. While typically developing children can often express anxiety or nervousness in such circumstances, children with ASD can be particularly affected by social anxiety. From fear of being separated from parents and caregivers to worries over homework or health issues, children with ASD can be affected by a range of issues.

Anxiety UK suggests imagining anxiety as a bucket of water: an accumulation of small, everyday stresses will eventually fill the bucket and, on occasion, make it overflow. It’s essential therefore to spend time on trying to work out your child’s personal causes of anxiety and identify strategies to relieve – or even avoid – the ‘overflow’ of anxiety.

Fortunately there are things that you can do to help alleviate or ease your child’s anxiety and encourage them to manage their anxiety levels on a daily basis.

Symptoms of anxiety

While children are affected by anxiety in different ways, there are a number of symptoms that are common in anxious children. These include: 

• Trouble sleeping
• Meltdowns or temper tantrums
• Withdrawal from or avoidance of social situations
• Increasing insistence on routine and ‘sameness’
• Actions designed to hurt themselves, such as head banging, scratching skin or hand biting
• Increased ‘stimming’ behaviour such as drumming fingers and rocking back and forth

Meta explained: “Many children with ASD also experience internal sensations of tension, including a racing heart or palpitations, sweating, nausea and stomach pains. There may also be feelings of fear, dread or irritability and hypervigilance.”

How to help your child

“One of the first ways in which you can help your child is by reading your child’s signals and working out what makes them feel stressed” said Meta, adding: “It can also be very helpful if you explain to your child what anxiety is, how it feels and what they can do to help themselves.”

Visual techniques

Visual aids can be a great help to your child. If, for example, your child becomes anxious when you’re dropping them off at school, you could provide them with photos of what you’ll be doing while you’re not with them – such as driving home, going shopping and reading along with photos of what they’ll be doing – sitting in class and playing sport.

Similarly, if your child tends to become anxious if there’s a change in their routine, then visual schedules can help to prepare them for the change. School holidays, for example, can be a source of anxiety, so providing a schedule that shows in advance that there will be a change in the daily schedule can help to alleviate the anxiety.

Bear in mind, however, that while some children find it helpful to be warned about a change a day or two in advance, others can find too much advance warning another source of anxiety.

Rehearse stressful situations

“For many children with ASD, preparation is the key to alleviating anxiety” said Meta. “The simple act of rehearsing or practising situations that your child finds stressful can help them to not only understand the situation in a visual way, but can give them the added bonus of physical preparation.

“If, for example, your child finds going to the dentist or hairdresser worrying, then go for a practice run. Make the hairdresser or dentist aware of your child’s anxiety so that they’re fully prepared to make your child feel as comfortable and as relaxed as possible. 

“Make sure too that when you’re practising different scenarios with your child you give them constant praise so that they become comfortable and at ease with the situation.” 

Use relaxation and calming strategies

Of course, you can’t always be with your child when they become tense and anxious, so it’s a good idea to give them strategies that can help them to calm themselves down when they feel themselves becoming tense. Among the most successful strategies are:

• counting slowly up to ten
• taking five deep breaths
• running around the garden or playground five times
• reading a favourite book
• closing their eyes for a few moments

Provide forms of diversion

Diverting your child’s attention can often be a perfect solution for alleviating your child’s anxiety. In the same way that writing your worries down in letter format can reduce your anxiety, allowing your child to write their troubles down on a piece of paper can prove a very positive move.

“Products such as Worry Eaters, which we sell at Spectra Sensory, allow your child to rid themselves of their woes. Recommended by psychologists and teachers, these comforting bedtime toys act as a ‘waste bin’ for all your child’s worries from the day” said Meta.

“By using a Worry Eater, your child can simply write or draw their troubles on a piece of paper and feed them into the zipped mouth of their Worry Eater. You can then retrieve the note or drawing in the Worry Eater’s tummy, and talk to your child about it. This not only helps them to come up with solutions, but is particularly good for non-verbal children. And, when the problem is resolved, your child can simply cuddle up to their Worry Eater for bedtime snuggles.

“Worry Eaters – the perfect solution for alleviating your child’s anxiety.”

Find out more about Spectra Sensory’s range of sensory clothing and autism aids at spectrasensoryclothing.co.uk

To purchase a Worry Eater go to spectrasensoryclothing.co.uk/product-category/autism-aids 

The normal Belfast Culture Night extravaganza may not be packing the city’s streets this year but six hours of the best of the arts will be broadcast across multiple channels tomorrow (Friday 18).

Rising to the challenges of these unprecedented times Culture Night Belfast is determined to keep the show on the road.

Streaming across a number of virtual platforms, Culture Night Online 2020 aims to be accessible to those who would attend in-person each year as well as those who have yet to experience the best of Northern Ireland’s arts and culture scene.

Susan Picken, Director of Cathedral Quarter Trust (the charity behind Culture Night Belfast) said that the 2020 programme will be a spectacular online display of talent.

Susan urged those going online on Friday to remember the difficult times the arts are going through.

She said: “Culture Night Belfast was originally started over twelve years ago to support and promote arts and culture in the Cathedral Quarter. Without the talent and dedication of our local arts community, Culture Night Belfast wouldn’t exist and we want to do everything we can to support them at this difficult time.

“Each year tens of thousands of us go out and enjoy, for free, the unique experience that Culture Night Belfast offers. All we are asking is that you enjoy our online programme this year in the comfort of your own home and donate the price of a pint (or maybe two!) to support the amazing artists, performers and venues who have made Culture Night Belfast into one of the best-loved nights of the year.

“A number of cultural and creative charities have been chosen who will be the beneficiaries of all donations made. These include charities who work to support those in the arts, culture and creative sectors as well as key local institutions including St Anne’s Cathedral and The MAC. 

“The charities selected are Help Musicians NI and Theatre and Dance NI – Membership Assistance Programme, Music Venues Trust and theTheatre Artists’ Fund.”

This year’s core programme of commissioned pieces will see venues such as Belfast Cathedral, the Black Box, the Oh Yeah Centre and The MAC act as the backdrop to what is set to be an exciting evening of entertainment.

This will also include a specially commissioned piece by filmmaker Will McConnell called We’re Still Here.

The six hours of arts programming will be on: YouTube live; Facebook Live; Twitch; Twitter via Periscope; Instagram Live; and, on NVTV (Freeview 7 (greater Belfast) and Virgin Media 159 (across Northern Ireland), programming also available for download at nvtv.co.uk.

Simon Wood, NVTV Chairperson said the station was committed to supporting the arts in any way it can.

He added: “Northern Visions is delighted to support the many artists, musicians and creators who have come together to ensure that Culture Night 2020 can be celebrated in these challenging times. There will be a dedicated broadcast on NVTV throughout the day and night”.

“Community arts has been at the core of Northern Visions work since it was established in 1986. 

“Northern Ireland’s community artists are amazingly resilient, we’ve seen it all, the recession and inflation of the 80s, boom and bust in the 1990s, the financial crisis of 2008 and years of austerity. As we look to recover from the ravages of Covid-19 and how we might build back better, let’s ensure that this time, the most vulnerable in our society, those in our poorer neighbourhoods, are truly able to access the arts and participate in enhancing the innovation and creativity which will drive the recovery”. 

This year’s Culture Night Belfast Online programme has been supported by the Arts Council NI, Belfast City Council, Department for Communities and Belfast Harbour.

For more information on this year’s programme or to donate go to culturenightbelfast.com or follow #CNB20 #CNBonline on social media.