Get Involved
User Forum
Connect, share, and collaborate in Orchardville’s User Forum—an online space where participants, families, and carers exchange insights, stories, and peer support. Empowering each other through shared experiences.
The User Forum has been involved in lots of projects and inititiatives.
- 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 disabilities make to society;
- assisting with duties and speaking at the annual awards ceremony held each year in May; and
- the group also work with staff to plan and co-ordinate Learning Disability Week events each June.
The User Forum is a representation 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 Charter
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.
Easy to read, easy to understand.
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.
Diverse Work
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.
Get Involved
If you are interested in finding out more about the work of the User Forum, or would like to get involved please contact Lydia via the email below.
More Ways To Get Involved
Every other Thursday from 6pm
Social Club Lisburn
Join us on alternative Thursday nights from 6pm to take part in our Lisburn Social Club.
Every other Thursday from 6pm
Social Club Bangor
Join us on alternative Thursday nights from 6pm to take part in our Bangor Social Club.
Every Thursday from 7pm
Social Club Belfast
Join us on Thursday nights from 7pm to take part in our Belfast Social Club.
Donate to Orchardville
Your generosity fuels our mission at Orchardville, where every donation helps transforms lives in the community. By contributing, you’re not just supporting a charity – you’re making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals who need it most.
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