Let’s create change together with the Mae Murray Foundation

The Mae Murray Foundation is a Northern Ireland based charity that was set up to allow people of all ages and abilities take part in activities, experience the world and enjoy friendship in an inclusive environment. The Foundation is named in honour of Mae Murray, the Chairperson’s mother, who continually designed ways and means to ensure her grand-daughter, Talia (who has cerebral palsy), experienced opportunities that most take for granted.

Everyone has the ability and means to make a real impact simply by participating together and recognising one another to be of equal, inseparable value. The Mae Murray Foundation offers a variety of projects to help us create change together.

• Resource library: This is a free resource allowing members to borrow equipment as a trial prior to purchasing for themselves, for a specific need (e.g. going on holiday), to enjoy outdoor spaces and have more opportunities to play and learn new skills. Equipment includes, but is not limited to, all-terrain wheelchairs and buggies, trikes, bath seats, travel slings, portable play packs, scooter boards, boccia balls, musical kits, weighted blankets, and adaptive communication and technology tools. The resource library launched towards the end of 2021 and has been extremely successful so far!
• Outdoor events: Mae Murray Foundation facilitates outdoor activity sessions, with adapted activities suited to all ages and abilities. All events have Changing Places standard toilets available, ensuring dignified toileting for all. Before Christmas, members enjoyed an outdoor Christmas trail at Magheramourne Estate which included live interactive Christmas characters, an outdoor nativity scene, live animal farm and a visit from Father Christmas himself!
• Teenage Kicks: Teenagers aged 13-19 can take part monthly at the Teen Hub, based in Larne. Participants attend independently and personal care support is provided for those who need it. Activities include music workshops, movies, arts/craft, games, pizza and lots of fun!
• Online activity sessions: Chatty Sessions are online sessions which provide members with the opportunity to make friends, stay connected and have fun. Activities at these sessions include games, music, movies, dancing or simply chatting, and they have proved particularly beneficial during the Covid-19 pandemic when face-to-face sessions were limited. There are currently 2 groups; The Overs (for adults aged 20-40) and Teenagers (age 13-19). There are also have online drama and music workshops which are suitable for all ages and abilities.
• Early years powered mobility: Mae Murray Foundation facilitate clinics in Northern Ireland for both Bugzi and Wizzybug Loan Schemes, loaning powered chairs to young children from 18 months old. These powered mobility schemes have changed the lives of many members by fostering independence and facilitating play, development and self-esteem!
• Inclusive beaches: Mae Murray Foundation have created 3 Inclusive Beaches across Northern Ireland. They provide specialist beach mobility equipment as well as addressing toileting needs, hoisting requirements, adult bench changing facilities, wheelchair vehicle unloading areas and temporary walkways. This free resource has empowered people who have previously been unable to access and participate on beaches. Afterall, everyone should be able to enjoy a day out at the beach!

These are examples of some of Mae Murray Foundation’s current projects, but the Foundation also aspires create an inclusive ‘Participation Centre of Excellence’ where everyone can participate side by side regardless of age, ability or medical condition. This is a really ambitious project but in the words of Tom Shakespeare, “The individual is rarely going to be altered, whereas the environment slowly but surely can”.

These projects are free of charge to all members. If you would like more information about the Mae Murray Foundation and how to become a member, please visit the following webpage: https://www.maemurrayfoundation.org/

Alix Crawford (Chairperson) & Kyleigh Lough (Operations Manager)

Mae Murray Foundation