Association for Real Change (NI)

Association for Real Change (NI) ARC NI is a membership org aiming to Change Thinking, Change Practice & Change the Lives of people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs.

We work with Experts by Experience, people, organisations & communities that share our vision ARC NI is a membership umbrella body, supporting learning disability providers to put real change into action by providing high quality information, accredited and non-accredited training, conferences, networking opportunities and good practice guidance to promote new ways of working. Our mission is to

champion the development of high quality person-centred services for people with a learning disability across Northern Ireland, contributing to our UK Strategy 2013-2016. As our beliefs state โ€˜The services we provide are based on the belief that promotion of choice, rights, independence, privacy, dignity and fulfilment for people we are supporting is the foundation of any good serviceโ€™. http://arcuk.org.uk/northernireland

Today we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day ๐Ÿ’™๐ŸŒThis yearโ€™s theme,  , is a powerful reminder that connection, inclusion, an...
21/03/2026

Today we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day ๐Ÿ’™๐ŸŒ

This yearโ€™s theme, , is a powerful reminder that connection, inclusion, and community matter more than ever. Everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported ๐Ÿค

ARC NI and TILII are proud to stand alongside individuals with Down syndrome and their familiesโ€”raising awareness, sharing stories, and promoting a more inclusive society for all.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Want to learn more and hear inspiring voices? Check out our latest blog on the ARC NI website:
https://arcni.org.uk/world-down-syndrome-day-2025/

Letโ€™s keep building a world where no one feels alone

Step into leadership with confidence!Our First Line Manager Training is perfect for new managers or anyone who hasnโ€™t ha...
11/03/2026

Step into leadership with confidence!

Our First Line Manager Training is perfect for new managers or anyone who hasnโ€™t had formal people-management training.
Learn how to communicate clearly, give effective feedback, manage performance, and use coaching techniques to support your team.

Build the skills great managers are made of.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Book your place today: https://arcni.org.uk/courses/2824/first-line-managers/

  ๐Ÿ’› This yearโ€™s theme is Sexual Health Information โ€“ because everyone deserves access to clear, reliable and trusted adv...
18/02/2026

๐Ÿ’›

This yearโ€™s theme is Sexual Health Information โ€“ because everyone deserves access to clear, reliable and trusted advice.

At ARC NI, we know that good information helps people make informed choices about their bodies, relationships and wellbeing. But not all information online is accurate โ€” and some people with a learning disability face extra barriers accessing the right support.

๐Ÿ”Ž So, where do you get yours?

Weโ€™re supporting Informing Choices NI in signposting to trusted, evidence-based information and local services through ๐Ÿ‘‰ www.sexualhealthni.info

Letโ€™s work together to:

โœ” Share reliable sexual health information
โœ” Raise awareness of local services
โœ” Encourage people to seek professional advice when needed

Join the conversation and help spread the word.

โ—Don't forget to check out ARC NIโ€™s community support page on Relationships too -
https://arcni.org.uk/resources/relationships/

Book onto our Mental Health & Learning Disability Training Course๐Ÿง ๐ŸšจDid you know people with a learning disability are mo...
18/02/2026

Book onto our Mental Health & Learning Disability Training Course๐Ÿง 

๐ŸšจDid you know people with a learning disability are more than twice as likely to experience mental health problems?

Around 40% have a diagnosed condition. A 2024 review in Northern Ireland found high levels of need: 37% anxiety, 19% depression, 11% trauma, 8% psychosis and 9% a history of self-harm.

Yet too often, mental health problems go unnoticed or unsupported.

Our course is for staff who support โ€“ or may support โ€“ people with a learning disability. Aligned with NICE guidelines, this course will help you:

โœ” Understand mental health & mental illness
โœ” Recognise key signs and symptoms
โœ” Explore autism, dementia & mental health
โœ” Understand why presentations may look different
โœ” Gain a practical introduction to assessment & interventions

Build confidence. Spot the signs. Make a difference.

๐Ÿ“… Secure your place today - https://arcni.org.uk/courses/2947/mental-health-&-learning-disability/

18/02/2026

๐–๐š๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐š๐ง ๐š๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐š๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ?
We understand that this process can be overwhelming, frustrating and is putting unnecessary pressure on families across NI right now ๐Ÿ˜”. Early intervention transforms outcomes ๐ŸŒฑ, yet many families canโ€™t access it when they need it mostโณ.

Positive Futures are working to change this, but we need your voice ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ. By filling in this short survey๐Ÿ“, you can help us make a powerful case for additional support ๐Ÿค and earlier intervention for children and families across Fermanagh, Omagh & Tyrone, Londonderry/ Derry.

Complete survey๐Ÿ‘‰: https://ow.ly/kCy050YcaFS

Together, we can push for the right help at the right time ๐Ÿ’™.

๐Ÿ“‹ Record Keeping & Documentation Clear, accurate records are essential for safe, effective care โ€” and for protecting you...
11/02/2026

๐Ÿ“‹ Record Keeping & Documentation

Clear, accurate records are essential for safe, effective care โ€” and for protecting your professional practice.

Our focused training covers legal and professional standards, current legislation, and DHSSPSNI & RQIA requirements, using up-to-date guidance and research.

By the end of the course youโ€™ll:
โœ” Understand your accountability
โœ” Strengthen safe documentation practices
โœ” Recognise the risks of poor record keeping
โœ” Apply professional standards with confidence
โœ” Know how records are used in investigations & litigation

Stay compliant. Stay confident. Deliver safer care.

๐Ÿ“… Book your place today - https://arcni.org.uk/courses/6282/legal-aspects-of-record-keeping-&-documentation/

๐ŸŒ Safer Internet Day โ€“ 10th February 2026 ๐ŸŒToday is Safer Internet Day โ€” a global awareness day dedicated to promoting a...
10/02/2026

๐ŸŒ Safer Internet Day โ€“ 10th February 2026 ๐ŸŒ

Today is Safer Internet Day โ€” a global awareness day dedicated to promoting a safer, more positive use of technology and digital spaces.

This yearโ€™s theme is โ€œSmart tech, safe choices โ€“ exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.โ€ Itโ€™s all about empowering everyone to make safer, smarter decisions online, especially as new technologies become part of everyday life.

At ARC NI, we want people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs to enjoy all the benefits of being online โ€” from connecting with friends to discovering new skills โ€” while staying safe and protected.

AI should support people, not put them at risk.
Using it wisely helps keep the internet safer for everyone.

Check out our Staying Safe on the Internet resources for easy-to-understand tipsโžก๏ธ https://arcni.org.uk/resources/staying-safe-on-the-internet/

Letโ€™s make the internet a safer place โ€” today and every day!

Managing Challenging Behaviour โ€“ Book NowBuild confidence. Stay safe. Respond effectively.This practical training gives ...
04/02/2026

Managing Challenging Behaviour โ€“ Book Now

Build confidence. Stay safe. Respond effectively.

This practical training gives staff the skills to prevent, de-escalate, and manage challenging behaviour while maintaining a safe, supportive environment.

โœ” Understand behaviour triggers and risks
โœ” Use proactive and de-escalation strategies
โœ” Build strong relationships that reduce incidents
โœ” Confidently follow up after challenging situations

โฐ This day next week โ€“ 11th February
๐Ÿšจ Limited spaces available
๐Ÿ‘‰ Book now to secure your place - https://arcni.org.uk/courses/11127/managing-challenging-behaviour/

Strengthen your understanding of rights-based care and lawful practice with ARC NI's Human Rights and Restrictive Practi...
16/01/2026

Strengthen your understanding of rights-based care and lawful practice with ARC NI's Human Rights and Restrictive Practice course.

This course will help you:

โœ”๏ธ Understand restrictive practice and its impact
โœ”๏ธ Explore the Mental Capacity Act (NI) 2016 and Deprivation of Liberty (C4)
โœ”๏ธ Apply human rights legislation in everyday practice
โœ”๏ธ Balance risk management with individual rights
โœ”๏ธ Identify positive alternatives to restrictive practice
Ideal for staff across supported living, residential care, and other services.

๐Ÿ“… Limited places available โ€“ book now
๐Ÿ”— https://arcni.org.uk/courses/2955/human-rights-&-restrictive-practice/

ARC NI wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
19/12/2025

ARC NI wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The ARC NI office will close at 2pm on 19th December 2025 We reopen on 5th January 2026. Wishing Everyone a Merry Christ...
16/12/2025

The ARC NI office will close at 2pm on 19th December 2025

We reopen on 5th January 2026.

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year!

Address

The McSweeney Centre, 1st Floor, 31 Henry Place
Belfast
BT152AY

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:15pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:15pm
Thursday 8am - 4:15pm
Friday 8am - 4:15pm

Telephone

+442890380960

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