AOD Artwork Features Direct Links Transport!
The
Action on Disability project unveiled many of their beautiful pieces of
artwork at the Upper Springfield Development Company Ltd. One of these
was a landscape canvas made from various textiles which the group used
to create an image of themselves on board Direct Links bus. We would
like to congratulate everyone on their hard work and talent! 
Emmanuel and Friends
In addition to the launch of the Textiled artwork piece, the Action On Disability Teenagers art group lanched a piece of artwork based on the works of surrealist artist Jackson Pollack which was entitled "Emmanuel and friends" in dedication to Emmanuel Rooney, a close friend and member of their group who sadly passed away. Roisin Laverty, the project worker involved with the Art group, spoke at the launch of Emmanuels enthusiasm for the project, stating "he had a lot of energy which is evident in the painting through his use of bright colours and the way in which he applied the paint. His work is still visible to the group in the piece, he is sadly missed."
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Pictured above: Some of the artwork on display at the launch of Emmanuel and Friends and those who gathered for the opening including Deirdre Mackle, Annemarie McCormaick, Eilish Creen and Joeseph McNally : bottom left.
News
Senior Citizens Convention 2010
Staff from Direct Links Tranport recently attended a the Third annual belfast senior citizens convention in city hall. The day was filled with a range of activities including various workshops which dealt with
- getting active
- how to have a healthy mind
- eating well
- making better use of services to keep well
- getting involved - information about volunteering and advice on how to be a good neighbour.
As well as this, a variety of public figures attended the event in order to provide a question and answers session for those who wished to enquire or simply speak out about various health and social issues that affect the elderly.
The Direct Links Team are working hard to provide an acessable and affordable transport for the elderly and have also put together a specially designed leaflet containing information about different daytrips and activities our senior service users can enjoy. If you wish to recieve this flyer, please email us with your details and we will happily post one to your door.
Press article taken from Business & Recruitment 13th June 2009
Based at the Upper Springfleld Development Company, social economy business Direct Links Transport is proving to be an invaluable asset to the community. The business was born as a result of the USDC Ltd Action on Disability Project, having at Its disposal two new buses fully accessible for able-bodied and disabled customers.
With further requests, a clear identified need was established for the service. Speaking to Business & Recruitment, Anne-Marie McCormick, manager of Disability Project and Direct LInks Transport, said: "Access to affordable and accessible transport has been recognised throughout the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Task Force Report 2001 as a major barrier to addressing levels of disadvantage within these areas. The USDC Ltd Action on Disability Project applied to the Employment Services Board for West Belfast and Greater Shankill Social Economy Fund to employ two drivers with caring responsibilities.
USDC Ltd Action on Disability Project was successful and was awarded a contract for two years between 2008 -2010. We were delighted to have received this funding which will enable the business to reach its full earning potential and make its mark in the community transport field,”· added Ann-Marie.
"Since the inception of the business over 640 passengers can access services within the community, 140 of these are disabled passengers who receive weekly transport and we have a registered membership of over 30 groups.
Direct Links Transport operates to assist the elderly, youth groups and persons with disabilities, Ann-Marie said. “It is also important to note that there are no other community transport providers operating in such a way in West Belfast and indeed the greater Belfast area, and we are the only community transport provider not in receipt of Department for Regional Development funding. While the DRD has recognised community transport as an invaluable resource and uses its support to address many of the issues within rural communities, we urge that equivalent resources are directed into urban areas where the need is also prevalent.
"A similar programme and commitment in urban areas will see a full accessible community transport system available to everyone,” she said.