AAVS - Northern Ireland Armed Forces Pathway Navigator

The countdown is on! Our 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 Adult & Summer Fitness Programme starts soon! The perfect way to stay active together this Summer. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 💪

Check out what's happening ⬇

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗧𝗥𝗫 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀:

A fun energetic session using suspension straps and bodyweight exercises to help build strength, balance, confidence, and coordination. This class is designed as a fun partnered workout where the kids train alongside their parent. Work at your own pace, support each other and enjoy quality time together.

Suitable for children aged 8–14 years.

📅 Every Tuesday for 6-weeks starting 21st July – 25th August
⏰ 9.30am – 10.15am

🧘 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀:

A gentle class focused on core strength, posture, flexibility and wellbeing.
Suitable for ages 12+ years.

📅Every Monday for 5-weeks starting 27th July - 24th August
⏰ 9.30am – 10.15am

🌿 𝗖𝗵𝗶 𝗠𝗲:
Relaxing mindful movement classes designed to improve mobility, balance and reduce stress.

Suitable for ages 12+ years.

📅Every Wednesday for 5-weeks starting 29th July - 26th August
⏰ 1.00pm – 1.45pm

🚴 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴:
High-energy indoor cycling sessions suitable for all fitness levels.

Suitable for ages 12+ years

📅 Every Wednesday for 5-weeks starting 29th July – 26th August
⏰ 10.45am – 11.30am

🔥 𝗥𝗼𝘅 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘀:
A challenging full-body circuit workout recommended for intermediate to advanced fitness levels.

Suitable for ages 15+ years.

📅Every Thursday for 5-weeks starting 30th July - 27th August
⏰ 10.45am – 11.30am

Spaces are limited, so book early and make this your healthiest summer yet! ☀️

📱All classes can be booked online 7 days in advance at www.theleisureplex.com or through the Vitality Membership app.

For non-members, please select the class from the timetable and book/check out as a 'Guest'.

☀️ It was a warm day in Millisle today, but that certainly didn’t stop our volunteers, who raised an incredible £2,373.13 in support of our work.

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped to chat and made a donation. Every pound raised helps us continue supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families across Northern Ireland.

A special thank you to Joanne and H for the lovely welcome, fantastic hospitality and breakfast, which gave everyone a great start to the day.

And finally, to our volunteers. You gave up your Saturday, braved the heat and made today’s fundraiser possible. We simply couldn’t do what we do without you.

Together we can make a difference.

🌊 Surfing spaces available– Benone, 14 July! 🌊

We’re excited to share that we have added an extra Surf Day at Benone on Tuesday 14 July! 🏄‍♀️☀️

This additional date is for members who have not yet secured a surf place this summer. If you book a slot and already have a surf place, your booking will be cancelled so the space can be offered to another member.

Book Here: https://mae-murray-foundation.eventcube.io/events/96549/surf-benone-14th-july

Art of Healing
An Exhibition by Gladys Fletcher

Some stories are too powerful to be told in words alone.

Born and raised outside Keady, Co. Armagh during the turbulent years of the Northern Ireland Troubles, Gladys Fletcher's life was changed forever on 31st August 1975, when her father, Joseph Reid, was murdered at the front door of the family home by the Provisional IRA. More than 50 years later, the pain of that loss remains with her family every day.

Following her retirement, Gladys rediscovered her love of painting. What began with landscapes and still life soon became something much more personal. She found herself compelled to paint scenes from her past, capturing the Loyal Orders, the Northern Ireland Troubles, and the landmarks of her adopted home in Belfast. Through her art, she has found a way to express memories, preserve history, and continue her own journey of healing.

In Gladys' own words: "I have no idea where this path will take me but at the moment I am enjoying and finding it all very therapeutic."

We invite you to experience this moving and deeply personal collection of artwork.

🖼️ Art of Healing – Exhibition
📍 Brownlow Courtyard, Lurgan
📅 Saturday 22nd August – Friday 28th August
🕙 10:00am – 2:00pm daily
🌙 Evening visits available by appointment.

Entrance by donation in aid of the Northern Ireland Purple Poppy Memorial.

📞 02838 810109
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.asauk.org⁠

ASA Charity – NIC108368

Research Opportunity for UK Military Veterans

The Office of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner is sharing details of a research opportunity that may be of interest to members of the veteran community.

Researchers from King’s College London and Queen’s University Belfast are inviting UK military veterans who are experiencing PTSD symptoms to take part in the FIRST PETT study. The research is evaluating a new online psychological therapy called Fast Imagery Reversal Script for Trauma-release (FIRST).

You may be eligible if you:
• Are a UK military veteran
• Are aged 18 or over
• Live and/or work in the UK
• Have a diagnosis of PTSD or are experiencing PTSD symptoms

To find out more about the study, including what participation involves, please visit:
https://www.inspirewellbeing.org/firstpett-project/

Participation is entirely voluntary. Anyone considering taking part is encouraged to read the study information carefully to decide whether it is right for them.

Please note that the Office of the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner is not involved in this research and is sharing this information for awareness only.

🏀 EVER WANTED TO GIVE WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL A GO? 🐂💛

Now’s your chance!

The Bangor Bulls Wheelchair Basketball Club are continuing our Come & Try sessions on Wednesday 1st July and Wednesday 8th July, and we’d love to welcome YOU!

Whether you have a physical disability, are recovering from an injury, or you’re simply looking to try a new sport, everyone is welcome. No experience? No problem! Our friendly coaches and players will be there to help you every step of the way, and sports wheelchairs are provided.

Wheelchair basketball is fast, competitive, inclusive, and great fun. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked! 🔥🏀

So why not bring a friend, challenge yourself, and come see what all the excitement is about?

📅 Wednesday 1st & Wednesday 8th July
📍 Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex.

💙 Please like, share, and tag anyone who might be interested. Your share could help someone discover a sport they’ll love!

🟢⚪️🟢HERE WE GO!!🟢⚪️🟢

Great breakfast at yesterday in partnership with RBL Cregagh, Wandsworth & Ormeau Branch. 64 veterans and their families enjoy breakfast and banter. Our breakfast is a great place to meet old friends and make new ones, finding out what’s going on and seeking advice or help. Thank you to our fantastic volunteers who make these events happen.