ADD NI Childrens Charity Support Centre, Belfast

Who We Are ...
ADD-NI was originally established in 1997 as a support network for children, young people and families of those affected by AD/HD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADD-NI provides a unique and specialised service, based in South Belfast. We originally established our services in the greater Belfast area; however, we have over the years widened our service provision areas due to the level of need in Northern Ireland, regionally, and now have a satellite office based in Dungannon, the hub of the North.

Aims of Our Organisation
Our sole aim is to promote and support the needs of those affected by AD/HD.

• To provide support and information, and raise awareness of the disorder across the province
• To work in partnership with children, young people and adults affected by AD/HD, their families and other agencies
• Through support, early intervention and preventative programmes, we aim to build on each child/young person’s individual strengths, enabling them to achieve their full potential

All programmes have undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure high-quality and effective services. Our programmes are facilitated by staff who hold qualifications in either Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Art Therapy & Counselling.

What is AD/HD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is an internationally recognised medical condition affecting at between 5-10% of school-aged children. It is characterised by the core behavioral symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The inattentive, overactive and impulsive behaviours of children with AD/HD can be difficult to manage and can place excessive strain on children, parents and families. In addition, AD/HD can have a significant disruptive influence on a child’s social development and relationships. However, we believe that with appropriate intervention, AD/HD is a most manageable condition.

How We Can Help

• Support and Information
  ADD-NI located at 86 Eglantine Avenue BT9 6EU is open from 9.30am-5.00pm (office hours). We offer support and information in the form of a telephone helpline, which is available from 9.30am-1.30pm; outside these hours, a voicemail service is available. ADD-NI has a number of information leaflets that contain more in-depth information on AD/HD for specific audiences, which can be requested from the office or by emailing hello@addni.net.


• Parenting Programme
  ADD-NI’s Parenting Programme is a unique and specialised programme aimed at improving relationships, reducing family stress, improving parenting efficiency and providing a supportive environment for parents. The programme includes 10 weekly sessions, providing a supportive environment for our parents.


• Therapeutic Group Work
  Children and young people take part in a six-week programme specially designed by ADDNI’s group therapists. ADD-NI’s young people’s programme aims to support and empower young people. The programme enables children and young people to take charge of their AD/HD and to manage it, allowing them to combat its negative aspects, accentuate its positives and ensure each young person can achieve their full potential in every aspect of their lives.


• Art Therapy
  Art therapy allows young people to explore their frustrations and outline their hopes and aspirations through the medium of art. It is particularly apt for young people who find it difficult to engage in talking therapies. Art therapy is the use of art materials for self-expression with a art therapist. The overall aim of this intervention is to effect change and growth on a personal level through the use of art materials.


• Individual Counseling
  Counseling is a talking therapy, delivered by trained practitioners, which will initially entail eight sessions over an eight-week period, which is reviewed on a regular basis.


• Sibling Group
  Brothers and sisters of young people with AD/HD have a crucial role to play in helping their siblings, but often need support and advice to cope with the effects of AD/HD on themselves and on the family unit. The programme aims to assist these young people to play their part in promoting a positive and nurturing family atmosphere and reduce stress levels, allowing a better understanding of AD/HD and how to deal with it on a full-time basis.


• Training
  ADD-NI offers training to professionals and members of the public on various aspects of AD/HD, including information, awareness and tailored training packages. This can be delivered on site at your business premises or at ADD-NI’s premises on Eglantine Avenue.


• Adult Services
  ADD-NI offers two services for adults with AD/HD: Adult Counselling and Adult Therapeutic Group Work. Due to the increasingly long waiting lists for both of ADD-NI’s adult services, it is important to ADD-NI that our adults require a forum to discuss issues and support each other in a relaxed environment. Therefore, we are now offering support meeting’s for adults with AD/HD.


• Telephone Helpline
  ADD-NI offers support and information in the form of a telephone helpline, which is available from 10.30am-1.00pm and 2.00pm-4pm. One of our staff will aim to answer your query as effectively as possible, and process your query as quickly as possible. There is an answer machine service that will save any messages that are received outside these hours.


• Young Offenders Programmes
  ADD-NI provides programmes to young people serving custodial sentences in Northern Ireland. The programmes run are designed to increase awareness and understanding of AD/HD. ADD-NI’s Young Offenders programme is tailored to specifically meet the needs of young people who have a diagnosis of AD/HD in a custodial setting.

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