Projects

The LiveNet project will provide a range of learning opportunities in Northern Ireland.

It will enable children and adults with a learning disability and their carers to use information and communications technology (ICT) to improve their health and wellbeing, gain access to information, connect with their community and help achieve their full potential.

What do we mean by ICT?

By ICT we mean a wide range of digital devices and software, such as:

• computers and the internet
• mobile phones
• games consoles
• iPods and mp3 players
• digital cameras
• digital video recording equipment.

Who will benefit from this project?

The people who will benefit from this project are the members of Northern Ireland's learning disability community. The learning disability community consists of:

• children and young people with a learning disability
• adults with a learning disability
• family members who care for people with a learning disability
• volunteers working with people with a learning disability
• staff providing support to people with a learning disability.

Why are we running this project?

By developing their ICT skills, providing information on health and wellbeing, and developing networks of support, LiveNet will help people with a learning disability and carers to harness the huge potential of ICT to improve their lives and access the information and support they need. It will build a confident, cohesive and outward looking community by developing an infrastructure of web-based and community support.

What happens next?

LiveNet will be delivered over a period of five years, with the first benefits to be felt in 2010.

• Read about our LiveNet fun days

Who to contact

For further information about LiveNet, please contact:

Tracy Mearns - Project Co-Ordinator
Telephone: 028 9069 0185
Email: tracy.mearns@mencap.org.uk

LiveNet is a joint initiative between Mencap, Citizens Online, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT and the BCS - IT Can Help programme and is funded with a grant from the Big Lottery Fund's Live and Learn programme.