Your stories
24th October 2018
I have Spina Bifida and have been a member of Shine for 11 years.
In what ways has Shine been able to help you?
Socially; it gets me out and now I’ve got great friends through the social groups. What is really important is that these friends really understand what I’ve been through and how the condition affects me.
Through Shine I found out about the Spina Bifida clinic in Belfast and I was able to get referred to this specialist service. Because I attend this clinic my health conditions are now much better managed.
Shine held an information day about Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus - it was fantastic. It was amazing, there was so much I didn’t know about my condition and when it was explained, things that I experience began to make sense to me for the first time.
Through one of the Shine events I was introduced to archery and now I’ve been the NI disability archery champion twice. Archery has become a big part of my life and I’m training to be an archery coaching assistant.
Do you value your Shine membership? Definitely. The events get me out of the house and I really enjoy them.
In one or two words sum up Shine services? Fantastic.
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If you've been affected or inspired by Tanya's story, you can help Shine to support more people just like her by donating £5. Simply text DOIT05 £5 to 70070, your donation will help pay for an information pack containing vital information for new members at a crucial stage in their lives.
Shine welcomed 772 new members in 2016, that's a total of £3860 before we've even began to deliver services. Your small donation could make a big difference.