National Learning Network provides training and specialist support to people who, for a variety of reasons, may find it difficult to gain employment. Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or both (WHO, 2024). Attending a course at the National Learning Network offers an opportunity for individuals to maintain a daily routine while managing a long-term condition.
National Learning Network helps people with a range of physical and chronic health conditions, including:
- Disease of Digestives System e.g. Allergies, Diabetes, IBS, Chronis, Ulcers, Diverticulitis
- Pulmonary / Respiratory disorders e.g. Cystic Fibrosis, COPD
- Heart Disease e.g. Coronary Disease, Angina, Heart failure, Cardiac Arrhythmia
- Cancer
- Blood Disorders e.g. Haemophilia, HIV/AIDS
- Musculoskeletal diseases / Spinal injury e.g. Arthritis, LUPUS Fibromyalgia/Chronic Pain, Polymyalgia, LUPUS, Scoliosis, Back pain, Osteoporosis, Paraplegia, Hemiplegic, Quadriplegia, Amputations
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME, Cancer Related Fatigue
How NLN Helps People With Chronic Health Conditions
A few ways that NLN helps people with long-term health conditions are:
- All of the programmes (both rehabilitative and vocational) within National Learning Network aim to promote participants’ overall wellbeing. While on their journey with National Learning Network, students are facilitated explore ways positive health behaviours and holistic wellbeing can be fostered, supported and enhanced in order to support them to achieve their desired outcomes. · National Learning Network offers HSE funded Rehabilitative Training programmes which have a specific focus on promoting holistic health, wellbeing and recovery. These courses are underpinned by the National Mental Health Policy “Sharing the Vision”. Students on these programmes are introduced to the principals of recovery along with a wide range of psychoeducational strategies and tools. Peer Support, Advocacy and Coproduction are also integral to these programmes.
- All students in National Learning Network have their own Person Centred Plan (PCP) which facilitates them to identity their wants and needs and achieve their goals while overcoming their barriers to inclusion.
- Programmes in National Learning Network implement the principals of Universal Design for Learning giving all students equal opportunities to learn.
- National Learning Network also offers Individual Placement and Support (IPS). The IPS model supports people with chronic health conditions to find a work placement that suits their individual needs.
- During their time with National Learning Network all students have access to the support of a multidisciplinary team comprising of a rehabilitation officer, psychologist, resource teacher, and advocacy officer.
Get In Touch
We would be delighted to hear from you to discuss your individual needs and which course would best suit you.
- Find your local NLN centre here
- For general enquiries about NLN, please email info@nln.ie
- For all other queries call 01 205 7200.
