Description of the service

When was the service set up?

In 1999. The Respite services were set up, in 2000 also Residential services.

Who uses the services?

The service is used by several kinds of clients.

How many people use the service?

105 persons use the Respite services, and only 4 the Residential service.

Did your service users previously live in an institution or other large establishment?

Respite service users live at home. Residential – 3 previously at home and one residential childcare.

Description of good practice

Much liaison work was done by Board of Management and local authority. Links established with Residents Association. Goodwill already existed towards the Day Care Centre, part of the organisation.

Discrimination through ignorance

The awareness that children with severe/profound intellectual disabilities and additional physical/sensory needs have rights and needs and can participate in community life according to O’Brien principles.

The building of a unit that caters for high support medical needs with a design that externally has the appearance that blends us with other houses in estate. Interior is homelike, bright and well kept. We attend local social events, use local shops, pubs, restaurants, swimming pool, leisure centres. Weather permitting we walk down town and to local park with clients. The residential clients have joined local clubs, ARCH and Red Cross. We support local charities and have received donations from them. We attend church services of any denomination to which our service users belong. We are represented on local residents association and contribute to seeking any improvements in services as agreed by the association. Maintenance of external property is important.

We are conscious that this is a small rural town and we are the first respite and residential service to open here, and our example will have a bearing on attitudes to service expansion.

Name of Organisation: St. Aidan’s Service
Address: Millands, Gorey, Co. Wexford.- Ireland
Telephone: 00353-55-80772
e-mail: geraldineb@eircom.net

website: http://www.bawnmore.org

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