Oileán Beó, St. John of God, Intellectual Disability Services plans to celebrate Fiche Blian ag Fás – 20 Years a Growing – at its base in Castleisland.
The service provides an opportunity for individuals to reach their potential and realise their dreams of being more independent and part of the community. The celebrations will include presentations, a barbecue and music on Thursday, July 18th from 12noon.
Initially located in the Island Centre, Main Street, Castleisland in July 2004, the day programme was one of the first of its kind to be set up in the community.
Celebrating Bonds and Friendships
“This is a time to celebrate friendships, community connections, families and that special bond which exists between service users and staff at Oileán Beó,” said a spokesperson for the service.
Oileán Beó Day Services offers a personalised programme for the adults who attend and it provides opportunities for employment, work experience, training and development along with social and recreational activities.
Achieving Life’s Vision
Its goal is to empower individuals to reach their full potential and achieve their life’s vision.
Oilean Beo Craft Co-Op was introduced to the programme in 2011, with the help of North East and West Kerry Development (NEWKD) as service users wanted to showcase their talents and yet be independent of a service provider.
The Co-Op makes beautiful crafts and cards with the help of staff and a Kerry Education and Training Board (KETB) tutor and sells them locally and at An Riocht.
Community Integration
Men and women from the Castleisland catchment area, who had attended the St. John of God training centre in Monavalley, Tralee, joined the new day programme in their local town.
Community integration was one of the core pillars of the programme delivered at Oileán Beó and it’s still at the heart of what’s provided in the day service.
The base relocated to An Riocht Health and Leisure Athletic Club in 2006 where it has remained to this present day.
Person Centred Service
“We currently have ten individuals who avail of a person-centred day service based in their home town of Castleisland,” said a programme spokesperson.
“We have lost some friends and staff since we started, but they are never forgotten with stories, photos and some of their work still being displayed in Oilean Beo.
“We are very fortunate to have the support of NEWKD; KETB and the Back to Education Initiative.
These partnerships have offered the men and women who attend the programme many training and development opportunities.
Grateful for Local Support
“Supervisors, Lisa Cronin and Sean Hanly have been instrumental in ensuring the programme has gone from strength to strength in Castleisland and the have been the driving forces since its inception.
“All at Oileán Beó are so grateful for the support from the Castleisland community that has enabled the programme to grow and ensure the men and women involved can live a life of their choosing in their native area of County Kerry,” said the spokesperson.
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