North West Parents and Friends Association

St Ciarans Services, Carrick-on-Shannon

nwpflogin — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:59:16 +0000

Following receipt of lottery funding, St. Ciaran’s Services developed further the existing enclosed Garden into a sensory Garden. This was completedf by Drumsna Garden Centre. There is also a permanent covered seating area and are awaiting the garden furniture to be purchased to be ready for summer. St. Ciaran’s Services held a Tree Planting cermony on Friday 8th March, this was done as part of the Carrick-on-Shannon 400 celebrations and also as part of National Tree Week. In attendance was Leas Cathaoirleach of Leitrim Co. Council John Ward – also in attendance was Mr. Jimmy Stenson a founder member of St. Ciaran’s services together with service users, their families, fundraisers, staff and friends of St. Ciaran’s Services.

2 Service users are attending N.L.N. from St. Ciaran’s – commenced in February for 1 hour and this has progressed to 4 hours.

Carrick-onShannon Tidy Towns have chosen to undertake a project with St. Ciarans and are working in partnership with the services.

Currently 4 service users are engaged in the ASDAN programme. VEC Tutors come to St. Ciaran’s to teach Arts and Crafts to 9 service users and Numeracy and Literacy to 4 service users.

Leitrim Sprots Partnership have provided funding to deliver a Zumba dance class for 1 hour a week for 6 weeks. 1 school leaver from St. Josephs Outreach has commenced a transition period at St. Ciarans Day Centre with a view to a full time placement from September 2013.

Some of our service users met with President Micheal D. Higgins on his recent visit to Carrick-on-Shannon.

Michael and Anne Doyle (Parents – RSW)

nwpflogin — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 12:37:09 +0000

Our daughter Michele started Rosses Workshop at 19 years of age after attending Cregg House. There she acquired a very rounded education with a good knowledge of reading, writing and life skills under the guidance and teaching of the Sisters of La Sagesse.

Michele always enjoyed going to the workshop. Whilde being there Rosses has gone through a lot of change and is now a place which offers an array of crafts, music, drama, computers, art, cookery and much more. Rosses are involved in further education through FETAC. Michele is completing courses in several subjects. Adults with special needs are treated with respect and dignity at the centre.

The staff are helpful and understand their needs. it is because of their hard work and attitude that the workshop has an atmosphere of happiness and contentment. They are always professional and available to help with any concerns or queries we may have had about Michele. With the help of Rosses Workshop, Michele has grown into a happy and capable young adult. She looks forward to going to her work everyday, where she can interact with her friends and learn new skills.

We are grateful for Rosses and its staff as we see Michele has grown into a happy and fulfilled younb lady.

Michael and Anne Doyle (Parents)

Catherine Lynch (parent St. Ciarans Services)

nwpflogin — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 12:26:36 +0000

St. Ciarans is a very important place for us as a family. We just could not manage without it. The management and staff provide excellent and professional care to our children. Trust is so important to us and it is such peace of mind to know that our children are safe and well cared for. St. Ciarans services has become a part of our family.

Catherine Lynch

James and Kathleen McTague

nw_admin12 — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:39:56 +0000

Our daughter Noreen attends St. Ciarans’s and is a resident of the Group Home there. Its nice to visit her and to see her so happy and to see the friendship she has with the other patients and the staff. We feel its her home away from home.

Knappaghbeg Befriending and Social Club

nw_admin12 — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:08:24 +0000

Strandhill Road, Sligo

May 2013 SCHEDULE.

One night a week 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

Sports and Games
Line Dancing
Disco
Flower Arranging
Dining Out
DVD Night
Bowling
Art and Crafts

And much more

Come along meet your friends for a chat and a cuppa – relax and chill out – enjoy a social evening €2.00 per night

Upcoming events

CLUB CLOSED FOR JULY/AUGUST

A New Schedule is being drawn up. Watch this space!!!!!

Any queries ideas for activities please contact Mary Boylan 071 9143358/087 9983183

I can honestly say that I have gained a ‘WHOLE FAMILY’ from ‘Holy Family’.

nw_admin12 — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:05:52 +0000

“My son Colin has Down syndrome; he started in North West Parents & Friends, Holy Family Preschool for children with special needs 3 years ago, not walking or talking, unable to self feed and with severe attachment issues.

There are no words to express my gratitude to the management and staff within this service for what they have achieved with Colin during this time. Their child centred approach and setting of realistic goals made reaching each milestone a more relaxed and joyous experience. For me the sense of relief in knowing that my son is being cared for in what only can be described as a nurturing, fulfilling, and integrated manner, i.e., they see the child not the disability, they set appropriate goals, organise therapist’s appointments, team meetings and assist with transition to mainstream preschool/primary school. Because of their dedication and professionalism it allows me to enjoy my son without the pressure of a constant schedule of tasks to be completed. My son will leave Holy Family Preschool for children with special needs as a very independent little boy, asking for favourite foods, choosing what colour clothes he wears, kicking ball, playing with his friends, and annoying and amazing his parents just like any 5 year old.

What CRC means to me

nw_admin12 — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:04:31 +0000

CRC has given me the opportunity to meet new friends. At CRC I like to send emails to my sisters and my brother and a friend. I like taking part in all the programs at CRC. I like going to CRC because it has given me the chance to D.J. in the social club every month. I have all of my own D.J. equipment and CD’s and I love playing music.

Gary

Des & Debbie Forde (Parents)

nw_admin12 — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:04:02 +0000

Our son Sam started at Holy Family Pre-School for Children with Special Needs, Sligo when he was 2 years and 10 months, we have been very happy with the service they have provided for him every step of the way. As you can imagine letting Sam leave home (even, if only for a few hours a day) for the first time was a very anxious event in our lives, but during our initial visit to their facility, we were somewhat reassured that he would receive great care. The Staff are very well trained and many of them have been there for a long time, which is a good sign. They have an excellent policy of communicating how Sam gets on every day. The Manager and Staff with the aid of external Specialists holds regular progress meetings that offer helpful medical and parenting advice.

Our son adjusted very well from the beginning due mainly to the staff who were very supportive and patient. Sam has continued to do really well. His verbal communication skills have continued to expand. He has improved immensely with his ability to walk and his curiosity has also been challenged. Our ”gut” feeling to choose Holy Family was right. So far, we couldn’t be happier.

Three Service Users from CRC are currently completing the ASDAN Program

nw_admin12 — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:02:12 +0000

Everyone has been working very hard with the ASDAN programme. Their folders are very colourful and we are almost finished the first module.

New Games Room

We are really proud of our new Games Room at CRC. We are now equipped with a Pool Table, Air-Hockey Table, Basketball Hoop, Electronic Darts Board, Bowling Pins and Soft Ball Games.

Many thanks to everyone who helped us with this room

DJ Gaz Myster!

Well done to Gary who recently completed a six week DJ workshop with DJ Scruffy Duffy in Shenanigans as part of CAWT programme! Gary has also been providing regular DJ Entertainment for different occasions.

Gary attended an Achieving Ambitions Conference in the Sligo Park Hotel on 25th April. He did a brilliant job playing music with DJ Seamus McManus from Ocean FM and everyone had a fantastic time.

Anyone interested in booking Gary for upcoming parties/events can contact 096 36072

40″ HD Digital LCD

We would like to say a special thank you to Avril and Geoffrey Shannon for their kind donation which enabled us to purchase a Fantastic 40″ HD Digital LCD.

Congratulations to Gary Bourke for his successful disco nights

nw_admin12 — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:01:13 +0000

Congratulations to Gary Bourke for his successful disco nights held at the Social Club in Sligo every month.

Gary played a variety of music to suit all Service Users.

Well Done Gary!!!

Please see more in Castleconnor notes!!!