Rehab News_ViewsV6 24/01/2007 15:13 Page 1 News and Views RehabCare Newsletter Winter 2006/2007 What’s in this issue? RehabCare UK Pg 2 Home Based Services Pg 3 East/South East North East/Midlands A Reflection on the Year that was 2006! “Person Centred” “People First” “Can Do” “Partnership” “Innovation” If you would like further information on any RehabCare services in your area, please contact us at: RehabCare, Roslyn Park, Beach Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 1 205 7200 / 205 7206 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rehabcare.ie 2006 was a very special year for RehabCare. The organisation commenced celebrating 10 years in service in style with a variety of local and national events during the year. A key milestone in the year was September’s launch by President McAleese of RehabCare’s new National Volunteer Programme, which has seen more than 70 individuals register their interest to date. It was a very proud moment in October, when RehabCare became the first health and social care organisation to win the overall national award for quality and excellence from the Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA). While this is only a milestone on our journey to our vision of everyone living life to the full, valued for and as themselves, it was certainly a time to recognise the diligent efforts all staff in RehabCare make to reaching our North Star. RehabCare continued to develop and expand its services in 2006. Key developments in the West and Northwest included the launch of a specific Autism day care service in Sligo and the development of two assertive outreach services in Co. Galway, which were joint winners of a Rehab Council Innovation Award. A new Acquired Brain Injury residential service prepared its move to the former premises of Galway Resource Centre, which moved to a newly equipped centre in the city. In the Northeast and Midlands, a new residential service for adults with Autism opened in Navan and a new outreach service for children and adults with Autism commenced in Tullamore. A Workability Programme was also developed to secure paid jobs for service users, leading to the placement of 12 people in paid employment. 2006 also saw the commissioning of a new residential respite service for children in Navan catering for all disability groups and work was commenced on the relocation of Tullamore Sheltered Workshop to a new town centre location. In 2006 RehabCare Midwest and South developed a range of new services, including a high support residential service for people with a mild intellectual disability in Clare, and a number of new services based in Thurles including a residential service for young adults with West/North West Pgs 4-7 Pgs 8-14 Pgs 15-18 South/Midwest Pg 19 Creative Corner Pgs 20-21 NRAC Pg 22 Information Bulletin Pg 23 Editor’s Note I hope you enjoy this issue of News and Views, which provides some great reading as we look back on all that was achieved in 2006. I, for one am looking forward to what we can do in 2007! Best wishes, Deirdre Carroll Rehab News_ViewsV6 24/01/2007 15:13 Page 3 A Reflection on the Year that was 2006! (continued) Autism, a respite centre for people with an intellectual disability, and a day resource centre. Children’s residential services in Co. Limerick were increased and planning got underway for a major new development in Sexton Street in Limerick city. In the southeast, two new services, a residential service for children with autism and a residential/respite service are in the final stages of development, anticipated to open early in 2007. The existing centre in Wexford underwent a refurbishment. A major development on 3.5 acres at Knocklofty in Co. Tipperary got underway in 2006. Set to be completed in early 2007, this will include three accommodation units, a day activity centre and a craft centre with farming activities. In the east of the country, RehabCare services in Bray were consolidated into one new building housing a Sheltered Workshop, and Phoenix and Lean ar Aghaidh day services. RehabCare services in the UK continued to develop in 2006. The preparation for new domiciliary care programmes in RehabCare UK Chaseley’s In-House Awards Every year Chaseley’s staff and residents nominate the individual and department they think have excelled in service and for 2006 the individual winner was Head of Housekeeping Lynda Smith and the top department was Therapies. Lynda is pictured receiving her award from Mitch Kerry, Chairman of the Friends of Chaseley, who sponsor these two awards, with Chaseley’s Chief Executive Sue Wyatt. Chaseley also sponsors a Volunteer of the Year award, and for 2006 husband and wife team Jack and Phyllis Beach received the honour from Trustee Jeremy Howes. Finally Jeremy also presented a long service award to night nursing auxiliary Nicki Seager. both Newcastle and London got underway, with the services undergoing a number of successful reviews as part of the registration process with the Commission for Social Care Inspection, and the UK services’ central offices moved from Birmingham to newly refurbished offices in Chaseley Trust in Eastbourne. RehabCare’s national support services developed strongly throughout 2006. Following research undertaken during the year, RehabCare’s Service User Advocacy Council, NRAC launched Guidelines on Bullying for Service Users. Work began on RehabCare’s research into rare disorders on the island of Ireland, and a number of new suicide prevention initiatives got underway. In May the Human Resources Department achieved the Excellence Through People Award, Ireland’s National Standard for Human Resource Development, with an assessment score of 92% achieved during a time when the department was supporting enormous growth in the organisation. The Finance department developed a range of new financial policies and procedures that will be CareLink/Home Based Services circulated in 2007. RehabCare’s home based services, CareLink continued to expand significantly in the east and they also launched a groundbreaking new system called ‘Newcare’ for managing its services (see more about this on page 3). As an organisation one the most significant events of the year has to be the promotion of our Chief Executive Angela Kerins to Chief Executive of the Rehab Group. Angela has led the ‘cando’ rollercoaster ride of RehabCare from its inception in 1995, tirelessly working to expand the range of services for people with disabilities, infusing innovation into the sector and creating an organisation that we are all proud to work for. In taking up her new role we can be glad that through the Rehab Group we will still be under her energetic direction. We also wish Frank Flannery the very best in his retirement and thank him for all the direction and support he has given RehabCare over the years. Introducing the CareLink team Back Row: Aileen Foley Service Support Manager, Bridget Turner Slán Abhaile Team Leader, Heather Tuimauga CareLink Administration Front Row: Toyin Okpaje Home First Manager, Siobhan Ahearne Home Based Services Manager, Francisca Olorunfemi, Home Help Team Leader Margaret Gillard, Director of Operations RehabCare CareLink Launches Revolutionary New Service RehabCare’s home support services are provided under the brand name CareLink and are personalised to meet the exact needs of each person in their own home. Earlier in the year RehabCare and CareLink launched a revolutionary new service called “Newcare” based on groundbreaking technology, the first system of its kind in Ireland. The “Newcare” system monitors the care the client receives each day and is being rolled out to 800 people currently receiving RehabCare’s home care services. Advantages of Newcare • Peace of mind for clients and their families - there is a system in place to ensure a home support worker will arrive, even if there is an unavoidable problem with the person scheduled to visit. • Security for Home Support Workers - there is an inbuilt safety feature that reports they have both arrived and left work safely. This is important when people are travelling to and from a number of sites. • Transparency for funders - there is a clear record of hours worked and the beneficiaries How does Newcare work? A Home Support Worker arrives at a client’s house for a scheduled visit, dials a freephone number from the client’s phone, and logs into the system using their unique PIN number. The system registers the actual arrival time and identifies that the client’s visit has started. On departure from the client’s home the Home Support Worker dials the number again and logs out of the system. This records their time of leaving and identifies that the visit is finished and automatically updates payroll. The system is set with alarms to alert the service manager in certain circumstances, e.g. if a Home Support Worker is 2 late for a client visit, and therefore doesn’t log in from the registered phone line, the system identifies that the Home Support Worker has not arrived at the client’s home. This enables appropriate action to be taken. The revolutionary system is set to greatly enhance the services provided to those who need home care services. In the words of Siobhan Ahearne, Home Based Services Manager, “Newcare represents a whole new dimension to delivering quality assured care for our clients.” 3 Rehab News_ViewsV6 24/01/2007 15:13 Page 5 East/South East East/South East Gay Byrne Thanks RehabCare Wexford For Road-Safety Initiative Mr. Gay Byrne, renowned TV compere and current chairperson of the Road Safety Authority, took time out from his busy schedule to send a word of thanks to all the service users at the Wexford centre who designed and created a series of T shirts depicting road-safety slogans. An excerpt from the letter sent by Mr. Byrne reads as follows: “I am delighted with the Road Safety Initiatives being undertaken by RehabCare and the Service Users in Wexford and I commend you for your initiative.” So thanks Gay from all at RehabCare Wexford, and good luck in promoting safe road practices. By Lucy Costigan, Programmes Facilitator RehabCare Wexford. Peter Kehoe with a t-shirt that service users in the Wexford centre designed and created. My First Year in College Christmas I like Christmas because I go to one of my sister’s houses for Christmas dinner. A couple of my other sisters would come also and one of them drives me. We would get a warm welcome when we arrive at my sister’s house for dinner. Myself and my sisters are offered some kind of a drink before the dinner while we sit and have a chat. Some of my nephews and nieces would also be there. Later, my sister would dish up the dinner. We would have a starter, then main course, then dessert and then, after all that, we would have a cup of tea or coffee with Christmas cake. Later, we sit around and have a chat. On Christmas night when the whole family is in my sister’s house, we would play games and I would dress up as Santa Claus. I would throw out sweets and hand out toys or books to my nephews and nieces. They all love me dressing up as Santa. We also have Kris Kindle. Some of my other sisters bring Christmas gifts and later on we would open them. At home I would put up a tree, crib and some decorations. On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus comes to all the children and some adults. Santa comes to my nephews, nieces, sisters, brother-inlaws and he never forgets me. He leaves the gifts for one of my sisters in my home. He also leaves gifts for me at home. Even after Christmas Day I would go visiting my sisters. I also visit my parents’ grave on Christmas Day. Christmas can be a happy time but it can also be a sad time for others. By Kevin Byrne, RehabCare Ballyfermot I heard about a course called Exploring Our Potential running in Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education. First of all, I had to do an interview to get accepted onto the course. I did the interview in RehabCare in Dun Laoghaire with the VEC Adult Guidance Service. A week later I got a letter to say that I had been accepted onto the course. I was so pleased about getting into college. My first year in college was like this. I went on a tour of the college on the Thursday and we started the next day. I was a bit shocked and got a bit upset at how quickly everything moved. I felt I wasn’t prepared for the change. I had never been to college before. However in a matter of days I was enjoying it and learning a lot. Classes were on a Thursday and Friday afternoons from half one to half three. The subjects included Communications, Computers, History, Creative Writing and Drama. Abbie, Mary and Seamus were some of my tutors. They were all very nice to talk to. Sarah Mulcahy is the disability project worker and I go and talk to her if I have a problem. During the year I felt I was treated badly by two of the people in the class, this upset me a lot. I talked to both the Adult Guidance staff in the college and staff in RehabCare Dun Laoghaire. I worked it out with one of the people involved but decided not to be friends with the other person. I have sent in my computer course work for a FETAC certificate. I also got a certificate for completing the year on Monday 19th June 2006 at Blackrock Education Centre in Deansgrange. I am very happy with my certificate. I am going back to college in the autumn. I have been told that I may go into 3rd year next year and skip second year. This is my year in college. I hope you liked reading what I did in college. By Sally Lovegrove, RehabCare Dun Laoghaire 4 Christmas We start thinking about Christmas as soon as November approaches. Christmas is a time of laughter and good cheer. Children get gifts from Santa Claus and we buy presents for our friends and they buy presents for us. Christmas cards are sent between families and friends and this is the time when people ring those relatives and friends who cannot get home for the holidays. Shops are well decorated and they display the gifts we can buy for one another. Horse races are run on St. Stephen’s Day and the racing goes on for three or four days. Most people love to see frost and snow at this time of year. Christmas trees are bought and decorated. Lights are put on the trees and sometimes they flash. Houses are festooned with lights and many people decorate the outside of the houses as well as the inside. We usually cook a turkey for Christmas dinner. A plum pudding is boiled and a Christmas cake is also baked. Christmas crackers often appear on the dinner table. Most people enjoy a few drinks around Christmas time. We think about the Baby Jesus and the Crib at Christmas. The three Wise Men are also in our thoughts at this time. We associate Shepherds with Christmas as they watched over their flocks by night. Carol singing is something I look forward to each Christmas, but we should also be thinking about the people who are less well off than we are. By Gerry, RehabCare Kildare 5 Rehab News_ViewsV6 24/01/2007 15:13 Page 7 East/South East East/South East Failte Ireland Course I was picked with 11 others from the centre in Waterford to do a Failte Ireland hospitality course for 10 weeks. It is a Food and Beverage course. The trainer is a man called John Bohan. Molly Crew the Programmes Facilitator comes with the group. We do it every Monday and Tuesday. We all wear a uniform, safety shoes and a name badge. On Mondays we train in RehabCare and on Tuesdays we train in the Failte Ireland training centre. We have learned how to set tables and clear tables and how to carry glasses on trays. We are also learning how to fold napkins, take orders and write documents. By the end of the course we are going to learn how to give out menus and wine lists and also learn all about different teas and coffees. We get our dinner and dessert the days we train in the Failte Ireland centre. I’m enjoying it very much. A New Move in Bray By Maria Allen, RehabCare Waterford Working in Radio My name is Tommy Brown. I am one of the service users in RehabCare Bray. We used to have a much older building but in the last year we moved to new premises in the Southern Cross Business Park. The new building is much nicer than the older one. This new building is bigger, brighter and cosy and feels like home to everyone. I have been with RehabCare for 3 years. My first two years were in the old building at the bottom of Boghall Road. That was with Jim in the Sheltered Workshop. I am not in the Sheltered Workshop anymore as all the time I was in the old building in the workshop, I was waiting for the Phoenix service to start. When the new building opened I started in the Phoenix Service. There are three services in this new building – the Phoenix, Sheltered Workshop and Lean ar Aghaidh Service. We wish Jim Hayden a happy retirement – he is retiring at Christmas. By Tommy Brown, The Phoenix Service RehabCare Bray 6 I found the job I love doing, on radio. It is for a local station called West Dublin Access Radio 96fm in the Ballyfermot Community Centre on the Ballyfermot Road. We are on air from 12:45 to 20:15, Monday to Friday and Saturday 10 am to 3:15 with local news and good music. I found the job through RehabCare Ballyfermot and I am a year and a half working there now. I do a show on the station called Heffo Mixes on Thursday at 3:30 to 4 pm. It’s a music show with music from the 50’s to today. Our visit to Waterford Crystal We had a great morning at Waterford Crystal. It was really interesting to watch the workers. Paula enjoyed watching the glass being designed and crafted. We were very privileged to see a fantastic video all about glass and we saw wonderful glass in many different colours. After the film we took a short journey with Ken to the main factory. Teresa Kelly was over the moon when she got a chance of a lifetime to cut glass and Mary Power was just as happy when she got to hold it and presented it to the rest of the group. Overall we really enjoyed our lovely morning at Waterford Crystal. The people who attended the tour of Waterford Crystal were Aisling Power, Jacqui Ryan, Teresa Kelly, Mary Power, Jean Corcoran, Joseph O’Shea, Paula O’Meara, Joan Doyle and Tony Kelly. Teresa Kelly Rehabcare Waterford cutting Crystal in Waterford Crystal. By Mary Power, RehabCare Waterford NRAC in RehabCare Bray I am a member of NRAC. NRAC meet here on Fridays. Four from our centre put themselves forward for the National Committee at the NRAC AGM in Maynooth. We had our fingers crossed for them all. Bray Lakers I am a member of Bray Lakers Club. This is a social and recreational club. We do lots of stuff like basketball, bowling, drama, soccer, salsa, plus arts and crafts. club is a big part of my life. Our coaches are great craic. Thank you Bernard, Claire, Eddie and Jenny. UP BRAY LAKERS!! We have discos once a month and have a walking club as well as golf, and drumming. They train us well. This By Nigel Phillips, The Phoenix Service RehabCare Bray RehabCare Waterford – Happy Heart Walk October 2006 One day in July I was chosen to go to HOPS in Dublin city centre to represent the Bray NRAC at the Regional meeting being held there. I was proud of myself that day. I am happy that I went. By Belinda Flynn, The Phoenix Service RehabCare Bray. By Paul Heffernan, RehabCare Ballyfermot 7 Rehab News_ViewsV6 24/01/2007 15:13 Page 9 North East/Midlands North East/Midlands In Memory of Josephine Kane Josephine Kane, from Kiltale, Co. Meath, was employed as a Facilitator in RehabCare Dunboyne, a centre for people with physical and sensory disabilities. She died peacefully after a very short illness on 12th November 2006. There have never been more apt words written to sum up Jo’s life than the words of the opening hymn at her funeral, “Here I am Lord, It is I, Lord. I will hold your people in my heart.” Certainly, that is exactly what Jo did when she came to work in our centre, more than two years ago. She held each one of us, service user and staff alike, close to her heart. Jo gave freely of her many gifts and talents for the benefit of all. But more than that, she gave the most precious gift; that of herself, her time, her love and her compassion. Jo had deep faith. She once said, “I prayed for you this morning. My prayers are heard.” Her passing has had a profound effect on each one of us. We extend our deepest sympathy to Jo’s husband, Brendan, her daughter, Donna, her son, Thomas, her parents, brothers, sister and her extended family. May Jo, our dear friend and colleague, rest in the peace of God. Josephine Kane About eighteen months ago I met a wonderful person. Her name was Jo Kane. Jo was the first person I met when I started to attend the resource centre in Dunboyne. I got to know Jo well over the following months. She was a bright, intelligent, talented woman who inspired everyone she met. Jo loved her job and she encouraged everyone to do their best and achieve their goals. Jo greeted everyone she met with a warm smile. She loved life, her family and her work was her life. Jo had a great sense of humour and was full of fun, always smiling, never in bad form, always positive. It was a privilege to have met such a wonderful person. I know that I am a better person for having met Jo. She is shining bright in Heaven, looking down on us now. There is a corner of my heart broken, never to be fixed again. Goodbye Jo. Bernie Dowd, RehabCare Dunboyne 8 JO A salute to you Jo and for all you have done. From your friends in RehabCare we all love you as one. You were there for us and you always answered our call. We thank you a thousand times from one and all. Leo O’Toole, RehabCare Dunboyne Atlas Graduation Ceremony On Tuesday, 17th October 2006, nine individuals were presented with awards for their participation in the Atlas programme. The ceremony was attended by the graduates, their friends and family, staff from RehabCare, representatives from FETAC, HSE, APT, FÁS, and the VEC. The event was held in Athlone Institute of Technology. Atlas is a RehabCare training programme that aims to equip participants with skills and knowledge that will enhance their quality of life and increase their independence in daily living activities. The programme is delivered in partnership by two RehabCare centres in Athlone and Tullamore and participants come from both of these areas. All participants’ who access this course are facilitated in developing their own Person Centred Plan through an Induction Phase. During this period staff spend time with the participants and share experiences with them, getting to know each other through an informal process and sharing their hopes and wishes for the future. This is a centre-based course and also combines community based activities. Many of the modules provided are FETAC accredited. Some of the modules provided on the Atlas course include: • Personal Care Skills (Personal Care and Presentation, Personal Safety) • Independent Living Skills (Home Management, Personal Finances, Basic Food and Cookery Skills) • Community Integration (Independent Travel, Community Profile) • Interpersonal Skills (Self- Advocacy, Awareness of Self, Relationship Building) • Leisure (Health Related Fitness, Social Activities) • Personal Development (Drama, Art & Design, Horticulture, Manual Handling, First Aid) • Preparation for Work (Job Seeking, Career Information, Work Entitlements) External specialised tutors generally from the VEC are called upon for their expertise with some of the Training Modules i.e. Horticulture, Drama, Art & Design, or Photography. Some of the comment’s from Participant’s in Rehabilitative Training: “I enjoyed Atlas because it is good fun and I learned about money” “I enjoy Atlas because the modules help me get over my fears” By The Atlas Group Tullamore Music Composing Project in Dundalk Wins Award Our centre worked with a composer called Elaine Agnew who came to our centre one day a week to do workshops with us. We would play different instruments and make different sounds using cymbals, triangles etc. Elaine would show us postcards from both sides of the border and we would have a discussion and would make music representing the postcards. When the project was finished we performed our music and songs in the Carroll Building with a Choir from St. Vincents School and children from north of the border and the Ulster Orchestra. We all dressed in black. There were a lot of rehearsals involved. The show was brilliant and a C.D. was released. We entered this project for an innovation award and it was highly commended. Steven, Sandra, Joan and myself picked up our award at a ceremony in Dublin and we also had to make a speech. We are very proud of this award. Christopher McKevitt & Steven Mannison, RehabCare Dundalk 9 Rehab News_ViewsV6 24/01/2007 15:13 Page 11 North East/Midlands North East/Midlands Our Trip to Killarney Ballard’s Latest Addition service users picked Millie who is a crossbred Cocker Spaniel and Labrador mix. She is now a valuable addition to the great family atmosphere in Ballard House. She creates more fun, laughter and companionship for both staff and most importantly service users alike. She also on occasion creates frustration as puppies do. On Tuesday the 3rd October, 16 service users and three members of staff (Maire, Joe and Claire) went on a trip to Killarney. We returned to Tullamore on Thursday 5th of October 2006. Joe Lawless arranged for the Sam Maguire cup to be brought to the hotel that we were staying in. When the cup arrived there was great excitement and we all got our picture taken with it. Later that day we had a beautiful evening meal. The food was gorgeous and the staff were friendly and helpful. After dinner we went into town for a quiet drink. We went to bed after this, as we were all tired after our busy day. The next day we got up early and had a lovely breakfast. Later we went to Ross Castle. There were beautiful grounds around the castle. From there we got a boat ride with a tour guide around the lakes. The scenery was gorgeous and we took lots of pictures. After this we went to Muckross House, where we had a lovely lunch. When we returned to the hotel some people decided to go shopping. We then rested for a while before going for our A Day To Remember At Dublin Castle On Thursday 14th September 2006, Gerry O’Callaghan, Niall O’Connor and myself, accompanied by Michelle & Attracta took a trip to Dublin to meet Mary McAleese, the President of Ireland to promote the Celebrities Back RehabCare Volunteer Programme. While we were there, we met Steve Staunton the Irish Soccer Manager, hurling great DJ Carey, star Gaelic footballer Steven McDonnell and top TV presenter Caroline Morahan. 10 evening meal in the hotel. It was one of the staff’s, Marie’s, birthday so we arranged for the staff in the hotel to surprise her with a cake after dinner. Later that night we went to see some live Irish music in the Danny Mann pub. The band was called the Pot Belly Folk Band. They were very lively and we spent the night dancing. This was one of the best parts of the holiday. Thursday morning we got up early again and had our breakfast. We then checked out of the hotel, but not before we thanked the staff for the friendly service they provided. We went to a nearby shopping centre for Gerry had a chat with DJ Carey and mentioned how he would like to see a “Gaelic World Cup”, then he sang the “Boys From County Armagh” to Steven McDonnell. I was talking to Steve Staunton and he said that he had stopped playing football because he was getting on in years. Funnily enough, DJ Carey told Niall that he had also quit because he was now too old and needed to concentrate on his cleaning business, which makes materials like bleach and employs thirty people. DJ Carey also told me that throughout his career he had never been booked or sent off! By John Megan, Dundalk SW some last minute shopping. It was great to see the beautiful scenery and spend time with our friends. We had a wonderful holiday!!! By Christine Delaney, Anne Lynam and Ursula O’Brien, RehabCare Tullamore Ballard House has welcomed its newest arrival “Millie” with open arms. On the 13th September, Millie arrived to her new home in Ballard House, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Millie became the “chosen one” after lengthy discussions at both service A Trip to Michael Collins Barracks On Friday October 20th a group from the Dundalk Sheltered Workshop went to Dublin to visit Collins Barracks. When we arrived at Connolly Station we had some refreshments and jumped on the Luas to the museum. We saw a lot of memorabilia of the 1916 rising, we also saw the uniforms they wore and the weapons they used. We read some books about the leaders of the rising and the proclamation. Then we watched a clip about the Irish forces in the United Nations and the duties they perform. We travelled back to the station had some lunch and got the “express” Belfast train home. Phew what a day out we had! By Niall Coleman, Dundalk Sheltered Workshop. The Child that I Sponsor I started sponsoring a little boy about 6 months ago. He’s 5 years old. His birthday is the 31st December when he will be six. So he’s not in school yet. He likes playing football. Before I started sponsoring him, he was in very bad health. Now as I’m sponsoring him he’s in very good health. He is too young to do any chores. He comes from Mauritania in West Africa. His name is Sid Ahmed Ould Aly. Sid Ahmed lives with his parents in a rural area. His father is a subsistence farmer, in good years, barely raising enough food for users’ house meetings and staff team meetings. After weighing up all the advantages and disadvantages of goldfish, rabbits, cats and dogs, the decision was made that a housedog was the most suitable girl for the job. Millie was accessed through Mullingar Animal rescue shelter. Both staff and his own family. His mother stays at home caring for her family and helping her husband. I saw an advert on the television and there was a telephone number so I rang it. Then they sent me out an information pack about him and on his background. As well as that they sent me out a photo of him. I only have to pay €25 a month. I write about what I used to do in my childhood and his favourite game. It might take 4 or 5 months for him to get the letter. When I am writing the letter I have to write the child’s name and his reference number. I do the same on the back of the envelope just in case the letter goes to the wrong child. I like sponsoring Sid Ahmed because I feel I am doing something worthwhile. And I am hoping some day to be working with children. By Kitty Tumelty, RehabCare Athlone As Millie is becoming a house dog, it brings with it both roles and responsibilities that service users are sharing with staff. There are the duties of feeding four times a day, which will eventually become twice a day as she gets older, walking, playing with her and, of course, on occasion, the messy job of cleaning up after little accidents. She has also starred in some photography and art projects for service users, being very professional in all her poses. All of these activities allow more time for staff and service users to interact and bond, also giving a loving dog a new lease on life which she may not have been given. Batman and Robin Staff suggested that perhaps we would like to get a goldfish for the Centre. Bronagh, Sandra and I, with staff, went to the pet shop and bought 2 gold fish. We also had to buy a bowl, food and stuff to clean the water. The man in the pet shop told us how important it was not to overfeed the fish. We didn’t know what to call our fish so everyone put names into a bowl. We eventually decided on Batman and Robin. We are actually thinking of expanding our fish collection. Watch this space. Dolores McKeever, RehabCare Dundalk 11 Rehab News_ViewsV6 24/01/2007 15:13 Page 13 North East/Midlands North East/Midlands Following my Dream Our Trip to Manchester It was my dream for many years to work with the elderly. I have always felt that there was something special about them and I enjoy caring for other people. I have a great deal of respect for the elderly and find them to be very kind. To make this dream come true, my key worker and I arranged a meeting with a nurse in a local nursing home. The nurse was very nice and agreed to allow me to work in the nursing home for a few hours each week. I started my work experience in the nursing home on the 15th May 2006. My job consists of assisting the residents during mealtimes e.g. helping to feed and serve their meals. I also spend a lot of time talking to the residents as they really seem to enjoy just having a chat with me. I enjoy this experience very much as I get a great deal of satisfaction from spending time with the elderly. I feel very happy that my dream has come true! By Christine Delaney, RehabCare Tullamore Glamour Girls Every Tuesday morning we have our glamour girl programme. In it we do facials, hand waxing, makeup, nail art, discussions on personal safety, hygiene, shopping and lots more. Our Christmas party falls on a Tuesday so we decided that we would start a savings club and save one euro a week so we could go out on the morning of our Christmas party and get our hair done, have a facial or our nails done. As we were saving for this regularly we wouldn’t notice the cost. We are also going to have our breakfast out. A real “girlie” morning. Neverending Story I’m in my 28th year now like this, since I crashed and got a spinal injury, breaking my neck in two places. There’s not much of a difference in the footpaths in Ashbourne between 1979 and now. The difference is that back then, I could go on the road with my chair but now, there’s too much traffic and I have to use the footpaths. If I did go on the road and get hit, I’d be in the wrong. The shopping centres are all accessible but I can’t get to them in the first place because of the footpaths and I’d be pretty mobile in this thing otherwise. I don’t know how many times I’ve been caught out by the traffic lights. The green man would go and I’d be caught in the middle of the road because I wouldn’t have enough time to get across. It’s not just me. There’s old people and women with prams. There’s a pothole just as you’re going into the car park at Ashbourne House and my chair could fit into it. You could nearly fish for salmon in it, it’s that deep. The council threw a few buckets of tarmac into it and a week later it was back again – a botch job, that’s what it was. They put ramps from the road up to the footpaths but they’re way too steep. The chair would only wheel backwards. They do some things but they don’t do them right. On September the 18th 2006, a large group from RehabCare Cavan and the National Learning Network went by ferry to Holyhead. We went on a fiveday trip to Manchester. The boat was lovely but the crossing was a bit rough because of the weather. When we got to Holyhead we were met by a large coach which took us to our hotel. We had breakfast and dinner each day in the hotel. The hotel and its staff were lovely. At ten o’clock each day we went on a day trip. We went on a lovely tour around Manchester with a tour guide. We saw lovely sights. We visited the Old Trafford Football Stadium, Alton Towers Theme Park and the Irish World Heritage Centre. We also visited Manchester Science Museum where everyone got a great view of Coronation Street. I enjoyed everything about the trip and it was lovely coming back. I was delighted I was picked to go and I would like to return again. By Carmel Lynch, RehabCare Cavan Hospice Coffee Morning Navan Respite Breaks 2006 Following the success of our respite breaks last year we decided to organise them again this year. Forty service users in total decided to avail of the offer. €4,000 funding was received through the National Lottery, which enabled us to book a break in a very nice hotel! We went to The Hudson Bay Hotel on a two-night break with one evening meal. The hotel included a fabulous swimming pool, a spa and had the most amazing views across Lough Ree. while we were there. Athlone is a great shopping town, which we used to its full potential spending all our savings! We also visited Shannonbridge Pottery and Clonmacnoise, which was very interesting and we watched a video about the history of it. We spent the afternoons relaxing in the swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. In the evenings we ate well, one night in Athlone town and the other in the hotel. The meal in the hotel was fantastic. We seemed to eat all night, having five courses. When I got to the hall there were balloons and streamers all over the hall. I had a huge birthday cake and lots of food. The music was great and everyone was up dancing. I got lots of kisses, flowers, presents and champagne. I had a brilliant night. We were reading through our local paper one day and saw that the National Hospice coffee morning was taking place on the 21st September. We registered online and got more information. We brought it up at our group meeting and everyone thought that it was a great idea. We asked service users to bring in cakes and biscuits and we went to our local shopping centre and asked for a donation. We also got Bewleys Coffee from the local hospice shop. With the help of staff we set up our canteen and put up notices that it was taking place between 11am and 12pm on that Thursday. It was a great success, friends and family came, staff and service users from Coes road also came. We raised €351.99 for the Hospice foundation. Our class consists of 5 people. Our teacher is called Valerie. We have Valerie every Thursday from 2 - 4 o’clock. Valerie is easy to listen to and learn from. Valerie taught us to be hygienic and she also taught us to make lots of dishes. The types of dishes we made were buns and soups, apple tarts and also main courses. We enjoyed our cooking and we would always give the staff a sample of what we cooked. At the end of the eight weeks we also made a staff meal and that was the highlight of all our hard work. We learned a lot from Valerie and we can’t wait until our turn comes round again. Linda McEntaggart, RehabCare Dundalk. Anita Guest, RehabCare Dundalk By the Cookery Class, RehabCare Monaghan By Karen Long, RehabCare Dundalk My 40th Birthday Charlie Leonard, a friend of mine who has a wheelchair, went to the County Council office in Navan to complain about the paths and he got stuck in the doorway.It took four men to prise him out. I thought he was winding me up. “No, no, that’s the truth. I’m not messing with you at all, Paddy”. By Paddy McDonnell, RehabCare Dunboyne My 40th was in August. My family organised a party for me. A week before my party my brother and his wife brought me to Portugal. I had a lovely colour for my party. I invited all my friends and neighbours, cousins, nieces and nephews. A limousine picked me up at the house. My sisters Ann and Jean came with me. 12 All had a great time and look forward to next year. By RehabCare Navan There was plenty to keep us busy Cooking in Monaghan 13 Rehab News_ViewsV6 24/01/2007 15:13 Page 15 South North East/Midlands East/East All Ireland Unlimited Road Bowling Competition From the 12th – 14th September the All Ireland Unlimited Road Bowling Championship took place in Madden Co. Armagh. This competition My name is Bernie Corrigan I am from the great town of Monaghan. I have been attending RehabCare for the past thirty years. When I started first, I worked in the bakery. It was very busy. In the bakery I made tarts, pastries and apple slabs. I liked doing this work as it kept me busy. In RehabCare today, I am taking part in work experience, which is in Patton’s. Patton’s is in Monaghan shopping centre. I work with flowers. I take the flowers in from the cool room and then I take so many leaves and cut a bit of the stem to let the water absorb into the flower. I work 2 hours a week. I go to Patton’s every Tuesday from 9:30am to 12. Congratulations Congratulations to Gerard McLoughlin, RehabCare Athlone, who recently passed the Driver Theory Test. Well done Gerard!. accommodated grades from Novice B to Seniors including a special class for wheelchair users. There were two types of competition: road and targets. There were 4 centres from Cork, 1 from Cavan, 2 from Armagh and 5 from Monaghan of which RehabCare was one. The RehabCare centre did very well with Martin McElroy, Emer Tully and Amanda Parker all reaching the finals on the road bowls. Alan Malone was runner up at the targets, Amanda won All Ireland targets and Ann McCarron was skittles champion. This was a great achievement for our centre as we have only been playing bowls since early spring. Everyone is looking forward to visiting Cork next September for the All Ireland Road Bowls. We had a wonderful presentation night followed by a disco on the last night. Everyone received a medal and winners and runners up all received cups and trophies. RehabCare Monaghan The rest of the workers are very nice and jolly. There is always good craic going on when I come in. My break is at 11 o’clock and I go up to the staff canteen for my lunch. In the canteen there is only a We grow different vegetables like room with tables. I usually go to Mallons leeks, parsnip, onion sets, tomatoes, for my tea break and get a scone, which cucumber, sweetcorn, courgettes, I enjoy. cabbage and broccoli. We also grow lettuce and we planted a fruit tree. We I am very happy with my job, as I like it grow indoor and outdoor strawberries very much. I keep the floor clean and and next year we are growing potatoes make sure that everything is in place. in a barrel. I like my boss as she is easy to get on with and her name is Ann. At Christmas we make Christmas wreaths for the service users, the I hope to learn a lot more about how to staff and the people in Mounthamilton do flower arranging. I go to a flower House. We also go out to the recycling arranging class in Patton’s on Saturdays centre. Sometimes we go out to the from 11-1pm. I would also like to gain bowling or have a game of pool. other work experience in other places. In nice weather people from the centre sometimes have a barbeque. By Bernie Corrigan, RehabCare Monaghan. This year we have our own wormery and we put in old teabags, banana skins etc. We planted up a bed around the time when the world cup started and it was for RC 10. We put in Cinarara and Begonia to spell the word Failte, I was on holidays in Italy with my which means welcome. We entered our family. We went to Rome, Naples gardens in the Improve our Town and Salerno. It was sunny but not competition but we didn’t win. too warm and there were lots of We have to work hard next year to try big mountains and sea. We stayed to win a prize. in a lovely hotel and eat a lot of pasta. Italy is a lovely country. Domhnall Flynn, RehabCare Dundalk Horticulture Beautiful Italy Kyra Kinirons, RehabCare Athlone 14 West/North West The Night Before Christmas It fell gently to the ground Excited little children knew that by now Santa was worldwide bound. After they had been fed, those little children hurried up to bed. Knowing that that they must not meet this man in red. Outside the snow lay deep, as those little children tried to sleep. But all they could do was merely lift their tired heads and peep. And sit and watch the snow drift into a heap. Suddenly they heard a loud noise and a voice saying Ho, Ho, this is Santa I have come to all you good girls and boys with your toys. Jumping back into bed, and once again covering their heads They lay still as Santa put their presents gently on the windowsill. It now began to froze as those tired little eyes began to doze and doze. At last morning broke leaving a scene of whiteness and brightness. But most importantly of all, having left those dear little hearts full of delightfulness. with their precious gifts. That their best friend had left the night before on that windowsill. By Bernie McDermott, RehabCare Ballinamore As the air stayed still, those little children got up and ran eagerly to play A Trip Back to Dublin When I thought about my IAP for this year it didn’t take me too long to decide where I wanted to go. There was one place I wanted to go, and two things I wanted to do there. Some of my schooling was spent in Our Lady`s School in Chapelizod and I also wanted to travel on the Luas. During the holidays I travelled to Dublin along with my support worker, Nora. We got the train from Dublin in Dromod on a bright Wednesday morning. When we arrived at Connolly station we took a taxi to my old school. I was excited because I couldn’t wait to see what the school looked like now and I wondered would there be any staff there that I would have known. We got a short trip around part of the school, it has changed a lot with some new buildings and a lot of the old part seems to be in need of repair. I wanted to see the “flats” where I used to stay. Unfortunately, they had completely changed. I also enquired after one of the staff that I remember well but she now lives in a nursing home. The staff there, were all new. After having a lovely cup of tea, we got a bus back into the city. We then went on a trip on the Luas, it was great and I’m glad I got to go on it. Then we did some shopping. There are so many shops in Dublin it’s hard to decide where to go! Before it was time to go, we went for a meal at Connolly Station. It was really tasty. Overall, my day was very enjoyable. I got to do and see some things of real interest to me. I think it was well worth it and suited my IAP perfectly. By Veronica McConnell 15 Rosog, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim 15 Rehab News_ViewsV6 24/01/2007 15:13 Page 17 West/North South East/East West West/North West Art Exhibition On September 11th as part of our Rehabcare 10 celebrations we were very proud to have the work of our Art group exhibited in the local Arts Centre, Linenhall Street Castlebar. The work displayed (which included a painting by Daniel Flanagan R.I.P) was a result of a year’s hard and creative work by the ten students and their tutor (and local artist) Carmel Quinn. It was opened by Michael Ring TD and the exhibits were available to be viewed and for sale until the 25th September. It was lovely to see so many family members there on the day. Thanks to all the staff involved, Michael Ring TD, Carmel, the Adult Education Centre and all at the Linenhall Arts Centre. Another group of artists with Carmel (Art Leader) Fun Day RC10 Celebrations Castlerea and Lifford. It was a fun filled day and everyone got to compete in one or two sports of their choice. We had bowling, soccer and basketball, each sport was hotly contested and there was lots of fun in the process. A lovely meal was served at dinnertime after which we all danced for 4 hours to a lively disco. There were loads of spot prizes given out and well done to all the lucky winners. As part of RehabCare 10 celebrations RehabCare Castlebar organised a fun day which was held on September 7th in McHale Park Castlebar. We invited other RehabCare centres and our colleagues next door from NLN. It was very well attended and we would like to say a big thank you to all who travelled to and supported our day, especially staff and service users from RehabCare in Ballinamore, Sligo, 16 We had some great volunteers on the day including Martin and Collette Moran, Mary Garvin, Orla Brogan and Rita and Ronnie from NLN. Without their help, staff would have been under great pressure, so many thanks to all. One of the highlights of the day was getting a Galway girl to wear a Mayo jersey! But they will all be wearing Galway jerseys next year!! RehabCare Castlebar Our Social Night out We went to Cox’s in Castlebar; it is a very nice restaurant. We went out for food and dessert. There were 19 of us from RehabCare and another group of 13 had gone to the bowling alley. We had drinks in Cox’s, I had club orange. Maureen and Bernadette and Melissa came to Cox’s with us. I had a nice chicken dish to eat. We all went home at 7.30. It was an excellent night out. I was tired and went to bed at 10:30. I wore a hoody jumper and jeans to Cox’s. We used to all go out for our social night together but the group is too big so we divide our night into two groups and some staff go with each group. We really like our social evening because it gives us a chance to meet with and talk to each other outside of work. RehabCare Castlebar By Aoife Keane, RehabCare Castlebar RC10 Celebrations in Lifford We did a lot of work getting our centre ready for our big day. We were all very excited. On the day we were all dressed up and looking good. We had a programme made out for the day’s events. Loretto our CSM welcomed everyone for coming. Barry Sweeney and Kevin Clancy also said a few words. Mary Coughran TD, Minister for Agriculture and Food was our special guest. She was Left to right Adrian Devenney, Mary Coughlan TD Minister for Agriculture and Food Mayor of Donegal Enda Banner, Kevin Clancy Loretto Gillespie and Barry Sweeney nice and friendly. There were stands all over the centre to showcase what programmes we had taken part in throughout the year. We had line dancing and expressional dance performances in the main hall. Everyone had a part in the day, which made it very exciting and good fun. The centre looked very well and was organised for our visitors. We had a band playing in the main hall, which we danced to all afternoon! We would like to thank everyone for coming to our celebration in Lifford. By Michael Devenney & Catalina Keys, RehabCare Lifford Line Dancers at Lifford Celebration My Dream Come True It has always been my goal to see Westlife in concert and when the opportunity came up I grabbed it!! We left at 3.00pm to go and see Westlife in Belfast. Ann, Josephine and Adrian, my friends, came with me. Dawn and Anne came too. When we got there I thought that the Odyssey Arena was big. We got pictures taken outside the Odyssey. When we arrived inside the Odyssey I got very excited. We then got something to eat. During our meal we laughed a lot. I couldn’t wait until Westlife came on. There were other artists on before Westlife but I just wanted to hear Westlife. I was getting more excited. I went to the Westlife shop with Dawn and bought a t-shirt, a cup, posters, and a scarf! When Westlife came on stage everybody screamed. I was so excited. They played for about two hours. They were very good. The show was very colourful. There was a very good atmosphere. There was a huge crowd when we were leaving. It was unbelievable. The next morning in the centre my friends asked how it went - I said that it was a Dream Come True. By Gertie Brown, RehabCare Lifford 17 Rehab News_ViewsV6 24/01/2007 15:13 Page 19 West/North West RC10 At The OK Corral! To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of RehabCare, last May we organised a Western-themed Disco in our centre in Sligo. We invited service users and staff from other organisations in our area and a big crowd turned up on the day, all dressed up like Cowboys and Indians with hats, boots and chequered shirts. South/Midwest Before the party started a group of service users from our Centre acted in a short play as part of their drama project: they staged a robbery at the Post Office where the bandits ended up being arrested by the sheriff. In the weeks before the party one of the centre staff, Deirdre O’Rourke, with the help of other service users, painted two cowboys’ figures and a western landscape on a huge wooden panel. The face parts were cut off so anyone who wanted could have their portrait taken looking as if they were in Arizona. Saloon doors were put up in our corridor and a perfect imitation of a bar was painted on a wall with (empty) whiskey bottles on the tables. It felt like the real thing! There were also cardboard horses and hay bails for people to sit on in between jives and to have their picture taken. The DJ played different kinds of music (Country & Western, folk and pop) and everybody got up and shook their spurs on the dance floor. Some even tried the karaoke and won a price for best singer. At times we would take a break to go up to the “bar” for a quick snack and a drink, just to go back dancing after that. Towards the end of the party we had a lovely cake to celebrate RehabCare anniversary. Balloons came down from the ceiling and we had lots of fun bursting them. By Mary Duffy, RehabCare Sligo Visiting Live 95fm On 22nd November staff and service users from RehabCare Kilbane in Limerick visited Live 95fm Radio Station. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the visit. A special thank you to Mark & Caitriona, hosts of the Breakfast Show, who facilitated the visit. Those pictured are: Back Row: Elaine O’Riordan, Eva Simmons, Karen Treacy, Dominic Prodger, Cathriona (show host) Front Row: Colleen Phelan, Ciara McDermot, Niall McDermot, Mark (show host) Creative Writing A FISHY TALE Below is a creative writing piece about a witch, aptly named 'Primp Fizzle', that was designed and created by RehabCare Blennerville for its Halloween decorations. It Friday and they’ve all gone home Leaving the fish here on its own. In strolls a cat, eyes open wide, Poor wee fish - nowhere to hide. The cat’s got on his roller skates And rounded up some of his mates. They searched in every pub and boozer We’re not going home tonight a loser The cats they see him heading in, But they’re determined they will win. They can’t see beyond their desire to barbeque him on a fire. The cat says, “I’ll have you for my dinner” He really thinks he’s backed a winner. The fish says “I’m not having that” And promptly jumps onto the mat. They finally find him at the bar “How the heck did he get this far? ” But fish has heard them coming in, they’re hardly quiet - what a din They blindly chase him through the door But they don’t know just what’s in store “We have him now!!” cat loudly screams “Yeh right” says fish - “in your dreams” Out the door the fish did dash The cat behind him in a flash He grabs a bus for Galway city The cat, he’s missed it - what a pity The fish has made it into town And grabs a pint in Busker Brown’s He thinks he’s clear of the pesky cat But life is not quite as simple as that Fish decides it’s time to take a hike, runs out the door and grabs a bike. The cats dash after, out the bar, and thumb a lift from a passing car. The fish peddled as fast as he could but cats are catching up - that’s not good. “I think I’ll head for the aquarium And get some help from my old chum” By Lisbaun Sheltered Occupational Service, Creative Writing Group He’s made it safety to his mates, The cats are left to meet their fates as uncle pike and cousin sharky put an end to all this malarkey. It’s Monday morning in RehabCare And there’s puzzled looks ‘cause fish ain’t there. But fish is happy where he’s gone …and back at rehab life goes on. Wear Well, Primp Fizzle! Primp Fizzle, The Strung-Up Harvest Witch, dangles well above Blennerville Centre’s canteen floor, a credit to Ger’s direction and Halloween joint effort, Mary’s input, her spider familiar, in particular! My contribution, sketching her head-and-hat cut-outs were merest basis for details realised as Art such as full ruddy lips and bulging eyes bloodshot with ringlets and ringworm rendered in relief amidst tufted warts! Though no obvious evidence exists Primp Fizzle is afflicted as is Harry Potter with a brow by a lightning bolt marred yet a likely lightning rod is her fine flanking broomstick that could substitute in a trice as The Whiz Wizard’s wand! Her plump blue hands tipped, pretty in pink, by a Salon manicure indicate aptly designated is one given to primping display, what with black and gaudy-green socks, lankily straddling ruby slippers, suggesting Dorothy of Oz’s Nemesis was a relative not removed distantly! Appealing while gazing lingeringly on Primp Fizzle is her star-strewn little black dress draping her stiff-as-cardboard frame offset by a gangrene complexion she prefers to refer to as “witch hazel”effectively diverting attention from her designer hump poor primping thing! By Richard Smyth, RehabCare Blennerville Tralee 18 19 Rehab News_ViewsV6 24/01/2007 15:13 Page 21 Creative Corner Creative Corner Christmas Competition How to make a Christmas wreath Competition Runners Up We had four runners up in the Christmas competition. You will have seen two of the entries that won runner-up prizes, Harry Elliot from Park House, and group entry from RehabCare Cavan, on pages 5 and 15 of the newsletter. Here are two more of our runners up. We asked you to send us in your creative Christmas ideas and we had an overwhelming response. The overall winner is Bronagh Boothman from Dundalk Resource Centre with her step-by-step guide to making a Christmas wreath. Mandy Simpson from RehabCare Kilkenny won a prize for her highly inventive Christmas treat – a Christmas tree Rice Crispie cake! Well done Bronagh! Betty Halpin from Park House made Christmas gift tags from recycled Christmas cards, a really great way to save paper and they look great! We also had a number of runner-up winners who sent in some wonderfully inventive ideas – take a look at some of these on the following page. 1. What I need - holly, greenery, cones, ribbon, ring, snow spray and flowers. 2. Tie greenery on to the ring with wire. 3. Cut holly into small pieces and push them into the ring of greenery. 4. Cover the whole ring 5. Tie wires on cones and put cones on wreath for decoration. Also put on some flower heads. Spray on snow to give Christmas look. Make a ribbon and put wire on it. Tie the ribon onto the wreath. 6. Stand back and admire the finished work of art. Storm Skyscrapers High pressure to low pressure. Wind blows, air moves, faster then faster, then joined by rain, next thunder jumps in with it’s constant partner lightning. Trees become flattened and rivers filled. The cattle become cold but the ducks kind of like it and the cats remain indifferent inside by the fire. The high buildings catch the sunlight Together with the lovely old buildings The blue sky shines high The shorter buildings have sparks of sunlight Going through the windows By Mark Long, RehabCare HOPS 20 Sunlight hits the glass windows of the skyscrapers Beaming in The city has a very nice way of showing itself. By Barbara Nolan, RehabCare HOPS 21 Rehab News_ViewsV6 24/01/2007 15:13 Page 23 NRAC South East/East NRAC Your Newly elected NRAC National Commitee 2006 - 2008 West / North West Catalina Keys Margaret Norris Bernard McGrath RehabCare RehabCare Reserve Person Finn Valley Enterprise Park Finn Valley Enterprise Park RehabCare Lifford Letterkenny Road Letterkenny Road Lifford Lifford Co Donegal Co Donegal 074-9141430 074-9141430 NRAC AGM I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing National Committee for their dedication and commitment over the last two years. I really enjoyed working with you all. Thanks to all who participated in the Programmes Workshop/NRAC AGM. We gathered valuable information from staff and service users, which we can all use in our everyday lives. Advocacy reaches out to each and every one of us. I would like to congratulate all candidates who went forward for the National Committee – there was great representation from all regions. Congratulations to our newly elected NRAC National Committee for 2006 – 2008. Kind Regards Michelle Joyce East / South East Patrick Hargardon Jane Donnelly Alice Jackman RehabCare RehabCare Reserve Person Southern Cross Business Park Southern Cross Business Park RehabCare Bray Boghall Road Boghall Road Bray Bray Co Wicklow Co Wicklow 01-2765764 01-2765764 By Michelle Peate-Morgan, Health and Safety Manager Jimmy Dooner Laura Gaffey Geraldine Harrington RehabCare RehabCare Reserve Person Kilcrutten Crescent House RehabCare The new RehabCare Safety Statement was issued to all centres in August 2006. It’s important that you read and understand its contents, so ask your Manager for a copy. Industrial Estate Railway Road Tullamore Tullamore Athlone Co. Offaly Co Westmeath 0506-52314 09064-91452 Safety Matters North East / Midlands South/ Mid West 22 Information Bulletin Simon Buggy Michael O’Brien Patrick Hackett RehabCare RehabCare Reserve Person Brandon House Brandon House RehabCare Douglas Douglas Limerick Cork Cork 021-4362701 021-4362701 What are Safety Representatives? Your RehabCare Safety Representative plays a very important role with regard to safety within your centre and is an essential component of any effective safety management system. Where any safety concern is raised, your Safety Representative will be able to give you advice and guidance in addition to any received from your Manager. The primary role of your Safety Representative is to bring to your Manager’s attention, unresolved issues of safety, health and welfare relating to the workplace. In order to do this, your Safety Representative attends the quarterly Regional Health & Safety Committee Meeting. Your Safety Representative has a number of important entitlements within Safety Legislation which include: • Consulting with Health and Safety Inspectors • Carrying out inspections in the workplace with the consent of management • Investigating situations where there may be a risk to employees or accidents/incidents (Further entitlements are listed in Section 5 of the Safety Statement.) In order to carry out their role effectively your Safety Representative is required to attend a three-day Safety Representative Training Programme, thus ensuring he/she is fully trained to assist RehabCare in implementing its Safety Management Programme. It is important that you become aware of whom your Safety Representative is and I would recommend you ask your Centre Manager or check out the Health & Safety Notice Board within your Centre. If you are interested in becoming a Safety Representative for your centre you should contact your Manager for further information. Your comments are always welcome and if you would like any particular area of Health & Safety covered in the next issue then please send me an email me at: [email protected] or phone me at 01-2057229. 23
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