Sod turned on new RehabCare development in Stradavoher - Centre will provide services to 20 adults with autism and intellectual disabilities from North Tipperary region
Today (Monday, 25th July 2011), the first sod was turned on RehabCare’s new development at Stradavoher, Thurles by Cllr Micheál Lowry, Mayor of North Tipperary. The development will consist of a variety of supported and independent living housing units and apartments as well as a day service for up to 20 adults with autism and intellectual disabilities from the North Tipperary region.
The development is by RehabCare, Rehab’s health and social care division, in partnership with Newgrove Housing Association. It will give every person living there or attending the day service the opportunity to be as independent as possible and to become fully integrated in their local community. The development will include: – a residential service for four adults with 24-hour staff support, – a supported accommodation for up to four adults with 24-hour independent living skills support, – an independent living unit for one adult, – a full day service with purpose built facilities such as a sensory room, computer room, training kitchen, areas for social and leisure activities, education and independent living programmes.
Geraldine Egan, Residential Services Manager, RehabCare Thurles, said, ‘We are delighted that today the first step has been taken towards building this new development. The services that will be provided in Stradavoher will have a hugly positive impact on the lives of those who use our services. They’re looking forward greatly to moving into their new homes and new day service. This development would not be possible without the support of North Tipperary County Council, HSE MidWest, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Newgrove Housing Association and RehabGroup. We would like to thank them for their contribution and continued support. We would hope to continue to expand our services here in Thurles to provide more services to adults with intellectual disability’.
In 2006 RehabCare identified a need for services for young adults with autism and intellectual disability in North Tipperary. In consultation with the HSE, RehabCare developed a residential, respite, supported accommodation and day service for 16 young adults initially, with 32 young adults now availing of the services, all of which are currently based in rented accommodation. These include a Resource Centre in Rosemount, two residential services in Two-mile-borris and one in Dovea, supported accommodation in Marlstone Manor and a respite care service in Cluan Glas.
The sod-turning was attended by people who use RehabCare’s services and their families, as well as representatives from North Tipperary County Council, HSE MidWest, Rehab Group and Newgrove Housing Association.
The construction of the day service resource centre will be funded by the HSE MidWest and through fundraising by Rehab Group. The residential services will be funded through the Capital Assistance Scheme of North Tipperary County Council Housing Department, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government which provides funding to construct permanent housing for local people with disabilities who have an identified housing need.