MINISTER for Disabilities, Finian McGrath, officially opened the Mulhuddart Day Services Hub last week.
This new purpose designed day service is located in the heart of Mulhuddart village. The aim of the service is to provide person-centred support to individuals with disabilities to allow them be active citizens.
The Mulhuddart Day Services Hub will be a base for up to 40 individuals with disabilities, who require support to access community facilities of their choosing. The service currently has 13 people availing of its supports and there are a further eight persons joining in October. The service will be provided by HSE Community Healthcare Organisation Dublin North City & County (CHO DNCC), in conjunction with Praxis Care.
The service will work with each individual to build a personal plan for their future will and support them in achieving their goals.
The building comprises four large communal activity rooms, a kitchen, two sensory rooms and office space. Those using the service enjoyed the process of working with staff in finalising the building’s decoration.
Staff will work with each individual to ensure they have choice and access to services in a number of key areas, including adult education, employment opportunities, citizens’ information services, advocacy, community art groups, hobby/leisure activities and social groups.
Speaking at the official opening, Mairead Lyons, Head of Social Care, CHO DNCC, said: ‘The goal of Mulhuddart Day Services is to enable individuals with a disability and their support network to live ordinary lives in ordinary places. From a national level, the strategy to develop day services within Ireland has significantly impacted on our ability to review the supports individuals with disabilities receive and the impact that these supports have on improving people’s lives.”
Minister McGrath commented: “One of my main priorities as minister has always been to ensure that the person with a disability is at the centre of our planning and thinking. This hub is a great example of that. This Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives. Day services, such as those provided in Mulhuddart, are an important part of the range of services supporting people with disabilities and their families.”