New Western Care services embracing inclusion open in Mayo

The Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Disabilities, Deputy Anne Rabbitte TD, has officially opened two new locations for people supported by Western Care Association in Co Mayo. The Minister visited the organisation’s newest designated residential centre and also opened a day service hub for young people with autism in Castlebar.

Western Care Association provides a range of services and supports to 850 adults and children with intellectual disabilities and/or autism across Co Mayo.

The new HIQA designated centre, Teach Saleen, named after a lake on the outskirts of Castlebar, comprises two newly-built three-bedroom homes. Each house will soon be home to one person who receives 24-hour support from their dedicated Western Care team. The modern homes have secure back gardens and are heated by an air to water system providing a warm and cosy environment.

‘Count Me In’ is a hub on Humbert Mall in the centre of Castlebar town providing support five days a week to 25 young people from Mayo living with autism. Each person can participate in a variety of workshops from film-making to robotics; are supported to participate in a range of learning opportunities; and can avail of support in areas from confidence building to managing anxiety.

Minister Rabbitte said, “I am delighted to visit Western Care Association to see first-hand the incredible work that is being done to support people with disabilities in Co Mayo. Western Care is committed to providing the most appropriate services in the most appropriate settings and Teach Saleen is the perfect example of tailoring the support services to the individuals’ needs. These houses have been built and designed to the highest of standards and I am sure that the new residents will be very happy in their new homes. It is wonderful to meet so many inspiring young people who are availing of support at Count Me In. We know that the health and wellbeing of people improve greatly when they have a sense of belonging. The young people here have a place where they can share their interests and skills, a place they can be very proud of.” 

Minister Rabbitte also visited the Western Care Headquarters where she officially opened an exhibition of paintings by artist Michael O’Malley. He is supported by Western Care Association and the showcase is his first ever exhibition. Michael works in a variety of mediums and mainly uses acrylic, pastel and pen.

Representatives from the HSE including Bernard O’Regan, HSE Head of Operations, Disability Services and John Fitzmaurice, Chief Officer of Community Healthcare West were also in attendance.

Dr Aoife O’Donohue, Interim CEO of Western Care Association added: “The opening of these services is another example of the commitment of Western Care Association to embrace a new model of support, responding to the evolving needs of adults within Mayo who have a disability. This model considers their needs today and into the future. The locations of the residential centre and hub is really important too as we want to empower the people we support to be active members of their local community. 

"It was the feedback from the Count Me In participants that led to the new service opening in such a central location in the heart of Castlebar town. One young man described Count Me In as his ‘bannister’, which is a wonderful way of describing the service. We endeavour to build each person up, provide them with the necessary tools to reach their individual goals and are there to support them on their journey. The local HSE disability team has played an integral role in these new services and I would like to thank the team in Community Healthcare West for their ongoing collaboration and support.” 

The skill-building workshops that are held at Count Me In include animation, game development, acrylic painting, rewild rangers, manga comic creation, Lego, film-making, paper engineering, STEAM and robotics. The service also provides support in confidence building, enhancing independence, relationships, further education, hobbies, employment, reducing isolation, anxiety management and further education and training."

Darragh said Count Me In has helped him greatly.

"I’ve gained a lot of confidence, I’ve made a lot of friends and I’ve become much more independent. Count Me In has helped me look for employment, housing and driving instruction. Overall, I’m very happy with Count Me In, I have had a very positive experience," Darragh said.

Robin said what makes Count Me In stand out is that the support you receive is entirely shaped around you and your needs. 

"With autism being such an individual experience, having that care and personal guidance is more important than I can express. No matter what might change for me, I've been supported and helped along the way. I feel confident in saying that I wouldn't be where I am and able to do what I've done without them," Robin said.