Western Care hosts celebration to mark 40 Years of Homeshare
Homeshare Coordinator Ruth Kneafsey pictured with Hotel Manager John and the fantastic Lu Seas team who supported the Homeshare 40-year celebration event at Lu Seas Restaurant, Westport Coast Hotel.
The Homeshare team of Western Care Association recently hosted a special celebration event to recognise and thank Homesharers who have supported 40 years of Homeshare.
The occasion acknowledged the incredible kindness, commitment and generosity of those who have opened their homes and created opportunities for individuals to experience belonging, inclusion, independence and meaningful family and community connections.
The Home Share Service within Western Care Association supports children and adults with disabilities to spend time with approved families or individuals in their local community. It offers an alternative to traditional respite or residential services, creating opportunities to enjoy everyday family and community experiences such as sharing meals, going to the cinema, attending local events, spending time outdoors, celebrating special occasions and building meaningful relationships and connections.
The Home Share Service within Western Care Association provides a person-centred, community-based model of support for children and adults with disabilities, offering an alternative to centre-based respite and residential services. Approved, trained and supported individuals or families welcome a person with a disability into their home, either for short-term breaks or longer-term shared living arrangements.
At the heart of Home Sharing is the development of meaningful family-like relationships, where individuals are supported to participate in everyday life and be valued as an inclusive part of both the household and wider community. Each arrangement is carefully matched and personalised, ensuring support is guided by the individual’s needs, wishes and preferences, with shared choice and person-centred practice central to the approach.
Through Homeshare, individuals are supported to build confidence, develop relationships, experience greater participation within their communities and enjoy meaningful opportunities that enrich quality of life.
The celebration provided an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contribution of Homesharers whose dedication has remained at the heart of the service for four decades. Their generosity continues to create opportunities that simply would not exist without them.
A heartfelt thank you is extended to the Westport Hotel Group, particularly Edel Thomas (Sales and Marketing), John, Hotel Manager, and the Lu Seas team at the Westport Coast Hotel for their support in helping make the celebration so special.
Guests enjoyed stunning panoramic views overlooking Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick, creating a beautiful setting for the celebration.
The celebration served as a reminder of the importance of kindness, partnership and community in creating meaningful opportunities and experiences for others.
As Homeshare continues into the future, new Homesharers are always welcome. Homeshare grows through the kindness and generosity of ordinary people opening their homes and creating extraordinary opportunities. Homeshare welcomes people from all walks of life, including individuals, couples and families, with different types and levels of Homeshare supports available.
Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Homesharer or exploring how they could become involved is encouraged to reach out by contacting Western Care on 094 9025133.
