Programmes

The Chapters programme was established over a number of years ago- however the new training programme specification for the programme was updated in 2019. The Chapters programme is based in Chestnut Court in Bagenalstown offering easy accessibility to the community.

The programme offers resources to promote independence and inclusion within the community.  This includes educational programmes using external sources such as the National Adult Learning Association (NALA) and Education Training Board (ETB) based on each individual’s preference.  The programme also supports individuals in taking part in online courses such as Recovery College online courses for example, yoga, mindfulness, creative writing etc. open to any members of the community to access.  Training is provided on an individual basis or as part of a group.  The long term goal is that the members will learn skills required and empower individuals to utilise these skills in their own lives.

The staff have excellent skills in crafts, horticulture, garden furniture making and independent living skills.  These skills have been used to improve the member’s environment within Chapters.  Staff support members in making their environment within Chapters suitable for all members taking all preferences into account.  Members have collaborated with local businesses who have supported them in making this happen through donation of raw materials.  This in turn has enabled members to envisage how these are used in producing a new product working together as part of a team.  This also instils skills that members can utilise, empowering them to make choices in their own lives.

Our Ohana Programme was established in June 2021. The name ‘Ohana’ derives from a Hawaiian word which refers to ‘a person’s extended family which include friends and other important groups’ which is a clear indication of our programme’s values. Ohana supports members with individualised, personalised care, with complex needs, such as Autism, Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disability

Our programme is a mixture of therapeutic and educational supports, tailored to meet the needs of each individual member which offer a wide variety of invigorating and enjoyable activities. Some of these include arts & crafts, cooking, gardening, bowling and sensory plan. We encourage our members to achieve their individual personalised goals and be active members of the local community. To date, our members have visited an array of local attractions, which include, Dublin Zoo, Kildare Farm Foods, Fota Wildlife Park, Secret Valley Pet Farm and the Japanese Gardens, to name but a few. Health & wellbeing is also prioritized with our weekly walking club, where members chose from a variety of forest trails, beaches and other local landmarks. Swimming also occurs on a weekly basis, which is favoured activity for our members.

Our team is comprised of 8 staff members, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience working with people with complex needs. Each individual staff member brings their own personal qualities which include empathy, compassion, being energetic and have a good sense of humour.

Although we are a newly established programme, each member has specific goals which they will be supported to achieve, with the main goals being tailored around educational needs. Our education programmes are based on ASDAN’s courses and life skills courses are delivered using Concept 7’s ‘learn to live your best life’ Life Skills Development Programme. We look forward to the adventure ahead with our members and supporting them to lead individualised and personal lifestyles.

The Turas group was established in the Main Beam Centre a number of years ago.  The programme moved to the Saol Fada building in November 2019 which is located on Kilcarrig street in Bagenalstown.  We are currently re-developing the Turas Training Programme Specification over the coming months due to the changing needs and opportunities that we have identified during this time.

There are four staff members with a variety of qualifications and experience in the Social Care and Education Field. The Turas group is divided into two groups, The Steeple Room and The Cúirt room.  Each group is supported by two qualified staff, a Programme Facilitator and an Assistant Programme Facilitator who in turn are supported and motivated by a Programme Supervisor.  

The Training/Educational Programmes that we provide include, NALA literacy programme, Cookery, ASDAN and the Concept 7 Life Skills Development Programme.  We link with KASES (Carlow/Kilkenny Employment Opportunities) which is an 18month training/job coach support.  We also link with Carlow Sports Partnership for recreational opportunities.  These programmes focus on supporting, promoting and advocating for independence on an individual basis.  Turas members are empowered to become active citizens in their local and wider communities through social inclusion, leisure activities, self-care, sport and recreation and work experience.

All staff strive to keep updated on new policies and procedures both locally and nationally.  Staff are dedicated to upskilling by seeking out relevant training and participating in all mandatory training. 

All staff work as a team and use each other’s strengths as a tool in the workplace.  Some of the strengths of the team include; facilitation & leadership skills, rapport building, effective communication, motivational skills, reliability and accountability.  

The staff team work extremely hard to provide progression and transitions for their members.  Staff in the Turas group strive every day to ensure members work towards achieving their goals in life.