Monday morning, May 13th, saw Cope Foundation officially open a new Community Hub in Mallow, which will support up to 25 people to live a life of their choosing, close to their home, their friends and family.
The Mallow Community Hub, located at Market Square in the town, has three staff members and is kitted out with a kitchen, computers and recreational spaces to allow for a wide variety of activities including yoga, swimming, pottery, drama and fishing. It is also a place where people can learn money management skills, independent living skills and discover employment and further education opportunities.
The not-for-profit voluntary organisation, which supports over 2,800 children and adults with an intellectual disability and / or autism in over 70 locations throughout Cork, now operates 13 Community Hubs in the city and county.
The Mallow facility was officially opened by Anne Rabbitte, Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth; in the presence of Cope Foundation staff, people supported by the organisation, Mayor of County Cork Cllr Frank O’Flynn, local TDs, Angela O’Neill, Head of Disability Services, HSE and members of the business community of Mallow.
SOCIAL INCLUSION
“Cope Foundation does wonderful work throughout Cork in supporting people to live a life of their own choosing, and this new Community Hub in Mallow is testament to the organisation’s commitment to this, through a range of activities and outreach programmes,” Minister Rabbitte said at the opening. “The ethos that underpins this service is one which allows an individual to choose to learn, participate and to be an active citizen with a socially valued role. I am delighted and honoured to be present today to open Cope Foundation’s new Community Hub in Mallow, and to meet the fantastic people that both avail of the Hub, and those who work tirelessly to provide such a quality offering.”
Chief Executive Officer of Cope Foundation, Sean Abbott said: “We are immensely proud of our new Community Hub in Mallow, which will no doubt be of great benefit to the people we support in the local community. The development of Community Hubs is one of the pathways in how the organisation facilitates and promotes a rights-based model in line with legislation. The aim of our hubs is to offer flexible, responsive and person centred places, which support people to become members of their community; this encompasses education, employment, independent living and social inclusion.”
FUTURE ‘LOOKING BRIGHT’
Shaunna, who is attending the new facility, added: “I am so excited to attend the new Community Hub. It’s right in the middle of town and it really couldn’t be in a better location. It will make such a difference to my everyday life. I will be able to do more in the community and have more choices. The future is looking bright in Mallow!”
The development of Cope Foundation’s Community Hubs is in line with New Directions, the HSE’s approach to supporting adults with disabilities who use day services in Ireland, and also aligns with the values of the UNCRPD (United Nations Conventions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities).
