New centre for families
THE Down Syndrome Centre North East (DSC NE) has just announced that it will be opening in January next year. This will be the first ever dedicated service for people with Down Syndrome in the North East and will be based in Carrickmacross, and covers Louth Meath Monaghan and Cavan.
The centre will be based on the model of the Dublin Down Syndrome Centre which was founded by Peter Gaw and his wife Mary as a result of their frustration at not being able to access relevant services for their two youngest children, both of whom have Down Syndrome. Since 2014 when the first centre opened in Dublin, a number of centres have been opened around the country and the centre in Carrick will be the fourth. The mission of the centre is ‘ to create a centre dedicated to providing support and services to families and carers of people with Down Syndrome; helping them to reach their full potential and creating a brighter future’. A dedicated centre offers the opportunity to create a hub where more specialised services can be offered in a space specifically designed for the needs of those accessing the centre.
The centre has been in the pipeline since April and the process was initiated by Mary Hall, Martin McBreen and Sinead Fidgeon, parents of children with Down Syndrome. Thanks to their passion and determination they have inspired other parents to become involved and plans have moved along swiftly, with the committee having secured a premises in the C:Tek Building, Riverside Road, Carrickmacross and the group is currently recruiting for a part time speech and language therapist and occupational therapist.
The centre will offer baby massage, counselling for new and expectant parents, music classes, dietitian and a parent toddler group upon opening with plans to expand to speech and language and occupational therapy; a pre-school intervention programme, applied behavioural analysis and parent information sessions within the first quarter.
One of the goals is to facilitate a family based approach to providing support, services, education and advice. The hub will be the family room and coffee dock which offers space for individuals to come together to form friendships and a support network. Siblings are welcome to come play in the family room while waiting for their brother and sister.
DSC NE is having a family fun day celebrating Down Syndrome as a way to introduce themselves to families in the North East and takes place on September 24 in the Phoenix Centre, Carrickmacross from 2pm to 5pm. There will be a range of indoor and outdoor activities and information will be provided on the services the centre will offer and the group welcomes suggestions on what services families would like to see available in the future. They particularly like to hear from teenagers and adults with Down Syndrome to assess what their needs are so plans can be made for the future. Search downsyndromecentrenortheast on Facebook or email downsyndromecentrene@gmail.com.