Mallow forum to focus on the issue of housing for people with special needs

A COMMUNITY forum established by the families of people from the Mallow area with special needs will hold its next information meeting on the issue of housing at the Cope Foundation’s premises in Quartertown next Tuesday evening at 8pm.

Forum co-founder Michele Gallagher explained that it was set following an information session facilitated by the Cope Foundation.

“A group of us, family members who are supported by Cope, decided to organise our own information nights about subjects of interest. So far, we have held events covering a variety of topics, including dementia, legal issues and entitlements, all with a specific focus on how they impact on the lives of people who have special needs,” said Michele.

She said that during one of these meetings it became apparent that the issue of housing was one of major concern to many families of people living with both physical and intellectual special needs.

“While it is acknowledged that some people will always need a high level of support, there are also many people who are capable of independent living once they reach a certain age. However, they are at an immediate disadvantage because they are not on any social housing list,” said Michele.

She said the resultant “lack of visibility” within the social housing arena has made it difficult to engage in any meaningful way with local authority officials.

“Next Tuesday’s meeting will offer people the opportunity to speak about their experiences, explore the issue of housing and, perhaps most importantly, encourage dialogue between all relevant parties in a bid to find a workable solution to this vitally important issue,” said Michele.

“The meeting is open to all and we would especially welcome input from people who are living with specials needs and public representatives who may be in a position to offer us their support and advice,” she added.

For further information about the forum, which is not a Cope initiative but is supported by the Foundation, contact Michele Gallagher on 086 812 3406.