Havens of hope

Two new properties were added this year to Extern’s list of respite centres aimed at providing vital supports to young people and families, as well as adults with learning disabilities.

For our Extern Outreach Support Service in Co Limerick, which supports people with an intellectual disability or autism, being able to acquire a quiet, secure location was crucial in being able to meet the needs of its service users.

A generous donation of €300,000 from the JP McManus Fund was agreed in the Spring of 2021, enabling us to find a suitable property in Co Clare, within easy travelling distance of our service base in Limerick city. Nestled on the edge of the peaceful and picturesque Cratloe Woods (above), the house has a number of bedrooms, activity rooms and a kitchen/dining area to welcome visitors, as well as provide the necessary framework for adapting the property to meet any change to future needs.

Funding was also secured for capital works at the site from a range of organisations, including the Smurfitt Kappa Foundation and Irish Civil Service Fund, among others. By the end of the year work was ongoing to acquire the necessary permits and registration to begin operation.

The launch of our Safe Haven campaign was an important milestone in our work to build our fundraising profile across the island of Ireland. Launched in April, and followed by a Christmas-focused drive in December, the campaign helped showcase the life-changing work being carried out at our range of respite centres across Ireland.

The acquisition of a new respite property in Co Roscommon has also been a major development for our youth work provision in the area. Situated on the shores of the beautiful Oakport Lough, The Haven comprises bedrooms and communal areas, as well as separate ‘cottage’ accommodation. The property also benefits from access to outdoor activities in the local area which can provide positive engagement for the young people who visit.

The centre was purchased to provide short-term respite accommodation for young people engaged on our programmes such as Time Out and Janus. Further discussion has since been ongoing with Tusla over how the centre can further meet their service needs.