vision statement mission statement - Ability West

Blackrock Adult Day and Active Ageing Services
By Anne Fitzpatrick, Manager
The Gala Concert, October 2012
All of the service users attending Blackrock Adult Day Service
and Active Ageing performed so beautifully (apart from a few
who exerted their assertiveness on the night and decided
they preferred the practices and process of it all rather than
performing for an audience). That maestro performance in
the Black Box Theatre will stay in our memories forever! The
support from group homes was phenomenal with some
staff being asked to go on stage at the last minute. The
support and caring role that service users from Active Ageing
provided to service users from Blackrock Adult Day Service
could teach us all a lesson on nurturing and empowering
each other. Some testimonials from parents of individuals
who have significant high support needs with additional
complex needs as they were about to make their debut
appearance: “Mary being centre stage in the Black Box is
beyond our wildest dreams’’, ‘’I never thought I would see the
day when my daughter would be on stage’’, ‘’I never knew
he was so talented’’. The performance was produced by staff
members who work with the service users on a daily basis,
particular thanks to Vicky and Susan who lent their artistic
expertise to the overall production of the show.
National University of Ireland Galway Orchestra
Following their debut appearance, the ‘Blackrock Ensemble’
was invited to perform with the National University of Ireland
(NUIG) Orchestra at their annual concert with all proceeds
going to Blackrock Adult Day Services. Many thanks to the
orchestra, indeed many of its members and its audience later
informed us that they learned the true meaning and essence
of what music really is. We were so very proud of them that
night but indeed we are proud of them every day and of their
subtle achievements. Without volunteers, it would have been
impossible to co-ordinate our participation in the
event. Ciaran, our musician, gave his time so willingly every
week nurturing individuals’ special talent. Another volunteer
drove to and from various group homes and NUIG on six
occasions that night. Congratulations to every service user
who performed with such virtuoso and congratulations
to those service users who worked so hard and more
importantly enjoyed those many practices but chose not to
perform on that particular night.
Acting Ageing
The Tirellan community has given such a warm welcome to
their neighbours from the Active Ageing Service and indeed
many friendships have been formed over the past year. Service
users in Active Ageing have created a real sense of the true
meaning of community with support from Ann and Lorraine.
Feeding, Eating, Drinking and Swallowing
Assessments (FEDS)
Many service users in Blackrock Adult Day Service have had
FEDS completed by the Speech and Language Department
throughout the year which has proved to be very successful.
Support from the Psychology and Positive Behaviour Support
Departments have also been instrumental in supporting
service users and staff. However, it is the ongoing support
from frontline staff and working alongside some incredible
individuals on a daily basis that truly make Blackrock Adult
Day and Active Ageing Services a privilege to work in.
Blackrock Adult Day and Active Ageing Service performing with the NUIG Orchestra
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