A grant of €210,000 to Carndonagh-based Spraoi agus Spórt has been made to enhance support for children with disabilities.
The allocation by the Department of Health will significantly increase its ability to support children with disabilities, according to the organisation’s CEO, Helen Nolan.
Speaking following a meeting in Donegal with the Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Anne Rabbitte, who informed the CEO of the funding allocation, Helen Nolan said: “This funding for a three-year period is testament to the faith and the support shown by Minister of State for Disability Anne Rabbitte, and Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue, in our work and it will be instrumental in driving our mission forward.
“Securing this funding for a three-year period is a major milestone for us. It will allow us to expand our services and provide even more support to the children and families who rely on us. We are immensely grateful to Ministers Anne Rabbitte and Charlie McConalogue for believing in our work and helping us make a difference.”
“For over thirteen years, Spraoi agus Spórt has been at the forefront of providing essential services to children and young people with disabilities in Inishowen. Our initiatives, such as ‘Club Spraoi’ and the ‘Alternative Respite’ programme, have become cornerstones of our community, offering vital respite and enriching experiences for both children and their families. We provided services for 97 children and young people last year.
“With the new funding, we will employ a full-time Disability and Inclusion Lead, dedicated to supporting all our families. This role will be pivotal in coordinating services, liaising with the HSE, and ensuring that the unique needs of each child are met with tailored support and activities. Our comprehensive services will include respite, adaptive sports, art and music therapy, sensory experiences, horse-riding, swimming, and social clubs,” the Spraoi agus Spórt CEO added.
Giving her reaction to the funding announcement, Patricia Lee, Chairperson of Spraoi agus Spórt, said: “This funding will transform the lives of many children with disabilities in our community. We look forward to employing a dedicated Disability and Inclusion Lead person who will ensure that every family receives the support they need. This is a huge step forward for inclusivity and accessibility in Inishowen.”
Thanking Minister Rabbitte for supporting the award-winning Inishowen social enterprise, Minister McConalogue said: “It was great to have Minister Anne Rabbitte in Donegal to announce major funding for projects in the county and this significant allocation for Spraoi agus Spórt will help build on the wonderful service it provides.”
“Minister Rabbitte has been a great advocate for disabilities nationally and regionally and has been a huge supporter of projects here in Donegal. The €210,000 for Spraoi agus Spórt is part of an overall allocation of €3.6 million of funding announced by Minister Rabbitte – No Barriers Foundation is receiving €3.1 million, the Finn Valley Leisure Centre is getting €34,000, while €302,000 is going to Health Hub Professionals NI,” the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine added.
Pictured above is the Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Anne Rabbitte, with the Head of Service Disability HSE Edel Quinn, Spraoi agus Spórt Director, Bríd McGonagle, and Spraoi agus Spórt CEO, Helen Nolan.
