- Sánas provides alternative respite support for children with an intellectual disability, acquired brain injury and/or autism.
- The new HSE funded service is available for children and their families living in Dublin South and Wicklow.
Taoiseach Simon Harris T.D. officially opened Sánas, a new Alternative Respite Centre for children today. Located in Wicklow, the service has been commissioned by HSE Disability Services and funded through the HSE National Service Plan for 2023 and 2024.
Sánas offers a unique and innovative support service for young people and their families living in the Dublin South and Wicklow Healthcare Area. Designed for those with an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), developed by the Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT), Sánas provides additional social and developmental supports to help children achieve their identified goals. The centre operates a daily after-school respite service from Monday to Friday during term time. In addition the centre provides two sessions a day on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays throughout the year.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “I am delighted to open this much-needed respite centre. I know from speaking to parents how valued this support is, and what it means to them to see the positive impact it has on their children. This facility represents a significant step forward in our commitment to inclusivity and support for families in our community.”
“As Taoiseach, I believe that every child should have access to resources that empower them to reach their full potential. I’m proud that this centre in my home county Wicklow will create a space where children can discover new interests, gain confidence and build friendships. I want to thank the HSE and Sánas staff for providing this innovative service to the community.”
Martina Queally, Regional Executive Officer, HSE Dublin and South East who also attended the event comments: “We understand that access to community and specialised support services for some children can be limited, which is why we’re so pleased to commission Sánas to help meet these essential needs. This service will provide much-needed social engagement opportunities for children while also giving families a reliable and flexible form of respite, helping them maintain balance at home. Through Sánas, children will have the chance to build friendships and develop social skills, empowering families to continue to thrive together.”
According to Sandra Keogh, Director of Alternative Respite, Sánas: “Our service is centred around five core values: Supportive, Alternative, Nurturing, Active and Social. The ethos of our service is to support individuals to achieve their goals and dreams through creative thinking, fostering growth, offering person-centred activities and facilitating social interactions and community engagements. Children can engage in group activities, 1:1 sessions or play with their siblings and friends. We are close to local amenities in the local community such as the bowling alley, soft play centres and playgrounds”.
The new centre is based in Wicklow town within walking distance of local amenities, shops and parks. The fully accessible 4,000 sq ft space is modern, bright and spacious. Each room has been designed with services users and activities in mind. There is also a multisensory room along with kitchen and dining facilities.
Aisling Heffernan, Integrated Healthcare Manager, Dublin South and Wicklow, concludes: “We acknowledge that several other providers also offer valuable respite opportunities; and we aim to build on their success here in Wicklow. We are eager to see children in our community benefit from, and enjoy, the full range of supports provided in this new facility. Sánas will play a key role in helping children achieve their identified goals, complementing the fantastic work being done by the CDNT and all other services”.
Children can be referred to this service through their Children’s Disability Network Team. Please contact your child’s CDNT to find out more.
Last updated on: 14 / 10 / 2024
