Support service in Tipperary wins National Healthcare Centre award

RehabCare Knocklofty Rural Resource Centre has been honoured at a national awards ceremony celebrating vital disability and healthcare services.

The support service for people with disabilities, based near Clonmel, won Best Day Centre of the Year at the Irish Healthcare Centre Awards, coming out on top among nominees from across the country.

The ceremony, hosted by broadcaster Marty Whelan, took place in the Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire, and recognised hundreds of health, disability and social care services and professionals from across the sector.

Twenty three members currently attend RehabCare Knocklofty Resource Centre, which provides a diverse range of activities associated with the person-centred planning process.

The rural setting allows members of the service to engage in many outdoor activities and take care of the animals on site including a pony named Snowy, a donkey named Annie and a rabbit called George, as well as ducks, hens and guinea pigs.

Members of Knocklofty are supported to grow a variety of vegetables including potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, herbs and fruit trees in the gardens and polytunnels, while acquiring practical, horticultural, agricultural and independent living skills.

Michelle Ryan, Community Services Manager, said: “On behalf of the staff and members of RehabCare Knocklofty, we are absolutely thrilled to receive this award and to showcase the work that we do.

“Knocklofty Rural Resource Centre is a very rewarding, therapeutic place to be. We have a great choice of activities on offer for members of the service, which go a long way to enhance their physical and mental health, and develop their social skills.

“At the heart of RehabCare Knocklofty is a spirit of inclusion. The staff ensure that each member of the service is empowered to thrive in their own chosen pursuits, develop friendships and take responsibility for caring for all the animals we have here.

“We engage with individual members in order to map out their personal goals, and tailor our support to make sure that this is achieved.

“Winning an Irish Healthcare Centre Award is a testament to our wonderful community of care.

“There has been such excitement in the centre here in the lead-up to the awards ceremony, and we were so proud to bring the honour home to all the members and staff”.

RehabCare Knocklofty hosted its Farmers Market Day earlier this month. Lots of fun activities took place along with a cake sale, fresh fruit and veg sale, and a mega raffle.

RehabCare’s resource centres help people achieve their full potential, become active members of their community and improve their quality of life.