HSE allocates over €60,000 for six summer respite projects in Leitrim
HSE confirms €61,663 in funding for six Summer Respite Initiative projects in Leitrim, supporting more than 50 adults and children this summer.
The HSE West and North West has confirmed to the Leitrim Observer that more than €60,000 has been allocated to six projects under the Summer Respite Initiative in Leitrim, benefiting more than 50 people.
The total funding allocated in Leitrim amounts to €61,663. Funding has been awarded to the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) and a number of private providers contracted by the Leitrim/West Cavan Children's Disability Network Team (CDNT).
The HSE also confirmed that a private provider has been identified in the county to deliver a summer day respite service. A cohort of children aged between seven and 12, whose families have expressed an interest in accessing the service, has also been identified.
“We are currently completing the necessary compliance and governance checks with the provider. We hope to finalise this process by the end of July, with the summer day respite provision expected to commence in August,” said a spokesperson from HSE West and North West.
The approved projects will support a range of respite and community-based programmes, including sports activities, wellbeing programmes, summer camps and day respite initiatives with a targeted focus, activities and learning programmes, outdoor learning and experiential activities, and the CDNT Leitrim/West Cavan Sunbeam Lodge Day Respite, summer camp and summer club programmes incorporating planned scheduled activities.
“The approved projects are expected to benefit approximately 54 individuals, comprising 16 adults and 38 children from across County Leitrim and the wider Leitrim/West Cavan catchment area,” the statement concluded.
The Summer Respite Initiatives support a wide range of funded programmes and activities, providing an innovative and holistic approach to respite provision. These include physical activity, performing and creative arts, health and wellbeing programmes, outdoor and environmental education, science, technology and learning initiatives, and music and cultural engagement.
Across the HSE West and North West region, a total of €1,106,787 has been allocated to 106 projects.
Regional Disability Lead for HSE West and North West, Edel Quinn, said, “We are delighted to receive over €1.1 million for over 100 respite initiatives across Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon and Galway. This will benefit many families as well as providing for greater inclusivity for adults and children in their local communities.”