A unique project has been launched to explore ways to turn a Ballyshannon property into a centre of care for families with special needs.
The kind-hearted mission, led by Sligo woman Gabrielle Finan, was brought into the public domain this week after the HSE backed out from delivering funding and support.
Parents and community members across the North West are now being invited to share their input and ideas for the best possible use of the building, which is being offered by an anonymous family.
The family offered the Ballyshannon property to be transformed into a place of rest and relaxation for families who have children with life-limiting conditions and high-complex needs. The building would be made available to families across CHO 1 HSE area, including Donegal, Sligo, Cavan, Leitrim and Monaghan.
Retired primary teacher Ms Finan was asked to front the project a number of years ago. Ms Finan developed a plan to turn the site into a respite hub, similar to the LauraLynn and Barretstown centres for sick children.
However, there was much disappointment this summer when the HSE decided not to facilitate the project for financial reasons.
“It is a big site with a number of buildings and it would be a tremendous asset for families not just from Donegal, but all over the north west,” Ms Finan told Donegal Daily.
“The people who own the site want to make it available for special needs children and their parents, families, carers, siblings, grandparents – anyone who needs it.
“We were looking at creating a medical section for the very special children and a place for families to meet other families.”
Gabrielle Finan. Photo: Our Children’s Voice
It is hoped that a special focus could be put on carers’ and siblings’ wellbeing at this location.
Ms Finan said: “Carers do everything for their children. When they get a hoist, wheelchair or folly, they feel they can’t ask for any more from the HSE. But carers need their health and psychology looked after too, they need counselling and their other children need help too.
“Siblings are very important because they will be the ones there to look after special needs children when their parents are gone.
“This place would be wonderful for parents and children, with Bundoran down the road and play parks in the area. It is so central with the hospital right there in Sligo too,” added Ms Finan.
Ms Finan said that she could not let the dream go after the HSE backed out. She is planning to host local meetings in all counties of the region to meet parents and find out their specific needs and wants.
“At this stage, it is a totally open forum for ideas. We would like to graft it down to a proposal and then think about sourcing funding. It is just important that we get started and to see if it could happen,” she said.
The first meeting is set to be held in Letterkenny in October, details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Ms Finan said she is hopeful that a shared effort from north west communities can turn this dream into a reality.
“I’m very hopeful. It is a whole new venture for me, but we just had to go public with it,” she said.
If you wish to contact Gabrielle with information or suggestions, please email – gabriellefinan@hotmail.com
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