Tullamore autism service nominated for national award

A Tullamore-based day service for people with autism has been nominated for the 'Day Care Centre of the Year' honour at the prestigious Irish Healthcare Centre Awards.

The Eiscir Meadows service is operated by RehabCare in Tullamore.

RehabCare said the award nomination for the service was "testament to Eiscir Meadows' unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, individualised support to autistic adults," and was an acknowledgement of the positive impact the service had made on the local community.

The award ceremony will take place this Friday, May 10, in the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin.

RehabCare said Eiscir Meadows prides itself on offering bespoke and individualised autism-specific day services to adults, ensuring their development and wellbeing in a welcoming and engaging environment.

The Tullamore centre is deeply embedded in the local community, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion for all who attend.

Gráinne Fogarty, Director of RehabCare, said: "Our nomination for the Day Care Centre of the Year award recognises the dedication of our staff and the transformative impact of our services on the lives of autistic adults at Eiscir Meadows.

"At Eiscir Meadows, we are committed to empowering each individual to thrive and succeed in accordance with their unique talents, abilities, and interests.

"Eiscir Meadows stands out for its innovative approach to service delivery, continually transforming its operations to cater to the evolving needs of the community.

"By embracing each service user's unique talents and interests, the centre fosters a supportive environment where individuals can flourish and achieve their full potential,” she added.

Through partnerships with local educational institutions and community amenities, Eiscir Meadows ensures that the people it supports have access to a wide range of opportunities for personal and academic development.

These opportunities can include everything from water aerobics and drama classes to engaging in horticulture and music therapy sessions.

"The success of Eiscir Meadows is further underscored by its commitment to staff training and coordination," added Ms Fogarty.

"With a highly dedicated and multi-skilled team, the centre ensures that each staff member is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to support autistic individuals effectively."

In addition, she said there were plans to further enhance Eiscir Meadows' services in order to meet the growing demands of the community and future generations.

"From pursuing Autism Accreditation to expanding its premises and incorporating innovative technology, the centre remains steadfast in its mission to champion the rights and well-being of autistic individuals," she said.