Shopping, movies, gym sessions and overnight stays - new buses are allowing residents of St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort access the local community more regularly.

From horse riding and hairdressing appointments, to library visits and sports, more transport means more regular activities beyond their home. Skills teaching plays a big role in each of the community outings. The importance of road safety, the use of traffic lights, how to choose from a menu, or pay for an item in a shop - these are all independent skills people can practise and achieve in the community.

St Mary of the Angels was initially funded for one wheelchair accessible bus but it soon became apparent that with more transport, more residents could access activities outside of the campus. There are now three buses, which allows the Social and Recreational Service team to carry out leisure sampling activities for each of the residents.

DAY TRIPS

The additional transport affords the freedom to go on faraway day trips without clock-watching to get the bus back. The team have also been able to facilitate and commit to weekly community activities such as gym sessions, swimming at the community pool, beautician appointments, personal shopping, meals out and many more. Each outing is tailored to the wants and goals of the person.

The extra transport also supports the residents to go further afield for overnight trips. One resident, Tomas, went to Cork City for the night, visited Fota Wildlife Park, did some shopping and took in a movie and dinner. The pure joy that this trip alone brought to Tomas was easy to see. Previously, with only one bus, the other people that live with Tomas would have been house-bound for two days to allow this trip to happen.

Another resident, Reece, is supported by the Social and Recreational Service to attend the gym in Killarney each week for his personal training session with coaches, Connor and Stephen. Not only have these gym sessions contributed to his health, Reece has built a great rapport with his coaches and the other staff. He is known by name by the regulars that train at the same time as him.

These are just two examples of the many experiences that each individual now has, made possible by the new buses and the Social and Recreational Service. Goals for 2023 include numerous overnights for many residents, as well as community art classes and day trips!

HSE Cork Kerry Disability Services welcomed the allocation of once off national funding that allowed for these new buses.

"This funding has allowed us to update aged vehicles across a number of agencies in Cork and Kerry. St John of God Services received funding to purchase two extra vehicles for their day and residential services and what a difference it has made," Majella Daly, Head of Disability Services, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, said.

"You can see how much it has enhanced the lives of the residents. It gives them so much freedom and independence, as well as opening up a whole world of activities that adds meaning to their day. They get to meet new people, plan days out and integrate more into their local community. It's fantastic to see how the new buses have helped to change and improve lives."