Cope Foundation has opened a new Community Hub in Mallow, which will support up to 25 people to live a life of their choosing, close to their home, their friends and family. The not-for-profit voluntary organisation, which supports over 2,800 children and adults with an intellectual disability and / or autism in over 70 locations throughout Cork, now operates 13 Community Hubs in the City and County.
The Mallow Community Hub, located at Market Square in the town, has three staff members and is kitted out with a kitchen, computers and recreational spaces to allow for a wide variety of activities including yoga, swimming, pottery, drama and fishing. It is also a place where people can learn money management skills, independent living skills and discover employment and further education opportunities.
The centre was officially opened today (May 13th) by Anne Rabbitte, Minister of State at the Department of Health and at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth; in the presence of Cope Foundation staff, people supported by the organisation, Mayor of County Cork Cllr Frank O’Flynn, local TDs, Angela O’Neill, Head of Disability Services, HSE and members of the business community of Mallow.
Speaking at the opening event, Minister Rabbitte said: “Cope Foundation does wonderful work throughout Cork in supporting people to live a life of their own choosing, and this new Community Hub in Mallow is testament to the organisation’s commitment to this, through a range of activities and outreach programmes. The ethos that underpins this service is one which allows an individual to choose to learn, participate and to be an active citizen with a socially valued role. I am delighted and honoured to be present today to open Cope Foundation’s new Community Hub in Mallow, and to meet the fantastic people that both avail of the Hub, and those who work tirelessly to provide such a quality offering.”
Chief Executive Officer of Cope Foundation, Sean Abbott said: “We are immensely proud of our new Community Hub in Mallow, which will no doubt be of great benefit to the people we support in the local community. The development of Community Hubs is one of the pathways in how the organisation facilitates and promotes a rights-based model in line with legislation. The aim of our Hubs is to offer flexible, responsive and person centred places, which support people to become members of their community; this encompasses education, employment, independent living and social inclusion. This is our 13th Community Hub, I want to take this opportunity to thank staff, people we support, the HSE and relevant stakeholders for their guidance and support in developing Community Hubs across the city and county.”
