The new project of SI, ÁR NGLÓR: The Community Mental Health Advocacy Service
Tuesday, 04 October 2005 14:56
Details of the new advocacy service of SI
Advocacy is a means of empowering people by supporting them to assert their views and claim their entitlements and where necessary representing and negotiating on their behalf.
On 4th October 2005, Comhairle announced funding for 13 projects in the voluntary sector to provide a representative advocacy service for people with a disability. Schizophrenia Ireland, in partnership with the Irish Advocacy Network, was one of the 13 selected projects. This Comhairle funding initiative is in the context of the Disability Act 2005 and in preparation for the amendment of the Comhairle legislation that will introduce a Personal Advocacy Service for people with a disability. Guidelines have been developed by Comhairle to assist the organisations to develop high quality effective services.
Details of the project of SI:
Name of the project: ÁR NGLÓR: The Community Mental Health Advocacy Service
Purpose of the project: To provide an advocacy service to people with mental health difficulties and their relatives, particularly for those leaving hospital so that they can be supported in making the transition back into their communities
Duration of the project: 2 years
New Staff: We will be recruiting 3 new staff members for this project (3 Advocates working part-time, 20 hours per week, one each based in the following SI offices: Dublin, Galway and Cork.
When will the project start?: It is anticipated that the project will start in January 2006.
The 13 Funded Projects
* Schizophrenia Ireland in partnership with the Irish Advocacy Network
* The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
* Bray Partnership and the Bray Disability Cluster Group
* Cheshire Community Services and Ballyfermot Citizens Information Service
* Carlow Centre for Independent Living in conjunction with Kilkenny, Wexford, Gorey, Waterford and South Tipperary Centres for Independent Living
* Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland North East Regional Team, Monaghan
* NAMHI, the National Association for People with Intellectual Disability in conjunction with the Sisters of Charity of Jesus & Mary, Moore Abbey & the Intellectual Disability Services of St. Joseph & St. Ita, Portrane.
* The National Representative Council and the National Learning Network
* Roscommon County Citizens Information Services in conjunction with the Brothers of Charity, Co. Roscommon Support Group Ltd, Roscommon Mental Health Carers Group, Back to Education Initiative, the School of St. Michael, Mental Health Ireland, Roscommon National Council for the Blind of Ireland, Roscommon Partnership Company Ltd, and People with Disabilities in Ireland
* Sligo Interagency Disability Group in conjunction with the Health Services Executive, North West Learning Disability Service, Cregg House Services Rosses Point, Rehabcare Services of St. Anne, National Learning Network Bridge St., North West Parents & Friends Association and Sligo Citizens Information Services
* S.T.E.E.R. Mental Health Group, Donegal
* County Monaghan Partnership and the Co. Monaghan Disability Network
* People with Disabilities in Ireland Westmeath Network in conjunction with the Parents & Friends of People with Intellectual Disability, the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary and the Health Services Executive Midland Area