HealtH Matters 53
weSxxxt
new courSe for
SpeciAl needS

ASSiStAntS
s
ome 40 special Needs assistants
(sNas) from primary schools
throughout Donegal completed
a five-day special Course in letterkenny
recently. the course was organised and
facilitated by the Health Promotion service,
Hse West. Guest speakers from the
National education Psychology service
(NePs), Donegal sports Partnership,
Physical and sensory Disability service and
the learning Disability service provided
inputs during the week.
a number of topics were covered
during the summer Course, including:
Child Protection; Managing Behaviour and
Conflict; Inclusive Games and Physical
Activity; Delayed Coordination Disorder;
portumnA centre refurbiSHed
Developing self-Confidence and emotional
literacy. the sNas explored their role and John Moloney, tD, Minister for equality, the staff at the facility arrange a variety
tasks, and ways to enhance the educational Disability and Mental Health, recently of training and activities for clients on an
opportunities for children in their care. offi cially opened the newly refurbished ongoing basis and programmes include
While the Hse’s Health Promotion service alor star, a community mental health computer training, creative writing, social
has been running courses for teachers for facility in Portumna, Co. Galway. alor skills, budgetary skills, health and fi tness
many years, this was the first course of its star provides services for a population of and horticulture. to date, 14 clients
kind for sNas. the course was rated highly approximately 10,000. have received FetaC certifi cations in
by the participants, and the sNas requested Brian O’Malley, assistant Director of drama, computer literacy, horticulture and
further training in a range of topics. Nursing, Hse east Galway Mental Health communications. Individual counselling is
One participant said: “this was a really service said: “In total, 31 clients attend alor available at the facility for all clients. social
worthwhile course. It helped me realise star with an average of 15 clients attending outings are arranged regularly and the
how important the role of the sNa is in every day. We believe the services and trips taken to date include visits to Knock
supporting and advocating for children with facilities available to our clients here are and achill and a number of clients have
special Needs.” an essential part of how their condition visited lourdes.
is managed. they have access to health
*
Special Needs Classroom Assistants,
professionals such as a psychologist, a
Emma Davis, St. Mary's NS, Stranorlar and
social worker, a homecare co-ordinator,
*
Mr John Moloney, T.D., Minister
Theresa Kelly, Scoil Colmcille, Letterkenny,
for Equality, Disability and Mental
making a presentation to Anne McAteer,
an occupational therapist and nursing
Health at the Department of Health
HSE Health Promotion Services and
staff. the Centre has an activities room, a
and Children cutting the ribbon at
Education Officer for primary schools, at the
computer training area and an area where the official opening of the newly
completion of the Special Needs Assistants’
our clients can relax. refurbished Alor Star.
Summer Course held in St. Conal's
Hospital, Letterkenny
eASkey Art
eXHibition
*
Members of the Art Group
at Easkey Day Centre in Co
Sligo, at the offi cial opening of
the ‘Views of Easkey’ exhibition
and calendar launch. From
left: Martina Rowlette, Olive
Campbell, Sarah Stevens, Mary
McManus, Patrick Kearney, J.J.
Hennessey.
health matters is 4.indd 53 27/11/2009 20:44:27
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