On the 22nd of October Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte, at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth officially opened Rainbow Lodge Children’s Respite Centre at Urbalkirk, County Monaghan. Speaking at the event the Minister stated “I’m delighted to be here to officially open the Rainbow Lodge Children’s Respite Centre. In March 2024 funding was secured to progress a residential respite service for children in County Monaghan and my thanks to the HSE Disability Services in Monaghan and the Talbot Group for delivering on their commitment to have the service opened in October 2024. Having met many parents from County Monaghan who had raised the issue of access to respite care with me, I know the service will provide much needed and very welcome respite breaks for children and their families.”
Having had funding confirmed for the respite development, a procurement process was completed by HSE Disability Services and the Talbot Group was awarded the contract to deliver this children’s respite service in Monaghan. One of the requirements was that the centre be opened by the 1st of October 2024. The Talbot Group sourced a property for the service approx. 8kms from Monaghan town and then progressed the necessary works to ensure the property was redesigned to the specification agreed with the HSE and to the standards required by HIQA. The property includes a studio style apartment with separate entrance and a ground floor bedroom which is wheelchair accessible. There is a further wheelchair accessible bedroom downstairs whilst upstairs the property has a further three bedrooms as well as a relaxation/play room.
The benefits of a respite break for children, parents and families are well known. Respite services provide an opportunity for parents and families to recharge and attend to other matters in their lives. At the same time the child with the disability is given an opportunity to engage with other children and to participate in fun activities which increases the child’s well-being, social skills, confidence, and independence. Rainbow Lodge respite service will operate seven days/nights per week on 360 days of the year and will offer up to 1,800 respite bed nights each year. The number of breaks offered to children and their families will vary depending on the assessed needs of each individual child.
According to Laverne Mc Guiness, Chief Executive Officer of the Talbot Group, “Talbot Group is delighted to partner with the HSE in Monaghan in the provision of this new respite service for children at Rainbow Lodge. We look forward to welcoming many children and their families over the coming weeks and months and the opportunities for integration into the wider community”
Edel Quinn, Head of Service for Disability, HSE Community Services Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo, stated “It has been a pleasure to work with the Talbot Group to bring a much needed children’s respite centre to the Monaghan area. Respite care is such an important support to families who are caring for children with additional needs. HSE Disability Services were delighted to be allocated the additional funding required to progress the respite service that will be delivered at Rainbow Lodge.”
