All About Cork: Autism charity Rainbow Club to expand services

A local charity in Mahon has revealed plans to increase its offering and expand its services as it responds to “crisis situations”.

The Rainbow Club provides vital supports to more than 1,300 children and young people who have autism, and also to their families, every week.

The charity relies heavily on public donations and fundraisers. Having been assured of its own premises in Mahon, the Rainbow Club hopes to apply for state funding and provide services to more children.

In a statement, the charity’s founder, Karen O’Mahony, said: “The Rainbow Club is increasing our offering and expanding our services further. We have responded to crisis situations over the years, but especially in the last few months.”

“These cases were different situations, where children were without educational places, due to break down in school, [or were] asked to leave pre-school settings, due to lack of support, and some children with school anxiety and no support, or not being able to access the supports in school they are entitled to as an autistic person.

“Some of the younger children are attending several hours per week, while parents try to get school places sorted, or are awaiting early intervention settings.”

Ms O’Mahony also highlighted the Rainbow Club’s work advocating for older children with the National Council for Special Education to ensure children have the correct school places.

“This is a part of the Rainbow Club very few people know about,” she said.

“It is vital that everyone works together in the years ahead to put to a halt situations like this and address the need for reform in areas that need it in preschool and schools,” Ms O’Mahoney said.

“Rainbow Club has supported families in crisis over the years and will continue to do so as long as we are needed.

“We need to look at how we provide education to neurodivergent people and how the existing system needs to be more adaptable to the needs of the individual,” she added.

“Change is important, if we truly want to be inclusive, accepting, and understanding of everyone.”

CDP Valentine’s party

The Mahon Community Development Project (CDP) is hosting its annual Valentine’s party for older people today, Thursday, February 6.

The event is taking place at the Red Cove Inn in Mahon at 2pm with food, music and a raffle all on offer. Tickets cost €10.

In a statement, Mahon CDP said: “We are delighted to be preparing for our annual Valentine’s party for older people.

“There will be food, music, a raffle and fun.

“Contact us on 021 4359070 or call into us in Mahon CDP, United 7, Avenue de Rennes, Mahon. Looking forward to another great event.”

Mahon CDP was established in 1992 and is a youth and community project which is managed by a voluntary board of management.

The CDP operates a resource centre, childcare facilities, as well as a youth centre.

Mahon Point birthday celebrations

Mahon Point Shopping Centre is celebrating 20 years in business this month with a series of events to mark the milestone.

In a statement, centre management said: “We can hardly believe it’s been 20 amazing years since we first opened our doors.

“A huge thank you to all our wonderful customers for your incredible support over the years.

“Let’s make this milestone unforgettable with a whole month of fun-filled celebrations for the entire family.”

The shopping centre hosted a carnival birthday party on February 1 followed by a dinosaur day on February 2 and a princess ball on February 3.

This weekend, Mahon Point will host robot realm from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, February 8.

On February 15, the shopping centre will host a superhero party and this will be followed by a teddy bear’s picnic on February 21.

“Join us for games, shows, meet-and-greets, and so much more,” management said.

Rangers recruiting players

Ringmahon Rangers need new players for their academy age groups. The local club encouraged parents to get their youngsters involved in soccer. “Our ever-growing academy is always recruiting new players,” the club said. 

“Why not bring the kids down and let them meet new friends and have some fun.”

Floodwater answers

Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, has said that Uisce Éireann needs to provide answers on the Atlantic Pond incident and outline how any repeat of the situation will be avoided.

The Atlantic Pond was flooded with wastewater for two days last week after “a malfunction” at the pumping station.

The Monahan and Centre Park Roads were re-opened last Wednesday evening, after two days of people forced to make detours around wastewater flooding.

“This is very worrying and unusual and something that will cause alarm with communities, when they see the news of raw sewage overflowing into city streets,” said Mr Ó Laoghaire.

“What we now need to see, and what I will be seeking from Uisce Éireann, are answers as to how this mechanical failure, firstly, was not foreseen, and, secondly, why there was not a failsafe for situations like this.

“What we need to know from Uisce Éireann, now, is how this will be prevented from happening again in future, what failsafe is going to be in place, and what contingency will be in place to ensure that an incident of this kind does not happen, either at this location or in any other area,” he added.

“In particular, areas where there are significant populations nearby, both in terms of people living and working.

“I will be contacting Uisce Éireann, seeking answers in relation to this, and I hope that action can be taken to ensure that this will not be repeated.”

Barnardos appeal for gifts

Barnardos children’s charity is calling on the public to donate any unwanted Christmas gifts to their shops across the country, including its location in Mahon.

From shoes to perfume to books, all donations will make an impact in the lives of the families Barnardos works with, the charity said.

Each donated item will help generate funds for the charity’s vital work with children and families.

With 26,000 children and families supported by Barnardos last year, the charity is keen to collect as many donations as possible.

To donate your unwanted Christmas gifts, drop them off at any Barnardos shop. For more information, visit www.Barnardos.ie.

Bernadette Harrington, Barnardos retail shops manager, said: “If you have received a gift that was too small, too big, or just not right, we will gladly find a home for it in our shop.

“The funds brought in from each donated item will go directly towards the work in 56 service locations, in family homes, schools, early learning and care settings and communities.

“Your donations will ensure our work can continue to support those who need it. Because childhood lasts a lifetime.”

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