New registrations halted as Cork autism group awaits home

A Cork autism support group has been forced to suspend registration to new families as it is at maximum capacity.

Rainbow Club Cork, which has 1,352 members, supports people with autism and their families from its base at Mahon Community Centre.

However, its Mahon base is too small to accommodate further expansion, and unable to meet demand,

Speaking to The Echo, Rainbow Club CEO Karen O’Mahony said the decision to suspend registrations was an extremely difficult one to make.

“It was the toughest day I have had in the 10 years since Rainbow Club was opened.

“I feel quite emotional about it. I am still finding it hard.

“We are at full capacity and anybody that rings looking for help, I can’t help them,” she said.

“That for me is very hard because it has always been something for me, that no matter who is there, I am always there saying yes,” said Ms O’Mahony.

“We hope that this will be an interim measure and that we will be in a position to reopen our registrations once we have the capacity, space, and resources to do so.”

Permanent home

Ms O’Mahony said a site for a new permanent home for the Rainbow Club has been identified through Cork City Council. “Securing the keys to our forever home has been one of our key priorities over the last few years. A new premises will give us the space and stability we need to grow and support more families.

“While we are not there just yet, we are making strong and positive progress that we hope will become a reality soon, to help alleviate a lot of the strain we currently face.”

Kenneth Stone and his family are one example of how important the Rainbow Club Cork services are to families who avail of its services. Mr Stone said he hopes progress can be made in securing a new permanent home for the club.

“We were promised it more than 12 months ago at this stage. We want the kids to have their forever home. All we want is just to get the key, get in, and get started,” said Mr Stone. 

“They [Rainbow Club Cork] set the standard for service providers. They are very progressive. It is a vital service for families.”

Invaluable resource

Speaking to The Echo Labour Party senator Laura Harmon said the club is an "invaluable resource and support for children and families in Cork."

"It’s vital that continued progress is made in terms of securing their new premises and that they are supported at every step by Government to have all the resources that they need.

“The work they do there is truly inspiring, life-changing and has a positive impact on so many.’’ 

Cork South Central Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said the development was “deeply disappointing”.