Horizons mini marathon appeal: ‘We're not at stage we need to scale down, but can’t say that won’t happen’

Horizons (Cope Foundation in Cork Communities) currently supports 3,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities and additional needs such as autism. But funding remains a constant challenge.

The organisation is in receipt of around €100 million in annual State funding, mainly allocated by the HSE, but says that compared to similar not-for-profit disability organisations funded under Section 38 of the Health Act, it typically operates with one third less funding based on service size and type.

“Historically, this was possible due to large-scale service models and different legal requirements and State policies. However, as Horizons has transitioned to smaller community-based homes, has expanded to meet the need for new services, and is required to achieve compliance with additional HSE and regulatory requirements, delivering services without the required State investment has become increasingly difficult,” said CEO Lorraine Egan.

Ultimately, she warned, until such time that this is addressed, it is not possible to increase service provision to the extent it is required across Cork city and county.

This is not the only challenge that Horizons is facing.

Lorraine said that planning and funding is required for residential services for its older service users, and it is urgently appealing to developers or contractors who are developing housing in Cork city and county to contact them.

“We have already met with both the City and County Councils to discuss collaborative working in accessing housing, and we are appealing to any developers or contractors who are developing housing in Cork city and county to reach out to us.

“By developing our housing at design and build stage, it saves the State approximately 35-40% of the cost of a refurbishment of a new build house,” said Lorraine.

The need for increased respite for adults as an interim support for families awaiting long-term residential services, as well as long-term residential places, has been highlighted by a national parents’ lobby group called ‘Before We Die’.

It’s campaigning for the government to fund and deliver residential places for adults with intellectual disabilities.

“Horizons and other service providers across Cork and Kerry have worked together to develop a plan which will be submitted to the HSE to address some of this demand over the next five years. Should the HSE agree to fund the plan, we will work with the HSE to implement this,” added Lorraine.

The theme of this year’s mini marathon is ‘Let’s Do It Together’, something that Lorraine says is central to the ethos of Horizons.

It’s reliant on fundraising to provide supports which are not funded by any State body – for example, purchase and maintenance of vehicles, indoor and outdoor equipment including sensory rooms and bespoke playgrounds, provision of independent training equipment and environments to support people to learn how to live as independently as possible, and providing staff to support people to go on trips, holidays, learn new skills, and many other life experiences.

One of its current greatest funding needs is for transport vehicles.

“We have an aging fleet and no funding to repair and replace vehicles which results in a constant challenge in trying to ensure we can support people to attend medical appointments, training courses, day services, employment opportunities and everyday activities such as shopping, social outings, and sports, arts, and other classes people wish to attend. Many of the people we support cannot use public transport and/or the public transport vehicles or routes are not suitable to meet people’s needs. Transport is a basic requirement to meet the needs of people we support and should be funded by the State. However, as it is not we need to continue to fundraise to meet this need,” said Lorraine.

Another funding challenge is achieving and maintaining HIQA registration of its residential homes.

“We are in discussions with the State and are hopeful that the State will recognise and fund Horizons appropriately. We have identified that if the HSE provided us with an additional 11.5% of funding, it would address the immediate risk,” said Lorraine.

Beibhinn Geary, who resides in residential care in Cork city, explains what Horizons means to her: ‘’Horizons provide me with the supports I need, I love my friends, and I have great fun with them. Horizons have been a big part of my life and has given me great opportunities.’’

Sarah O’Connell, Clinical Nurse Manager with Horizons, said that The Echo Mini Marathon is more than just a walk/run or fundraiser: “It’s a visible celebration of equality, ensuring the people we support take their rightful place at the heart of society. It’s the highlight of our year!

“By walking and running together, the people we support, their loved ones and staff members build a vibrant, inclusive community. Every step we take goes beyond fundraising, actively ensuring that the people we support are seen, valued, and empowered in our society.’’

Positively, Lorraine said the sector is getting an unprecedented level of input from policymakers.

“In my 25 years of working in the sector across a range of different areas, this is the first time in many years that there has been such robust cross-party and cross department interest in the sector,” she said.

But there’s still no avoiding harsh reality.

“We are not at the stage where we need to scale down services, however we cannot categorically state that this will not be required should the State not provide the required funding,” she said.

Horizons has created a playlist which will be available on Spotify to help motivate people during their training over the coming weeks. The list is made up of the favourite songs of those taking part in aid of the charity.

• To register for the mini marathon see: echolive.ie/minimarathon