Saoirse, St Aidans Gorey Opens Doors to Samaritan Awareness Talk

Saint Aidan’s Services provides Day Services in a number of different premises in various locations around Gorey and Camolin. Most of their units are located right in the middle of Gorey town, so that the people supported can easily access the community, whether that is for work experience, training & education, employment, personal development, hobbies, activities or just socialising. The service also provide Day Services for people with complex needs, who require a very high level of individual support. All day services are implementing the ‘New Directions’ standards.

St Aidans Saoirse Training Centre is located in Market Square, Gorey. The Training Centre delivers training and rehabilitative training to adults with an intellectual disability aged 18 and upwards.

On-site programmes include personal development, computer skills, yoga, health and fitness, woodwork, arts n crafts, cooking skills, basic horticulture and literacy.

Their in house drama group ‘Saoirse on Stage’ produce an annual winter performance. Most of the individuals who attend the centre are involved in this group in one way or another, whether in the actual show, involved in making props or in providing support on the big night. The value of drama programmes is well noted, with self-confidence, imagination, empathy, co-operation, concentration and communication skills among many other areas to be positively impacted.

One of the most popular programmes, its integrated personal development and literacy elements make it a key component of their weekly schedule. It has led to the formation of an advanced work skills group which aims to provide the specific skills required to successfully engage in work experience programme and perhaps seek a referral to the employability service.
Saoirse staff endeavour to source opportunities for community involvement and social integration for the individuals who attend services. This can take the form of work, education or hobby and leisure. To this end Saoirse strive to make and maintain good links with other organisations and services, public and private in our locality in accordance with the guiding principles of New Directions.

East Coast Samaritans recently visited the new premises of Saoirse St Aidans in Gorey. This unit was officially opened in February this year. This visit was marked by a Samaritan Awareness talk, delivered to an enthusiastic group of students from Saoirse. The volunteers, with their unwavering commitment to the cause, showcased the critical importance of reaching out for a conversation when one is in need of support. They emphasized that no one should ever feel alone, highlighting the readily available assistance that the Samaritans provide.

The event was brightened by the presence of Bailey, the beloved Golden Retriever and branch mascot, whose joyful demeanor brought smiles and comfort to all attendees. Bailey's presence was a gentle reminder of the non-judgmental support that the Samaritans stand for. The volunteers' interaction with the students was not only engaging but also deeply impactful, as evidenced by the positive feedback from Siobhan, Training Facilitator with Saoirse, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the enriching experience provided to everyone involved.

East Coast Samaritans were honored to be invited to this event and took the opportunity to distribute educational materials, including pens, wristbands, branded teabags, leaflets, and mouse mats. These items served as tangible reminders of the Samaritans' message and the resources available to those seeking help. The materials were well-received, further extending the reach of the Samaritans' vital message beyond the walls of the talk.

This visit to Saoirse St Aidan's Gorey was a testament to the power of community outreach and the difference that compassionate volunteering can make. It underscored the Samaritans' dedication to fostering a society where the act of listening is valued and encouraged, and where every individual knows that they have a place to turn to in times of need. Samaritans continue to be a beacon of hope and support, tirelessly working to ensure that no call for help goes unanswered. It is talks like this that spread the message of importance of having a supportive ear in life's challenging moments.