Light
maintenance scheme
The
Centre for Independent Living (CIL) is a grassroots organisation, which
was established in 1992 by people with disabilities. Its main aim is
to empower and enable people with disabilities to achieve independent
living, choice and control over their lives and to achieve full and
active participation as equal citizens in society.
The Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL) is dedicated
to supporting people with disabilities to live in the community in the
Dublin 15 area.
One of the services that are provided by BCIL for disabled people living
in the community is a “light maintenance scheme” which is
funded by FÁS. Under the programme, staff will call out as prearranged
and carry out light housework, basic maintenance and gardening, all
free of charge.
The scheme has been in operation around two years and has proved extremely
popular with the current service users. Although BCIL is keen to publicise
the service to people who may not be aware of it, Michael Ryan, development
officer with BCIL, warns that they may not be able to help everyone
if they get a sudden surge of interest.
“I honestly don’t know how many people there would be out
there who would qualify for the scheme,” he says. “Currently
we only have four part time staff who are already fairly occupied so
it would be unfair of me to say we can service every person with a disability
in the area. However we will endeavor to access anyone who contacts
the service and try to link in with as many as possible. As usual, it’s
all about resources, or the lack of them.
“Each client is accessed based on needs and requirements and the
co-ordinator discusses with them how many hours per week they will be
allocated. The current users receive between one and four hours per
week.”
Anybody who wishes to enquire about the service or requires assistance
with any other aspect of independent living, is advised to call the
coordinator Sandra on 01-827 0609 or email cilblanch@eircom.net
Community Voice, Media
House, Church Avenue, Blanchardstown,
Dublin 15
Phone +353 1 822 1432 - Fax +353 1 640 4444
info@communityvoice.ie
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