Ability West opens Headford hub ahead of purpose-built facility
ABILITY West opened a new temporary Hub in Headford’s HCI building to serve the community ahead of plans for a new purpose-built facility in the town.
The Hub will accommodate 16 service users and will drastically reduce travel time for families and persons supported while allowing for greater presence in their own community.
A planning application for a permanent building has been submitted to Galway County Council and the project is expected to be completed in 2027, if the application gets approved.
The proposed new 3,500 square feet facility, earmarked for a site off Bridge Street in the town, will provide a state-of-the-art space for the Headford community and will be able to accommodate up to 25 service users.
The increase in demand in the Headford area is evident from the fact that Ability West’s service has grown from supporting four service users to supporting 14 service users within one year. The charity first opened a hub in Headford in September 2016 and has since seen a significant growth in the need for services in the area.
The staff team has also grown from one staff member in 2016 to six staff currently. With the launch of the Ability West Regionalisation pilot in Tuam, individuals supported in Headford will now also have easier access to a range of multi-disciplinary services, including speech and language therapy, behavioural therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, and more.
Galway-based Minister for Disability Hildegarde Naughton said: “This hub will allow local people living with a disability to access services from within the heart of our own community.
“I have seen first-hand the impact that Ability West has made on the lives of people with a disability and their families, and it is clear that day services like those now provided in Headford will empower individuals not just to live independently but also to thrive in their local communities.”
CEO of Ability West Julie Silke Daly thanked Senator Anne Rabbitte and HSE staff for their ongoing support for the organisation. She noted that Senator Rabbitte has been key in securing funding for the new hub.
“This new hub marks the beginning of improved services for the Headford and Tuam areas, allowing us to accommodate up to sixteen service users in the day service,” said Ms Daly.