Crann is delighted to announce the winners of our recent A day in my life (with a physical disability) art competition. The online competition, which was launched on March 26, drew a diverse range of entries encompassing paintings, poetry, drawings, photography, and song. The winners were chosen by the competitions judge, Louise Foott, Head of Department for Arts in Health & Education at CIT Crawford College of Art & Design. Louise said, “There was such variety. It was not an easy task. I have selected a winner in the two categories: Adult - Gloria O'Doherty 'Sunset Storm Within' "Gloria's painting is raw and engaging. She uses the creative process in a very sincere way that seems to provide her [...]

At the Crann Centre we continue to offer our services and supports in an online capacity during the current restrictions, as well as working on future projects. One such important project is the development of an inclusive playground and recreation space at the Crann Centre. We very much hope to have this open and ready for use by the end of the Summer should current restrictions be lifted. We want this space to be the best there is for the children, teenagers and adults who use our services and their families. Most importantly we want the design and layout to be led by your feedback. We are very grateful that both Alice Moore and Dr Helen Lynch from the [...]

The Crann Centre is today, Thursday, March 26, launching its ‘A day in my life (with a disability)’ Art Competition. The competition has three categories, Kids & Teens (with a physical disability), Siblings of a person (with a physical disability) and Adults (with a physical disability), with a first prize of a €100 voucher going to the winner of each category. Entrants can submit their piece in a number of different formats – art (painting, sculpture, collage, sketches etc) photography, video or written word (poem, short story). Think big, think small, think outside the box, just make sure it reflects you and your lived experience. The Crann Centre hopes the competition will provide an engaging activity and recreational focus [...]

In light of current circumstances, regrettably we will be postponing the activities which we had planned for March. We will reschedule them for when it is appropriate to do so. We know the value of us all staying connected, so starting next week we will be offering some services to you online using simple technologies like Zoom and WhatsApp and will also be available on the phone (021 - 4289267). Our team will be in contact to let you know how and when you can access these activities and will be on hand to help with any technical issues so you can easily join from your phone, computer or tablet. The team will still be here at the Crann [...]

In light of the current situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19), we wish to share some important information about our response and delivery of programmes here in The Crann Centre over the coming weeks. In accordance with the HSE advice all programmes and activities at The Crann Centre are continuing as normal and no events have been cancelled.   We are taking the necessary steps and precautions at this time to minimise the risks to our clients, visitors and staff.   In line with the HSE advice, we ask that you do not to come to The Crann Centre if you feel unwell, even with minor symptoms such as a headache, a runny nose, or a cough.   Most importantly if you, or [...]

A number of Crann's teenage cohort attended University College Cork today for a guided tour of the facilities. The group learned of the supports available to UCC, the DARE (Disability Access Route to Education) college admissions scheme, as well as supports available to secondary schools through UCC’s Assistive Technology Outreach Programme. The Crann teens were then given an opportunity for questions and answers with current UCC student who has a physical disability. The group even got to partake in a Podcast workshop with UCC Campus Radio 98.3FM station manager Kieran Hurley. A big thanks to UCC's Madeline Jennings and Deirdre Madden for facilitating the tour. 

Crann is delighted to announce the formation of the Crann Junior Board.  The purpose of this Junior Board is to interpret the Crann mission statement for a younger generation and their peers. This is a particularly exciting development for Crann as a comprehensive schedule of services is now being offered to those with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and other related disabilities.  The Junior Board will have a vital role in sharing the Crann message of family centered services and supports now available at the project centre in Ballincollig. Kate Jarvey, Crann Founder and Chair says, “In the course of ongoing searches it is very apparent that the Junior Board structure is not widely endorsed in Ireland.  To date only one [...]

We're also delighted to introduce Eimear Daly, Crann's new Health and Continence Programme Manager. Having worked as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Intellectual Disability in the acute setting for almost 11 years Eimear has recently joined the team here at The Crann Centre as Programme Manager for Health and Continence. Eimear has a background in Intellectual Disability and Children’s Nursing and also holds a Masters (MSc) in Nursing. She has worked with both physical and intellectual disability services throughout the Cork area acting as a point of contact for both healthcare professionals and for parents in relation to symptom management and coordination of care. Here at the Crann Centre Eimear will be providing continence clinics for those with neurogenic bowels [...]