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 [...]

The Crann Centre were honoured and grateful to join 29 other Irish charities in recently receiving a significant donation from The Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF) at a recent reception hosted at University College Cork. In total, €140,000 was donated to the charities at the event, including €4,000 to the Crann Centre. The event was attended by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Des Cahill, and special guest, former Ireland and Munster Rugby International, Marcus Horan. Crann Centre founder Kate Jervey said of the event, "On behalf of the entire Crann team I want to thank the HSF for the lovely reception and presentation evening at UCC.  The experience was a great privilege for me and for the Crann [...]

We are delighted to announce the opening of Sarah’s Art of Beauty in her new location here at the Crann Centre. Sarah has been running her business both from home and travelling to her customers and is now delighted to be settled in her new location.

Sarah offers a range of beauty treatments from make-up application, manicures to eyebrow tinting and waxing with prices start from just 6 euro.

Sarah’s Art of Beauty Salon will be open every Friday with the announcement of another day coming soon.

To make an appointment or for more information contact Sarah on 087-4289945.…

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Volunteer of the Month September – Tara O’Donovan

We are delighted to announce Tara O’Donovan as our September Volunteer of the Month. Tara is a very active member of the Crann community having volunteered at a variety of events including our Children’s Summer Camp, which took place here at the Crann Centre in July. 

Tara has made a tremendous contribution of her time to help all those at the Crann Centre and we are thrilled to recognize her effort. 

”All it takes is a little bit of adaptability and everyone can be involved” – Tara O’Donovan

Crann Centre CEO Padraig Mallon, recently attended University College Cork Disability Support Service’s Employability Forum hosted by VMWare Ballincollig, which held a focus on disability initiatives.  

The forum which took place on Tuesday September 10th looked at how various organisations and companies could develop disability initiatives, promote an inclusive community,  enhance diversity in the workplace and educate staff members. Crann working in conjunction with UCC and promoting this has acted as an advocate for disability inclusion. 

Forums such as this provide an opportunity for Crann to inform companies of the needs of those with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and how they can advance their diversity and inclusion by facilitating those with disabilities. Similarly, such forums allow Crann to build networks and work alongside larger companies developing best practice and initiative.  …