


What's Happening?
3 SHS staff graduated from Open Training College with BA degrees and attended the Graduation ceremony in the RDS Dublin on Saturday 12th November.
Congratulations Niamh O’Neill, Rebecca Kavanagh & Simon Bouchier.
Niamh O Neill – BA in Applied Management Human Services
Rebecca Kavanagh & Simon Bouchier – BA in Social Care
It should also be noted that Simon achieved Student of the Year also from the Social Care group.
Well done guys!
Happy Culture Night everyone.
Here is a video showcasing just some of the culture and arts of Sunbeam House Services.Have a great night!
We invite you to take part in a project about the impact of the pandemic on you as a carer.
We would like you to be part of a group discussion about this. The findings will be used to create a programme to help carers of loved ones with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
If you would like to register for this project or want more information please contact Dr Trisha Forbes email: trisha.forbes@qub.ac.uk
18th October 2021
Dear Families,
As you are probably aware an open meeting was held on the 16th September in the Glenview, which was attended by over 30 family members, SHS Chairperson, Board representatives from the Family Advocacy Group and the CEO, and facilitated by ourselves in Ómra.
The purpose of this meeting was to discuss how the connection between families and Sunbeam could be strengthened and how a better partnership could be put in place between the two.
Based on the feedback received, there was, of course, a mix of views in relation to how the meeting went but, on the whole, it was regarded as positive and that it is essential to continue on this journey for the benefit of all. There is a willingness and a desire to continue the dialogue and for families and Sunbeam to find ways to communicate more.
In response to the many questions and issues raised on the night, a document is being prepared by members of management in Sunbeam and this will be sent on to you in advance of the next meeting.
It is intended to hold a follow-on meeting on Wednesday the 17th November at 7.00 p.m. in the Glenview.
The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss and agree how the voice of families can be effectively represented by the family representative group but also through more local or specific support groups e.g. respite, residential, employment, new families. There will be a further opportunity for some general questions and discussion although the emphasis will be on how communication between Sunbeam and family members can be strengthened in a more structured way.
Please keep a note of this date. A reminder, further details and the responses from the first meeting will follow closer to the time.
Kind regards
_____________________ _________________________
Catherine McIntyre Tina Tully
(Consultants)
6th October 2021
Dear Families,
The SHS Board wishes to establish a Strategy Working Group which would report to the Board. The purpose of the working group is to assist the Board in the preparation of the SHS Strategy Statement for consideration and approval by the Board along with its implementation in the coming years. The Board believes that the families of SHS Clients and Clients should be part of the working group.
The Board welcomes expressions of interest from family representatives who would like to be involved in the Strategy Working Group. Family and Clients provide a unique perspective in terms of the lived experience which is an important component in the development of our strategy. To participate and collaborate in the working group, representatives should have previous experience in strategic planning and implementation. The wider composition of the working group will include representatives from the SHS Board and the Senior Management Team.
The work of the strategy working group will start in October. Meetings will be held in person and virtually and will be in the afternoons and evenings. It is likely that meetings will be held monthly over the coming months.
If you are interested in participating, please email dawn.leane@sunbeam.ie by Friday 15th October 2021 outlining:
1. Why you wish to be considered and what you hope to bring to the working group
2. An outline of experience in strategic planning and implementation
The Board Nominations Committee will run a selection process to fill any working group positions in line with our corporate governance requirements.
Yours sincerely,
Dawn Leane,
Chair of Sunbeam House Services
As I went strolling around Galway Bay Birds singing
Sweetly Sun shining Wind slightly blowing the cobwebs away
Looking at the love of my life being at peace with life
The bay has a loving feeling to keep you rocking and reeling
With time on your hands when you’re walking the Bay it’s all in hand
Eyre Square its one big fair Salt Hill will give you a thrill
It’s a sight to see you will definitely agree
Connemara is a place you won’t want to miss
A sea cruse around the bay ah sure it’s the only way
Good food great craic it will bring you back
-Stephen Browne-