M&S Cork

The main objects for which the company is established is to promote and support by the provision of facilities, equipment, personnel and otherwise, the general improvement of the treatment, care and welfare of patients in accordance with the mercy care south governance charter at the mercy university hospital cork; and to raise funds, fundraise, and undertake new fundraising initiatives for the mercy university hospital cork (including its subsidiary companies) and coordinate fundraising activities being carried out for and on behalf of the mercy university hospital cork (inlcuding its subsidiary companies). in furtherance of the foregoing main object, the company shall have the following subsidiary objects: a) encourage projects and programmes that enhance health and patient welfare through new and innovative prevention rehabilitation and other medical programmes in accordance with the governance charter; b) promote, encourage and foster the carrying out of medical, scientific and surgical research relating to the treatment of patients (both adult and children) at the mercy university hospital cork in accordance with the governance charter; c) investigate the action and effects of various drugs and similar and related substances as may from time to time become available and used in medicine and the treatment of patients at the mercy university hospital cork in accordance with the governance charter; d) promote the teaching and training of suitably qualified persons in the techniques of research and the acquisition of knowledge and information in medical practice and the treatment of patients at the mercy university hospital cork in accordance with the governance charter.

Down Syndrome Ireland Cork (DSI Cork) is located at the Field of Dreams and with a charity shop in Merchant's Quay Shopping Centre in Cork city. It is a branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. DSI Cork supports families and empowers individuals with Down syndrome throughout their lives. Our Mission is to ensure that our members, from birth throughout their whole life are given every opportunity possible to fulfil their potential and live a happy and productive life. DSI Cork supports nearly 400 members throughout Cork city and county. DSI Cork provides a positive environment to the Down syndrome community to help develop support networks amongst members and their families. We offer a diverse range of programmes tailored to the needs of individuals with Down syndrome at every stage of their development including; early intervention, playgroups, parent & sibling support, speech and language therapy provided by our fully qualified, CÓRÚ registered and experienced therapists, social activities, summer camps, social activities, advocacy, education staff training, horticulture, adult education programmes and employment support. DSI Cork at the Field of Dreams offers diverse education programmes focusing on further education, employment readiness, personal development, wellbeing, skill-building, and community engagement. The emphasis on horticulture provides hands-on activities, cultivating practical skills and a deeper connection with nature. DSI Cork’s charity shop is a profitable enterprise that offers a Retail Training Programme for adult members who are supported by an Employment Support Specialist. Making the transition into employment is not easy for our members and to help ensure their success we provide ongoing employment support for both the employee and the employer. This support from our employment support specialist has been critical in successfully integrating our students into the workplace and also providing practical advice for workplace transitions. We strive to empower people with Down syndrome to reach their full potential by delivering high-quality supports, fostering inclusion, and building environments where individuals feel valued, respected, and connected to their community.

We believe in the ability not the disability. We help to build self-esteem, confidence, giving encouragement where it’s needed to promote positive mental health, skills for life, ability to excel in areas of strength and open new doors to the future, The club was founded by Karen and Jon O' Mahony in 2015 when along with many families in Cork they suffered the lack of resources for their children on the spectrum in Ireland. Particularly with regard to early intervention they felt the need to take matters into their own hands. When it all began in June 2015, 26 children attended the Rainbow Club on a weekly basis. By January 2016, 125 children were attending every week. By January 2017 the Rainbow Club had 237 children on a weekly basis and are now running at full capacity with over 312 children using our services. We have a waiting list of over 128 families waiting to join the Rainbow Club. To facilitate these numbers, the Rainbow Club requires a bigger premises which is tirelessly fundraised for. We are however very fortunate in our current home of Mahon Community Centre and we strive to make this environment a place of enjoyment and fun for all our members and families. We have recently opened our community café which brings together locals and our families at club as well as our older members who under the mentorship programme learn to cook for and attend the café.