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 Cork is a strong group of committed parents with a vision for their children to live full, enjoyable and productive lives. Established in 1988, this respected Cork charity has a proven track record of supporting people with Down Syndrome and their families and we are delighted to announce the Official Opening of the Field of Dreams took place on 2nd September 2017. We have over 360 members across Cork of whom 170 have adult family members with Down syndrome. We are in partnership with The Munster Agricultural Society, who have provided 3 acres of land at Curraheen, Bishopstown which we are have transformed into something we think is magical - an educational and work based horticultural facility for adults with Down Syndrome…..the Field of Dreams. Our aim is to develop a horticultural centre for adults with Down Syndrome that is supported by a diverse network of professionals, volunteers, and industry and state bodies.   The Field of Dreams will become a meaningful place of learning and experiences for adults in a secure, inspirational and fun environment and that this demonstrator project is replicated by other branches of DSI nationwide. As 95% of adults with DS are currently unemployed, a key element of the programme will be collaborating with Companies and Businesses in Cork, supporting them in offering work experience/job placement opportunities to graduates from the Field of Dreams.

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.