CEO of HSE visits KITE day services centre in Kilkenny

The Kilkenny Initiative for Training and Education (KITE) day services centre at Cedarwood, Loughboy, Kilkenny has hosted a visit by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Health Service Executive (HSE)

Anne O’ Connor, who was appointed as the HSE’s CEO in March of this year, was on her first visit to Kilkenny since taking up the position. The CEO spoke to staff and service users at the HSE outreach and day support service for adults with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The CEO was accompanied on her visit to KITE by Roseanne Killeen (Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, Carlow-Kilkenny/Tipperary South, HSE Dublin and South East), Aoife O'Donohue (Assistant National Director, HSE Disability Services) and Aoife Fitzgerald (HSE’s Disability Care Day Services Manager, Carlow-Kilkenny/Tipperary South).

Speaking about the CEO’s visit, KITE Services Manager Yinka Beehan said:

“As staff and service users, we were delighted that the CEO of the HSE came to our premises in Cedarwood. After a tour of the property and our garden, there was time for tea, chat and to hear directly from users themselves.”

“As we illustrated for the CEO on the day, KITE’s role includes the provision of support, guidance and training to service providers in the development and delivery of services to adults with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

“The KITE service also offers direct services to adults with an ASD/Asperger’s syndrome through the provision of focused training programmes in areas such as social skills development, stress management, anger management, independent living skills and self-organisation.”

“KITE also provides social support evening programmes and person-centred, individual support programmes at times of transition or challenge in a service user’s life.”

A Person-Centred approach is key to KITE and its services. KITE offers the following supports and possible opportunities: Community Inclusion and Active Citizenship; Development of relationships with peers and the wider community; Health and Wellbeing; Increased independent access in the local community; Building self-confidence and self-esteem; Supports to lead an independent life; Building better understanding of challenges/self-management strategies and Exploration of educational and vocational pathways.

In addition, KITE supports individuals during their college year to access educational supports, plan and organise workload, and navigate the social world.

Currently, KITE operates six sites: two in Kilkenny, consisting of a day service and an outreach service; one in Carlow and three in Co. Wexford (located in Gorey, Enniscorthy and Wexford).