Official Opening and Celebration of Achievements at Aurora and Aurora Hub

HSE Disability Services in Sligo, in partnership with the HSE Estates Department, is delighted to announce the official opening and celebration of Aurora and the Aurora Hub, two HSE run day services for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Aurora Hub, based on Kempton Parade, opened its doors in November 2023, while Aurora, located at Duncan’s Island, Finisklin, welcomed individuals for the first time in September 2024. Combined, the two centres currently support more than 15 adults.

These day services are guided by the HSE’s New Directions, Personal Support Services for Adults with Disabilities, which is a national framework which supports a person-centred approach. Aurora and Aurora Hub are dedicated to promoting inclusion, independence and active participation in community life, offering opportunities that reflect the interests, goals, and needs of each individual availing of the services.

Edel Quinn, Head of Service, Disability Services in the north west said, “We are pleased to celebrate this milestone and the incredible progress of the people supported by Aurora and the Aurora Hub. Aurora and the Aurora Hub services represent what person centred support looks like. The supports provided are inclusive, empowering, and rooted in community. We are very proud of the achievements being celebrated today by the individuals who attend the service, well done to each and every one of them. My thanks to my colleagues, the dedicated staff of Aurora and Aurora Hub, who work tirelessly to support the individuals in living meaningful, connected lives guided by each individual’s Person Centred Plan.

Edel stated “the HSE is committed to continued investment in Disability Day Services and I am delighted to announce today that Aurora and Aurora Hub have been awarded €23,000 for the development of a sensory Cubbie. The Cubbie is a sensory management pod designed to help people regulate their sensory experiences in various environments. It provides a customisable space with adjustable lighting, sound, and visuals, allowing users, especially those with sensory sensitivities, to find comfort and focus.”

Aurora and the Aurora Hub is rooted in enabling each person to make choices about how they live their lives, how they spend their days, and how they connect with others. The services provide tailored supports so that young adults with intellectual disabilities can access a wide range of opportunities to enhance their educational, social, and occupational potential.

A parent who spoke at the event said, "Since joining Aurora Hub in September 2024, my daughter has progressed in ways I never imagined. Though I was anxious about the move from St. Cecilia’s, my fears disappeared after our first visit. The care, support, and attention she receives from physiotherapy to encouraging her social growth have really helped her thrive. From enjoying her first disco to spending nights away from home, she is growing in confidence and happiness every day. I’m deeply grateful to everyone at Aurora Hub for making this possible."

Among the highlights, individuals have taken part in a community based horticultural programme in partnership with Sligo LEADER, building gardening skills at the Northside Community Polytunnel. Others have formed strong connections with Sligo Rovers FC, as many are dedicated fans, and are now exploring ways to collaborate on inclusive community projects with the club.

A group of individuals are engaged in social farming at a Sligo-based farm, gaining hands-on experience in animal care, forestry, and general farm activities. This initiative has proven both educational and therapeutic. Meanwhile, others have been expressing their creativity through the Shine Programme, a drama initiative based at The Hawk’s Well Theatre in Sligo, where participants are building performance skills and recently staged a production for the community.

Empowerment and advocacy are key components of Aurora and the Aurora Hub services. Several individuals are active members of the “Speak Up Speak Out” advocacy group, a HSE Disability Services collaboration with Inclusion Ireland, through which they champion the rights and voices of people with disabilities. The centres have also teamed up with the Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership to deliver bespoke health and wellbeing programmes tailored to the interests and abilities of participants.

Community engagement continues through membership with Sligo Tidy Towns, where individuals contribute to the betterment of the environment. Through a joint effort with Sligo County Council, Aurora played an important role in advocating for the rights of disabled persons, securing two new disabled parking bays in the town centre which also benefits the wider community.

These successes represent the vibrant, community-focused ethos of Aurora and Aurora Hub, showing what can be achieved when people are supported in ways that reflect their interests, goals, and potential.

John Fitzmaurice, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal, West Cavan said, "The official opening of Aurora and Aurora Hub marks a significant milestone in our continued commitment to delivering person centred supports for people with intellectual disabilities. It is fantastic to see how these new, community-based services are already making a meaningful difference in people’s lives by supporting autonomy, inclusion, and achievement. I want to acknowledge the dedication of the staff, the families, and most importantly, the individuals who are leading the way in shaping what inclusive, community living really looks like."

Fr John Carroll and Kian Gurnhill led everyone in song at the official opening of Aurora. Watch here- https://youtu.be/giRm5AR-8oc “