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Calendar of Events

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

 

 

Events

 

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland 2012 Conference and AGM

The 2012 Conference and AGM will be held from the 11th-13th of May in the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.

11th May - Children's University Hospital Study Day - This day is for professionals who service the area. We will be extensively examining and exploring with professionals many of the issues affecting individuals with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus. This study day will be run in conjunction with the Children's University Hospital (Temple Street) Spina Bifida Team.

12th May - The SBHI Conference will be exploring topics such as:

- Employment and Training - Guest speakers will include; the Irish Association of Support Employment, Citizens Information etc.
- Children's University Hospital (Temple Street) team - This session is an opportunity for parents to discuss issues and topics pertinent to their children's needs with the Spina Bifida Team.
- Healthy Living - Guest speaks will include; Garrett Culliton, Paralympian and Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, nutritional expert, mental health specialist etc.

13th May - SBHI Annual General Meeting

More information on the costs and breakdown of speaks will follow shortly.

New Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland calendar 2012

Please click this link to download the latest Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland 2012 Calendar SBHI_Calendar_2012

The information in the calendar is also available using the google calendar at the top of this page.

 

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland - Famine Way Walk

We invite you to retrace the journey made over 160 years ago through the beautiful Doolough Valley, taking in the scenic lake near Delphi Lodge and into the picturesque town of Louisburgh.

Famine Way Walk Weekend - 13th-15th April 2012
Doolough Valley, Co. Mayo, Ireland [Croagh Patrick Climb is optional]

SBHI are organising a sponsored 10 mile walk and we are inviting participants to raise €600 and join us to retrace the journey our ancestors made in 1849.
Sponsorship will include two nights bed & breakfast, dinner Saturday night in the four star Castlecourt Hotel (the hotel is fully equipped for wheelchair users interested in taking part), transport to and from the walk will also be provided.
There will be refreshments during and at the end of this 10 mile scenic walk, including sandwiches and tea & coffee. For the more energetic there will be transport to and from Croagh Patrick with a walking climb to the summit.

Please click on this link to find out more: SBHI_Famine_Way

 

SHINE 2012

SHINE 2012 Jasmine Week

Day/time: Saturday July 7th – Friday 13th

Venue: Scoil Mochua, Old Nangor Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Contact: Wala or Helen 01-4572329 or shine@sbhi.ie

Information: Volunteer/staff applications now open. Go to get involved section. Watch the post for participant application details.

 

Are you looking for a unique, rewarding and fun opportunity?

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland is seeking enthusiastic and caring individuals to volunteer on SHINE 2012 (Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus Ireland Nurturing Empowerment), a residential Summer Independence Training Programme for teenagers and young adults with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus from all around the country. SHINE gives participants the opportunity to develop their independence, confidence and social skills in a safe, encouraging and fun environment.

SBHI, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland was established in 1968 by a small group of parents whose children had Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus. Today, SBHI has over 1,500 members and has branches in all four provinces, as well as a professionally run National Resource Centre based in Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

SBHI was established to promote the care, welfare, interest, treatment, education, advancement and rehabilitation of persons with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

If you would like to get involved, fill in an application form today, Shine%20volunteer%20opportunities. Alternatively, please phone us on 01-4572329 or e-mail shine@sbhi.ie

Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 29th February at 5pm or until places have been filled

Wala Brennan & Helen Riney

SBHI Youth & Respite Team

 

SHINE 2012 Sunflower Week: Saturday July 14th – Friday 20th

SHINE 2012 Sandalwood Week: Saturday July 21st - Friday 27th

SHINE 2012 Lavender Week: Saturday 28th – Friday August 3rd

SHINE 2012 Lemongrass Week: Saturday August 11th – Friday 17th

 

 

Items of interest

 

VSI Volunteering and Employment Project

Would you like to explore with Voluntary Service International (VSI) how volunteering can improve employment prospects?

Volunteering has many benefits and one of them is to increase the job prospects of the volunteer. As people with disabilities and people over the age of 50 are often excluded from employment, the aim of this project is to explore, with people from these two groups, the possibilities of volunteering to enhance employability.

VSI is currently searching for participants from Ireland to take part in this project with our partners in the Czech Republic and Finland. Three seminars will take place in 2012:

- 7-11 March in Prague, Czech Republic;

- September in Helsinki, Finland (date to be confirmed);

- November in Dublin, Ireland (date to be confirmed).

Participants may take part in one or all three seminars, depending on your interest. You don’t need any experience to take part in this project, you may be unemployed, a student or employed. You do need an interest in the subject and a willingness to learn and you should belong to one of the two groups, so you should have a disability and / or be over the age of 50.

In each of the seminars, we will explore the subject together. The first seminar, which takes place in Prague, will explore volunteering, internships and employment; the group will visit workplaces, meet with employers and share their experiences with the other participants from the Czech Republic, Finland and Ireland.

All expenses are covered, including international travel, accommodation and meals when attending a seminar. All seminar and workplace venues will be fully accessible. Wheelchair / disability accessible accommodation and transport will be provided where required and there is some provision for personal assistants. Please contact Helen in VSI (see below for contact details) to discuss this further.

If you are interested in taking part, please send a motivation letter & brief CV, stating why you would like to take part in the project to: helen@vsi.ie with the subject heading: Volunteering Learning Partnership.

If you would like further info or have any questions, please contact Helen in the VSI office: helen@vsi.ie, 086 264 3610, VSI office 01 855 1011. www.vsi.ie

Alternatively please contact Wala or Helen in Youth and Respite on 01 4572329 for more information

"Nominations sought for Carers of the Year and Young Carer of the Year Awards 2012"

The annual Carers of the Year Awards are taking place in May this year and they are currently seeking nominations for Family Carers and Young Carers. The closing date for receipt of nominations is Friday 31st March 2012.

Throughout Ireland, Family Carers and Young Carers dedicate themselves to providing remarkable levels of care in the home to their loved ones. Once a year we can give them the acknowledgement they deserve through the Carers of the Year Awards.

The Carers Association invites you to celebrate these carers, if you know a relative, neighbour or a friend who you think should be recognised and rewarded for the extraordinary levels of care they provide to a loved one then please nominate them by clicking on the link:

http://www.carersireland.com/carersoftheyear2012.php

Alternatively you can call Karen Phelan on 056-7753600/email kphelan@carersireland.com to request a nomination form in the post

Nominate your Carer of the Year 2012 by logging on to: http://www.carersireland.com/carersoftheyear2012.php

 

Operation Transformation 2012

Happy New Year to everyone! As this is a new year it might be time for a new start. Many of us here in the Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland office are going to be taking on the challenge of losing weight, toning up and setting new personal goals!

We have a fundraising event taking place in May "Walk, Run or Wheel" that even our own CEO George Kennedy is looking forward to training for! So why not take the plunge and start now. Some of our own local branches are also getting on board are taking on a weight loss challenge e.g. Kildare Branches own Aiden Lalor.

Operation Transformation is a good place to start as you can follow a leader, change your dietary habits and get moving. Operation Transformation

For a 5km running goal, have a look at Karl Henrys 5km training plan

If you want to have a look at some fabulous and health meal options look at Eva's recipes

If you ever though that exercise is good but what use is it to my health? have a look at this amazing video!!! Exercise for Health

Food intake Diary Foot%20intake%20diary

Best of Luck with all of your 2012 goals!!!!

Kidney Awareness Day Presentations

 

The presentations from the Kidney Awareness Day are available to download below from the various informative speakers on the day. The presentations contain a lot of useful and interesting information so please have a look and remember to take care of your kidneys!

Irish Kidney Association - Presenter Colin White - Irish%20Kidney%20Association

Overview of the Urinary System - Presenter Colin White - Overview%20of%20the%20Urinary%20System

Preserving Kidney Function in Spina Bifida - Presenter Catherine Wall -

Kidney%20Disease%20and%20Spina%20Bifida%202011

Nutrition and Kidney Awareness for People with Spina Bifida - Presenter Jennifer O'Neill -

Kidney_Awareness_Day_2011

 

Mykidstime 2012 Charity of the Year - Get voting now!

 

SBHI has been nominated by a parent for our Mykidstime 2012 Charity of the Year vote: www.mykidstime.ie/d/form/vote-2012-mykidstime-charity-year.

The public vote runs until 29 January and the charity with the most votes will become our 2012 Charity. We give our annual charity free advertising space on our website, ezines and social media for any promotion of their own campaigns, fundraising events etc that they might require throughout the year.

 

 

Important information for disabled drivers and passengers

Changes in the interpretation and the administration by the Revenue Commissioners of the legislation relating to the Disabled Driver and Passenger Tax Relief Scheme are to be implemented from the 1st January 2012.

IWA are vigorously lobbying the appropriate Ministers and Departments in order to find a solution to the situation. They recognise that these proposed changes to the interpretation and administration of the scheme will have devastating effects on a number of people with disabilities. IWA are asking for your by filling in the petition, which will be presented to the Ministers and Departments in question with the show of support against these changes.

Click here for more details

 

Taoiseach announces pause to Disability Allowance cuts

http://budget.breakingnews.ie/news/taoiseach-to-pause-cuts-in-disability-welfare-payments-531342.html.

 

New and Wonderful Cookery booklet - only €10

Produced by the service users Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland resource centre in Clonshaugh

 

 

 

European Song Festival for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Cork, Ireland

The festival will take place in Cork City, Ireland on June 27,28 & 29 2012

Let your voice be heard: sing, act and perform in the European Song Festival 2012

The European Song Festival (ESF) is an international Festival of Music and Arts for People with an Intellectual Disability. The Festival will be hosted by COPE Foundation in Cork City between Wednesday 27th and Friday 29th of June 2012, in collaboration with the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies and EASPD.

As part of the ESF there will be:

·         International Song Competition

·         Non-competitive performance

·         Workshops

·         Conference

·         Celebratory Dinner

For more information on this event, please consult the website www.esf2012.eu

If you are interested in taking part please contact your local Family Support Worker.

 

 

 

 

Irish Pilgrimage Trust

Irish Pilgrimage Trust are a national organisation that bring children and young adults to Lourdes each year at Easter. Over 1000 people travel from all over Ireland and these are based in small groups of 20-25 people. Each group has a group leader, nurse, priest, volunteer carers and a doctor (or if there is no doctor one is assigned to the group and on-call for the duration of the trip). All adults who travel with the Trust must obtain Garda clearance and receive training on the Trust Child Protection policy prior to travelling.

In Lourdes there is a great party atmosphere and the itinerary includes trips to the grotto, the baths, an Irish mass, an international mass and a day out to some of the nearby attractions such as Gavarnie in the pyrenees mountains, the zoo or the beach.  The spiritual side of the week also has a party atmosphere with up to 5000 pilgrims coming together (often in fancy dress and with their faces painted) to celebrate their time in Lourdes.  
The Irish Pilgrimmage Trust welcomes applications from young people with:

• a physical disability or illness (aged 9-25)
• a learning disability (aged 11-30)
• a serious or life-limiting illness up to age 11, accompanied by a parent or guardian (Family Groups)

The trip to Lourdes offers a holiday and friendship building experiences for the young person and respite for full time carers.   All volunteer carers pay their own fares and through fundraising the charity covers the cost of the young person to travel.    For additional information about the Trust please visit our website at www.irishpilgrimagetrust.com or to view this years mass visit http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xigb05_lourdes-2011-trust-mass-hcpt-28th-april-2011_webcam 

 

 

Kildare

Type	Day/Time	Venue	Contact	Information
Sports Club 2000	Thursday 8-10 p.m.	St Laurence GAA Club, Narraghmore, Co. Kildare	Shirley: 059 8626001/ Breda: 045 864083	All families welcome for fun fun fun. Wheelchair basketball, football, hockey, curling and lots more
Sports Club 2000 Social Night	First Thursday of each month	See above	See Above	Social night with Table Quiz, Game or Art. Transport available if required
Adult Social Group - 18-35's	Last Wednesday of every month	Osprey Hotel, Naas	Olivia Delaney: 087 247886 or Edel Browne: 086 8520616
Little Joey Play Group	First Thursday of every month from 10:30 onwards	Little Joey's Play Centre, Naas Town Centre	Edel Browne: 086 8520616

 

 

 

Dublin

Type	Day/Time	Venue	Contact	Information
Over 18's Saturday morning Club	1st Saturday of every month from 10 am-12 pm	SBHI Resource Centre, Clonshaugh	Aisling: 01 8487311	Cost €5
Meet for Drinks	Last Friday of every month	Aisling Hotel, Parkgate Street, Dublin	Karen Gibney: 087 6896532 or Vickie Dublin Administrator: 01 8485227
Meet for Lunch	2nd Saturday of every month	Jury's Inn, Custom House Docks	Karen Gibney: 087 6896532 or Vickie Dublin Administrator: 01 8485227
North Co. Dublin Parents Support Group	Time to be confirmed	SBHI Resource Centre, Port Tunnel Business Park, Clonseagh	Hazel: 086 8194790
Coffee Morning	2nd Thursday of every month, 10 am-12 pm	Panda Play Cafe, Terenure Rugby Club, Gleenly Grove, Dublin 6	Clare: 087 2209625	Play Centre 0-6 yrs, Cost covered by SBHI
Coffee Morning	Second Thursday of every month at 11 a.m.	The Hilton Hotel, Clarehall	Vickie: 01 8485227 or Ann Reid: 087 6418884	9th Feb, 8th March, 12th April, 10th May, 14th June, 12th July, 9th Aug, 6th Sept, 11th Oct, 8th Nov.
Coffee Morning	Last Thursday of every month at 11 a.m.	The Plaza Hotel, The Square, Tallaght	Vickie: 01 8485227 or Ann Reid: 087 6418884	23rd Feb, 22nd March, 26th April, 24th May, 28th June, 26th July, 23rd Aug, 20th Sept, 25th Oct, 22nd Nov.
Youth Saturday - Fun creating skills workshop	* 1st week in January postponed 2nd & 4th Saturday of every month (to change in January to 1st & 3rd Sat), 11:30-1:30	National Resource Centre, Old Nangor Road, Clondalkin	Andrea (National Youth Officer) 087 1363264 or 01 4572329	The workshop is about fun and skill building and covers a variety of fun and educational activities. Parents meet together for tea and a chat.

 

WICKLOW

Name	Day/Time	Venue	Contact	Information
Regional Clinic	2nd Tuesday of every month, 11am -1pm	Villa Pacis, Putland Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow	Clare: 087 2209625	Please phone ahead for appointment
Regional Clinic	Contact Clare for dates, 1-3:30 pm	Grand Hotel, Wicklow Town	Clare: 087 2209625	Please phone ahead for appointment

 

Wexford

Name	Day/Time	Venue	Contact	Information
Young Adults	January 2012	TBC	Judy Long: 087 6527175	Bowling League starting in January
Parent Toddler Group	Last Thursday of every month, 11 am - 1pm	Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy	Judy Long: 087 6527175	Tea, coffee and scones provided. Please phone ahead for appointment

 

Louth / Meath

Name	Day/Time	Venue	Contact	Information
Meath - Parent Support Group	First Wednesday of every month, 11 am - 12:30 pm	Enable Ireland, Mullabouy Industrial Estate, Navan, Co. Meath	Hazel: 086 8194790
Meath - Young Adults Group	If you are interested please contact Hazel		Hazel: 086 8194790
Louth - Parent Support Group	First Monday of every month, 10:30 am-12:30 pm	Irish Wheelchair Association, Ardee	Hazel: 086 8194790
Louth- Children's Sports Club	Every Wednesday, 6-7 p.m.	Muirheavnamor Sports Centre, Dundalk, Co. Louth	Hazel: 086 8194790
Louth - Young Adults Group	If you are interested please contact Hazel		Hazel: 086 8194790

 

Donegal

Name	Day/Time	Venue	Contact	Information
Not to date	N/A	N/A	Aisling: 087 9395371

 

Laois / Offaly / Westmeath / Longford

Name	Day/Time	Venue	Contact	Information
Inclusive Drama Group	Not currently running	IWA Springfield Centre, Mullingar	Sarah: 085 7119062	Open to members, sisters and brothers.
Midlands Adult Support Group (pilot)	Tuesday 24th January, 18:00 - 20:00	Tullamore Court Hotel	Sarah: 085 7119062	For more details please contact Sarah

 

Cavan / Monaghan

Name	Day/Time	Venue	Contact	Information
Regional Clinics	Every Tuesday, 10 am - 4pm	Irish Wheelchair Association Centre, Cavan	Hazel: 086 8194790	Please phone ahead for appointment
Regional Clinics	Every Thursday, 11am - 1pm	Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan	Hazel: 086 8194790	Please phone ahead for appointment

 

Sligo / Mayo / Roscommon / Galway

Name	Day/Time	Venue	Contact	Information
Adult Group - Mayo	Commencing in the New Year	To be confirmed	Aisling: 087 9395371	Dates to be confirmed
Coffee Morning - Mayo	First Friday of every month, 11am	The Dillon Suite, McWilliam Hotel, Claremorris, Co. Mayo	Aisling: 087 9395371	At the April coffee morning continence advisor Frances Halligan will be guest speaker providing information and advice on continence issues
Come Try Day - Mayo	Saturday 14th April	An Sportslann, Castlebar, Co. Mayo	Aisling: 087 9395371	Organised in conjunction with Mayo Sports Partnership, A come and Try it sports day will be held for adults and children
Adult Group - Sligo	Second Tuesday of every month, 4pm	Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo Town, Sligo	Aisling: 087 9395371	Next meeting is on Tuesday, 14th February at 4pm
6 Week Activity Club- Roscommon	Starting Wednesday 8th February-14th March, 6-8pm	Ros Bowl ltd, Cluain Fraoigh Retail Park, Lanesboro Road, Roscommon	Aisling: 087 9395371	Organised in conjunction with Roscommon Sports Partnership. All 12-18 year olds welcome

 

All our members were deeply saddened at the news of the death of Sean Mulchrone, Newport, Co. Mayo. Sincere sympathy and condolences from all branch members and friends to his parents Frank, Cathriona and the Mulchrone family. We will always remember Sean as a dear friend who was kind, humourous and courageous with a wonderful smile. May he rest in peace.

 

Cork / Kerry

Name	Day/Time	Venue	Contact	Information
Not to date	N/A	N/A	Judy: 087 6527175

 

Tipperary/Waterford

Name	Day/Time	Venue	Contact	Information
Coffee Morning - Tipperary	First Thursday of each school holiday, 10:30am-12:30 pm	Planet Playground, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary	Judy: 087 6527175	Please phone ahead for appointment
Branch Meetings - Tipperary	TBC	TBC	Maeve Withero Branch Secretary: 087 2750290	Next dates to be confirmed
Adult Group - Waterford	Last Tuesday of every month, 5-7pm	Tower Hotel, The Quay, Waterford	Judy: 087 6527175

 

youth and respite

Name	Day/Time	Venue	Contact	Information
Essential Cooking	1st Feb – 7th March (6 consecutive Wednesdays, 11am – 3pm	NRC	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087	Adults
Kidz Corner	16th February 11.30 – 1.30pm	Imaginosity Children’s Museum, Dublin	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087	9 years and under with parents. Siblings of other ages also welcome.
Valentine’s Adult Night (strictly over 18’s)	17th February 8pm – 1am	Green Isle Hote, Naas Road, Dublin 22	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087
Adult Getaway	Monday 12th March – Thursday 15th	Kilcuan Centre, Clarinbridge, Galway	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087
Teenage Break	Tuesday 10th – Friday 13th April	Kerdiffstown, Johstown, Co. Kildare	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087
SHINE: Jasmine Week	Saturday July 7th – Friday 13th	NRC	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087	Adults
SHINE:  Sunflower Week	Saturday July 14th – Friday 20th	NRC	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087	Special Care
SHINE:  Sandalwood Week	Saturday July 21st - Friday 27th	NRC	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087	Young Adults
SHINE: Lavender Week	Saturday 28th – Friday August 3rd	NRC	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087	Adults
SHINE: Lemongrass Week	Saturday August 11th – Friday 17th	NRC	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087	Teenagers
Away Week	Saturday 18th August – Saturday 25th August	Calvert Trust UK	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087	Adults
National Sports for Fun Day	22nd September	IT Athlone	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087
Essential Cooking	Wednesday 10th – 24th October Wednesday 7th – 21st November, 11am – 3pm	NRC	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087	Adults
Halloween Family Fun Day	October 30th	Kerdiffstown, Johnstown, Co. Kildare	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087
Teenage Break	Tuesday 30th – Friday 2nd November	Kerdiffstown, Johstown, Co. Kildare	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087
Adult Getaway	Monday 26th November – Thursday 29th November	Kilcuan Centre, Clarinbridge, Galway	Contact Wala or Helen: 01-4572329 or 085-7119087

 

 

 

Gallery

 

Archive Events

Donegal Branch Pantomime

"Dick Whittington and his Cat" will be performed in An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal at 8 pm on the 25th of January 2012. All proceeds go to the Donegal Branch of SBHI and tickets can be obtained from Frank Larkin on 0877405617 or Caroline on 0872325659.

Pantomime: Dick Whittington and his Cat

Venue: An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Time: 8pm

Date: 25th January 2012

Tickets: Contact Frank Larkin on 087 7405417 or Caroline on 087 2325659

SBHI Members Survey

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland are asking as many members as possible to complete an online questionnaire on the organisation and how you feel it meets /or does not meet your needs. The results of the surveys will be used when planning the aims and objectives of the organisation for the coming years so it is very important that members have a voice.

Please note that this survey is completely confidential. It is compiled on survey monkey where it does not ask for your name, your e-mail address, your home address or any contact number(s). You do not have to sent it back to this e-mail address or the organisation as it is all done online. This is to ensure confidentiality and an openness when answering the questions.

Remember this is your opportunity to have your say so please take the time to fill this survey out (using the link provided below)

Survey Link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZNPS32X

If you need to ask any questions about filling it out, you can e-mail me on kkelly@sbhi.ie or phone me on 01-4572327.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message and I hope you get an opportunity to complete the survey before the closing date on Thursday, 19th of January.

 

Many thanks to Kildare TV for developing the Christmas Bailout single, with proceeds going to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland.

CHRISTMAS BAILOUT by the presenters of Kildare TV, Ruth Melody and Jamie Merrins.

All proceeds from this Christmas single go to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland so take a look at the link below and don't forget to tell all of your friends!

Kildare TV - Christmas charity single "Christmas Bailout" 

 

Youth Forum Meetings

Below are proposed dates for the Youth Officers to meet

• 26th February: 12noon. Jury’s Inn Christchurch Dublin 8.
• 16th April: 12noon. Venue to be confirmed
• 14th May: 12noon. Venue to be confirmed
• 8th October: 12noon. Venue to be confirmed

 

Activity workshops for members
aged 13 to 17 years

• Starts on the 22nd of October
• in the National Resource Centre,
  Clondalkin
• 11.30am – 1.30pm
• To confirm a place please contact Andrea on 0871363264
  or andreaf28@gmail.com

Click here for more information

 

Adult Getaway, Co. Galway

• 17th to 20th October 2011

 

Activity workshops for members
aged 4 to 12 years

• Starts on the 8th of October
• in the National Resource Centre,
  Clondalkin
• 11.30am – 1.30pm
• To confirm a place please contact Andrea on 0871363264
  or andreaf28@gmail.com

Click here for more information

 

NATIONAL SPORTS FOR FUN DAY

Calling all members, families and friends to reach the finish line

• Saturday 24th September
• Athlone Institute of Technology,
  Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.
• 10.30am - 5pm

Click here for further details 

KIDNEYS & SPINA BIFIDA AWARENESS DAY- Saturday 17th September 2011

Don't let your kidneys slow you down!

A unique opportunity for individuals, families, carers and professionals to learn about and share information on this complex condition

• Saturday 17th September 2011
• The Education Centre
  Beaumont Hospital
  
• 9.30am - 4.30pm

 

Please see PDF below for more details

Kidney_Awareness_Day_2011

 

Exploring Perceptions, Evoking Change
SBHI National Conference & AGM

• 10th - 12th June
• Millrace Hotel, Bunclody, Co.  Wexford

Click here for further details 

 

SBHI ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE &  A. G. M.

Please see PDF below for more details

SBHI_ANNUAL_NATIONAL_CONFERENCE

SBHI WORLD CONGRESS – “WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?”

DUBLIN, IRELAND 11TH & 12TH JUNE 2010. In Conjunction with THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION FOR SPINA BIFIDA AND HYDROCEPHALUS...

Please see link below for more details

SBHI_WORLD_CONGRESS

 

Remarks by President McAleese at the opening of the World Annual Congress of the International Federation of Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus, Citywest Hotel, Dublin, 11th June 2010

Dia dhíbh ar maidin a chairde. Is mór on ónóir agus pléisúir dom bheith anseo inniu. Míle bhuíochas díbh as an gcuireadh agus an fáilte a thug sibh dom. I'd particularly like to thank George Kennedy, Chief Executive of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland, for the kind invitation to officially open this, the twenty-first World Congress of the International Federation of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

I'm particularly delighted that the International Federation chose Ireland as the host venue for the twenty-first World Congress and we are delighted to welcome the Federation as it 'comes of age.' As well as being a great privilege and honour for us to host this milestone event, it is also a tribute to the excellent work and high reputation of the Irish association. We have delegates here today from almost thirty countries – to each one I extend the traditional Irish welcome – céad míle fáilte, one hundred thousand welcomes and it is a special pleasure to welcome Pierre Mertens, the President of the International Federation for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus. To read the full transcript please click here.

 

 

 

Volunteer Testimonials

I can't resist SHINE volunteering. It's always so much fun. Aifric Heney

I thought the whole SHINE experience was incredible in its entirety. One gets to meet so many interesting people from all walks of life, both buddies and co-volunteers. One leaves the whole function feeling very gratified and satisfied with the whole experience. Would definitely recommend it and can't wait until I’m able to attend if but one week once again! Kurt Aliwa.

My experience in Shine, I went to Lemongrass week, was terrific. There I had one of the best weeks in my life. I learnt a lot from every participant. Mario Ramirez

Last year was my first year volunteering for SHINE. However I had a wonderful time and it was great fun and enjoyable week. It was definitely an unbelievable experience. The week I spent at SHINE was probably the best week of my summer. Catherine Murphy

It was just such an enjoyable week! I met such lovely people, from the participants to the other volunteers and staff, everyone was so nice. I loved how relaxed the atmosphere was, and all the activities were really fun.  I learnt loads from everyone involved, especially the participants, they're pretty inspirational people, and so enthusiastic!  You get so close to everyone, it's like you're a family, leaving at the end of the week was devastating! All in all, a really worthwhile experience, I'm looking forward to next year :) Criosa Houston

Adult Weekend in Kilcuan November 2010

I had a brilliant weekend. Didn’t want to go at the start but I’m glad I went in the end. Really enjoyed the table quiz the night we arrived. I enjoyed the bowling on Saturday but most of all I enjoyed our meal out on Saturday night and the entertainment afterwards. I enjoyed Fame the musical on Sunday.

I made loads of new friends. Can’t wait to go on the next one.

Dwayne Masterson, Longford Westmeath Branch Member.

Teenage Mid Term Break, October 2010

Seven others and myself went to Cuisle in Roscommon. Three of us got the bus from the National Resource Centre in Clondalkin on the Friday of the long weekend. It took us about two and a half hours to get to Cuisle. When we got there, the volunteers and a big crowd from IWA greeted us. We got settled in and were shown our rooms. After we got settled in we were chatting to each other. That night we had a big group meeting about our choice of activities that we had for the week off site. There was a choice of shopping and swimming. We had to put up our hands to the activity that we wanted to do. At the start there were about 18 for shopping and six for swimming. But then when the swimmers found out that there was going to be shopping only once while we were here, all but one decided to go shopping. We were then divided into two groups. One group went shopping on Saturday and the other group went shopping on Sunday. I went on Saturday. We went to Eyre Square in Galway. It took us one hour and twenty minutes to get there. We stayed there for a few hours roaming around the shops. When we got back dinner was almost ready. On Sunday, the group that I was in stayed back and cooked banoffee pie. We also had a Wii tournament for those who wanted to. There were five of us in the tournament. I beat them. My score was 169. I really enjoyed doing the tournament. That was over very quickly so we had the whole day to do what ever we wanted to do.

I really enjoyed the long weekend. I thought it was great craic with the two organisations joined together as one big happy family. I met lots of people that I had not met before. I am still in contact with them which is really good because I think that it is great to make friends and then keep in contact with them.

Sean O Kelly, Dublin Member.

SBHI NATIONAL SPORTS FOR FUN DAY 2010!

SBHI National Sports for Fun Day went off with a splash on Saturday 18th October 2010! Some brave souls faced the lashing rain to take part in the field events - javelin, discus and shot put - while others battled it out indoors in a basketball blitz, curling, boccia and sponge throwing! Congratulations to all those who took part and won medals! Check out some photos from the day on www.kieranmaguire.com

SHINE 2010 – ‘My jaws and ribs are sore from laughing!’

Kerdiffstown House in Co.Kildare opened its doors this summer for SHINE 2010. Sixty-three participants and one hundred volunteers and staff passed through the grand foyer over five weeks. Each day was jammed packed full of activities on and off site. The house provided limitless opportunity for activities on site. Outdoors, in the sun (yes, we were lucky this summer!), participants jumped at the chance to try out FAI soccer workshops, archery, crazy golf, boccia, treasure hunts and the mouth-watering barbeque. Please click here to read more.

Away Week 2010 - a participant's view

We all met up at Dublin port very early in the morning. We were all quite tired yet full of excitement and anticipation of what was to come on the week ahead. I had been a participant on the Summer Project in Clondalkin for the past few years and I really enjoyed it. However I felt it was time to challenge myself even further. Please click here to read more.

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