Who we are
Western Care Association is a voluntary (non-statutory) Organisation, made up of parents/family members, people we support, staff, advocates and volunteers.
The Organisation has a Service Level Agreement with the Health Service Executive on whose behalf it provides supports and services to people with intellectual disabilities and neurodiverse needs in Co.Mayo.
Western Care is a Company limited by guarantee and a Registered Charity with a Head Office at John Moore Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Ireland.
Our mission
We exists to empower people with a wide range of neurodiverse needs in County Mayo, to live full and satisfied lives as equal citizens.
We achieve this through the provision of a comprehensive range of innovative services and supports.
Our voluntary status ensures that:
Parents and friends of the people we support make up the membership of the Board of Directors of the Association.
Voluntary workers are recruited and engaged to enhance service quality and to support community integrations for the people we support.
The volunteers are engaged in fundraising and community awareness activities which also enhance service quality and social opportunities.
Our story
In 1966 a public meeting was convened arising from a deep concern at the inadequacy of services for children with a learning disability in Mayo. Almost 200 people attended the meeting in the Imperial Hotel Castlebar with Johnny Mee, Michael Joe Egan, Tom Fallon and Joe Mulrooney taking a leading role. The organisation’s journey began on that night, 58 years ago.
All the towns and townlands throughout County Mayo immediately got behind this unique undertaking. The support and goodwill has increased over the years, ensuring that Western Care is now ingrained in every community throughout the County.
Western Care has grown and developed from those early days into an organisation that now provides a wide range of services and supports across county Mayo to adults and children and their families.
What we do
Western Care is committed to providing persons with an intellectual disability with the services that they require, irrespective of their level of need. Person-centred services are provided, taking cognisance of the person’s dignity and rights, and based on an assessment of need and the services requested. The principal object of Western Care is to provide optimum services promoting the education, wellbeing, dignity, health and happiness of people with an intellectual disability. These services are to be provided in the context of their individual and family needs and those of the community.
Adult Services
Residential & respite services for those over eighteen years old.
Youth Services
Services for young people from seven to eighteen years.
Clinical Services
Supporting people to live a healthy life.
Social Enterprises
Training, education and employment opportunities.
Our Values
These are what make Western Care unique, helping us take the right decisions; guiding us in our work with people we support, each other and the wider community.
Honesty
For Western Care it’s vital that everyone involved trusts each other to give and receive honest feedback without fear of rebuke or disregard.
Respectfulness
Respectfulness for people who face real challenges in their lives is a defining component of what makes us Western Care.
Transparency
We act transparently in all relations with people we support, their families, employees, partners and the public.
Integrity
We assist people to make informed choices about their own lives and provide the support around their individual needs and aspirations.
Fairness
We uphold the rights of every person, ensuring their confidentiality, privacy and dignity are respected.
Inclusiveness
We are aware of the enormous trust placed in us and value the uniqueness and potential of every person we support.
Ways to help
Without the generosity of our supporters we would not be able to provide the people we support with the quality services and enriched life experiences that they deserve.
If you wish to help Western Care by making a donation, please follow these links.
Volunteer Opportunities in Western Care Association
Western Care Association wishes to further facilitate community integration and inclusion of people with learning disabilities, by promoting and developing voluntary involvement.
This creates opportunities to build relationships, develop social roles and to participate fully as citizens in their local community.
Latest News and Views
- Vibrant celebration of ‘Wren Day’ in Mayo raises over €3,000 for charityCommunities in Co Mayo came together for a Wren Day event and raised €3,466.20 for the Western Care Association. The event, a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, featured stunning 20
- Western Care Associations La An Dreoilin /Wren Day Fundraiser launched on Virgin Media on the 3rd December in NewportWestern Care Association had a great day yesterday at the launch of Lá an Dreoilín (Wren Day) fundraising event which was the brainchild of Martin Mc Fadden which takes place
- Minister Rabbitte officially opens new location for people supported by Western Care Association in MayoWestern Care welcomed Minister Anne Rabbitte to Ballina 21st June for the official opening of Compass Corner which supports young persons aged 18–25 through a life skills program whereby participants