Free rehabilitation programme for neurological conditions in Donegal

Twenty-five people with a confirmed Neurological diagnosis will be given the opportunity to partake in the unique programme free of charge. 

 Designed by No Barriers Foundation, and supported by Rethink Ireland, this programme will take participants on a 10-week journey towards feeling healthier and stronger. It starts with an initial assessment to find out first-hand what you want and need and how you feel about your current circumstances.

Together with the highly skilled team, based at No Barriers in Letterkenny, you will set collaborative health goals and discuss how to proactively move towards achieving those goals throughout the programme. The programme empowers people to feel confident and strong in their health journey and take part in physical activity in the community. 

At present in Donegal, those with varying levels of disability cannot achieve their full rehabilitation potential in the community. This is results in increased social marginalisation as well as physical and mental comorbidities increasing readmission rates. 

Johnny Loughrey Founder & CEO of No Barriers commented: ”Many individuals with disabilities are not aware of how much they can actually do to stay fit, strong and healthy. Our program provides people with the everyday knowledge and skills they need to continue exercising beyond the programme. Wherever your starting point is, we will meet you there and work with you to remove barriers to your health goals. ”

“We are very thankful to Rethink Ireland and Minister Anne Rabbitte for their support and belief in the Foundation and Programme.” No Barriers have secured the funding to run this programme via Rethink Ireland and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

“This unique and innovative 10 week program provides specialist neurological care, together with specialised exercise and physical activity services in an inclusive gym environment. It allows those that are discharged from acute care within the HSE following the likes of a spinal injury, stroke, brain injury, MS or any other neurological condition to continue to rehabilitate in a socially inclusive community environment.” 

 What does the programme include?
Our program will include a mixture of:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Exercise therapy (individual and small group) 
• Indoor and outdoor physical activities 
• Mindfulness classes
• Modified Yoga classes
• Modified Pilates classes
• Peer support groups
• Educational sessions

 Following our initial assessment, we will then plan out your 10 week programme. The program will be 3 sessions per week and include a mixture of the above mentioned elements. We provide a social outlet and hope to those who often feel isolated and socially marginalised. Your rehabilitation is about building confidence and self-esteem as much as regaining physical strength and mobility.

How do I qualify for the programme? 
You need to:
1) Have a confirmed Neurological Diagnosis (Examples are Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury, Brain Injury, MS, Parkinson’s Disease.)
2) Have previously been in contact with the HSE regarding the diagnosis 

 If you meet these two criteria, we will complete a phone consultation to determine your suitability for the programme. 

Do I need to be referred?
You can but it’s not essential. Individuals can be referred or self-refer by contacting us directly. 

 How do I get in touch?
You can call us on 0838855056 or email us at hello@nobarriers.ie

When does it start?
We will be starting the program in the coming weeks and it will be running until the September.