My son Martin has been going out with CORE from August 2019. Martin was at a day Centre but would not return and wouldn’t leave the house. We were introduced to CORE and I was very nervous as I have never let Martin go out with anyone for social respite. I found John & Gary to be very understanding to my concerns and within a few sessions I had complete trust in both of them. Martin goes out twice a week and loves it and so do I. I can do my normal things whilst Marin is out knowing he is safe and enjoying it, as well as having time to myself. CORE has been a God send.
Adelaide (A Happy Parent)
Core Respite Services offers a fantastic service for adults with learning disabilities. John, Gary and Naomi make the whole experience very enjoyable for my son, whilst still taking health and safety very seriously.
My son has moderate learning disabilities and autism, so has always really struggled in social situations. But right from the first meeting with John and Gary I knew that Core was the right choice for us. The difference that the guys have made to my son’s confidence is truly amazing. He really enjoys the banter and can’t wait to tell me about what they have been up to that day (which has never happened before). His whole outlook on life has changed and he now has something enjoyable to get up for.
The ability that the guys have to make both your son/daughter and yourself (which is very important) feel at ease right from the start is truly amazing. The trust is there from the beginning.
I would highly recommend Core to anyone who is looking for fun and safe activities for their son or daughter to enjoy and be introduced to new experiences whilst learning to interact with other people.
Janice White
Since I joined Core I am more open to people. I am happy that I can get out of the house for more than the hour that I go out for a walk. I am more confident and able to chat more with my football coaches Wayne and Michael.
John, Gary and Naomi are great craic, but John and Gary cannot sing.
Anybody that wants to join Core should do so as they will really enjoy it.
Paul White (Service User)
My daughter Megan has been using CORE Respite Services from January 2022. She enjoys mixing with others, and really enjoys all the different activities they have to offer like bowling, cinema, days out and lots of other great activities. The staff John, Gary and Naomi are amazing, they pick up her up and drop her home, they are also very supportive and knowledgeable of both young and older people with disabilities. We are so glad we found out about CORE Respite Services as it has enabled Megan to go out and enjoy herself and given me the chance to have a bit of time to do what I have to do without worrying about my daughter, excellent service thank you so much to the CORE Respite staff for everything you have done.
Sharon Laverty
My brother Ben has been with CORE Respite Services from April 2022. We have noticed a massive improvement in his moods. Ben is building skills that has helped at home and building his confidence for more independence. He has a great relationship with the staff and Ben genuinely looks forward to getting out for the activities.
Julie Bell
My son and I have been using Core Respite Services for many many years and we would highly recommend it. I enjoy the peace of mind knowing my son is out enjoying himself with other service users he calls his friends and enjoying himself while being very well looked after by all the staff at CORE. The service provides a wide range of different activities and days out. My son said the main reason he loves going out with CORE is because he gets to go to places he wouldn’t normally be able to get to by himself and he’s made some wonderful friends which he enjoys spending time with while out with CORE .
Lorraine Kennedy
My son has been availing of Core Respite Service since July 2021 and he has really benefited from the various activities in which he is involved and which he thoroughly enjoys. The CORE team are imaginative and innovative in the variety of activities that they provide for all levels of ability.
I cannot commend highly enough those involved with CORE – friendly, welcoming and who have a great rapport with the service users. My son, who has previously been rather solitary really looks forward to his outings with Core, and this is a high commendation from him.
CORE Respite Services provide an excellent service which is needed for those with a disability, providing a valuable outlet that is many times lacking in Day Care Services.
Marie Simpson
Core Respite has been one of the best services we could use for my brother. His face lights up each week when he knows he’s heading out with them and he starts talking about the following week as soon as he gets home.
Apart from that it’s great peace of mind for us that he’s out enjoying life in a safe environment and can have banter and craic with his peers and friends. To him and us it doesn’t feel like “respite” it’s feels like social interaction and fun that all of us enjoy and look forward to… keep it going CORE!!
Maura McClean
My brother joined CORE on January 2022. He really looks forward to going out every week. It has given him a social life he never had. He has met a lot of new friends and it has really enhanced his social skills. He loves the banter within the group. Gary, John and Naomi are great and make him feel very welcome and comfortable.
Deirdre Laverty
“I have found Gary and John to be very experienced in the field of learning disability. CORE provides a full day and a half day social respite. This works well for us as a family as this provides us with much needed respite, allowing us time for ourselves and to do the things families do together. We don’t know what we would do if CORE wasn’t available for us.
This works great when they have a group going out on an all-day outing. Our sons are treated with dignity and respect and given the choice to decide where they would like to go. This gives my sons the power to make decisions and also promotes their independence”
Mrs Cole
“I love CORE. I love all the sports and meeting new people. My favourite activity is going to the Folk Museum. I have been going out with CORE since 2009”
Thomas Cartmill (Service User)
“Our son Ciaran has been a member of CORE since it started up in 2009. Ciaran goes out with CORE Respite Services at least twice a month. I have found CORE to be an invaluable service for Ciaran, one which he really enjoys. CORE gives Ciaran a much needed social life and in turn gives us his family much needed respite also. Ciaran has so much fun when he’s out. We would love him to go out every week”.
Mrs O’Kane
I have been using CORE Respite Services over the past 10 years for my son Conor who has autism. We mostly use the day trip out on Saturdays which benefits everyone. I get the respite and the freedom to make plans for a day out myself while Conor loves the company of John, Gary and the staff as well as the craic he has with being out with a group. From the first day Conor has loved his trips out. Each month John and Gary provide a timetable of activities so we can plan in advance what Conor wants to take part in. They always ensure the trips are fun and more importantly that they are appropriately aimed at the ages of the group. I have no hesitation in recommending C.O.R.E. John, Gary and the staff are always punctual, kind, friendly and I feel Conor is totally safe and well looked after when he is out with them. I wish C.O.R.E. many years of success ahead.
Sheena Cashell
My son Andrew has been availing of Core Respite Services since 2011. He enjoys the activities mixing with other clients the staff are very caring and supportive. They go above and beyond their duties. They make a point of always celebrating each client’s birthday giving them a special day with all their friends at Core. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all Core Respite Services Staff”
Mrs Nawaz,
Core respite services is absolutely a life saver to Conor and his family. The fantastic support from Gary John and Naomi are second to none. Conor talks none stop about this group so much so I feel like putting a zip on his mouth . The variety 0f outings are amazing and he enjoys them all. Because Conor has this time with the group it gives us parents the free time to enjoy quality time without him but knowing he is in very safe hands. I want to thank you all for your time effort and kindness towards Conor
Seana Kearns,
My daughter Natalie has been using CORE Respite Services for many years now, and it has been a great success for Natalie. The staff have worked extremely hard to make her part of the CORE family. She looks forward to going out with the group every Saturday and especially loves her 1-1 with Naomi throughout the week. Every Saturday they have different activities and really enjoys the craic with everyone. I have especially enjoyed “me time” when Natalie’s out knowing she is having fun with a superb group of people.
Jackie & Natalie
