About Us
Fairways first opened in 1987 with the development of a residential care unit for adults with learning disabilities in Portrush. Since then there have been many changes, both in Community Care legislation, service delivery and the service provision at Fairways.
We currently operate on two sites, both providing care and support for adults with learning disabilities; Duncreggan providing residential accommodation and Cloonavin providing housing and support services. For further information on our Residential Care services at Duncreggan click here.
The 'Cloonavin Green Project' first opened its doors on 9th January 2006. Many of the tenants who now live at Cloonavin Green were previously resident at Fairways, 'Dunluce' Residential Home which has now closed. The Project consists of five houses, in a 'regular' private housing development on the Portstewart Road in Coleraine. The Project can provide tenancy and support services for up to twenty-two people. Two of the houses have five bedrooms and three of the houses have four bedrooms.
The practices of the entire staff team are steeped firmly in the ethos of Fairways Independent Living Initiative. Each tenant receives an individual care package appropriate to his/her needs. We were very fortunate from the onset, in the sense that we were able to completely custom build the project around the people who were to use it optimising and facilitating the potential for a proper 'user led service'. We were adamant from the beginning that this would not be 'token gesture' supported living, but that the people who we work with would be valued citizens and contributors to their community. Our daily work with each tenant continues to pursue this objective. In addition, this is a significant part of the reason as to why we chose the location on the Portstewart Road. We are firmly of the belief that this group of people have the same right to high quality housing as any other.
Continuing with the aim of a true user-led service has meant that there is huge potential for development, bringing new horizons and new challenges for tenants and support workers alike. Opportunities are extensive, and the continued support from the local community has been invaluable.
Vikki continually works to promote empowerment and independence by facilitating employment support networks, day care placements and education placements at local colleges. This has helped tenants to establish friendships and social networks leading to increased ability and confidence.
Each tenant is actively encouraged to take responsibility for daily living tasks such as shopping, cleaning, cooking and budgeting. Geoff supports each tenant in completing each of these responsibilities. As there are either four or five tenants living in each house, the household is encouraged to share these responsibilities equally. Geoff assists each tenant in organising budgets, preparing menus & shopping lists and going to the local supermarkets. Geoff's input varies according to need and he works to educate each tenant about nutritional and dietary requirements.
