Irish Wheelchair Association centre in Offaly village 'a home away from home' for users

“A home away from home” . . . “a chance to meet other people and enjoys courses and crafts” . . “a life changing and life-enhancing service.”

Just some of the comments from members of the Offaly branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) who congregate on a weekly basis at the group's centre in Ballinagar.

The state of the art centre, located on the main Tullamore to Ballinagar road on the outskirts of the village, provides a host of invaluable courses and services to the many IWA members scattered throughout the county.

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"IWA members meet in our centre and share their knowledge of crochet and knitting from making hats, cardigans and blankets to projects including recovering bikes, lamps and much more," outlined Petrina Slaterry, one of the management team at the centre.

She continued: "This not only adds cheer and colour to our centre but is a showcase for our members to share their talents and skills with all who visit."

Courses are provided in a wide variety of crafts for members who are transported by bus from all corners of the Faithful County to the centre.

Laois Offaly Education Training Board (LOETB) have also provided a tutor who is currently running a mosaic project, revealed the centre's services co-ordinator, Richard Ross (pictured).

"Her knowledge and experience in guiding members through this process has been insightful and interesting for all to learn a new craft."

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The Ballinagar centre holds regular open days where the products handcrafted by IWA members, including crochet works, lamps and knitted garments are displayed

The centre has also run a beauty programme which included nail painting, hair styling and pamper treatments. This, like all the centre's courses, is open to IWA members throughout the county.

The centre has also developed a six week healthy eating course facilitated by Offaly Local Development Company.

The IWA centre is located at Toberlaheen, just outside Ballinagar (R35 NX09), and can be contacted at 057 9350122.