On 25th March, Maeve Mulryan from the SMH Horizons Project shared the Bridge to Community Initiative to the Communities of Practice in Abbeyleix. She was joined by Pamela Mansell (Bridge to Community Lead) and Lorna Hughes, SMH Person Centred Planning Coordinator. The session highlighted the initiative’s national impact in promoting rights-based, person-centred and community-integrated supports for people with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities, as well as autism.
Funded by the HSE and led by the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, the Bridge to Community Initiative is a national strategic effort designed to:
- Support organisations transitioning to community and citizenship models of support
- Re-energise communities of practice and strengthen sector capacity
- Develop an online platform to share resources and foster collaboration
The initiative reflects a commitment to innovation, shared learning and leadership, ensuring services are rights-based and person-centred, enabling people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities.
The SMH Horizons Project, which supports individuals on their pathway to independent living, plays a key role in advancing the initiative’s objectives. Maeve Mulryan shared St Michael's House’s insights, achievements and ongoing goals with the Communities of Practice. Lorna Hughes also contributed her expertise in person-centred planning, strengthening the collective learning experience.
The community of practice includes dedicated sector collaborators such as Sabrina Barrett (SMH Service Users Engagement and Advocacy Advisor), to strengthen sector-wide capacity and influence the development of rights-based supports across Ireland.
Maeve is pictured with Pamela Mansell (Bridge to Community Lead) and Lorna Hughes (Person Centred Planning Coordinator).
The Bridge to Community Initiative continues to foster collaboration, innovation, and rights-based approaches across Ireland’s disability sector. To learn more, access resources, or join the community of practice, visit the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers website here.