About Us
At St Catherine’s Association we’ve been providing services to individuals with a diagnosis of moderate to profound intellectual disability for over 50 years. Many of those we support have a dual diagnosis of Autism and complex behavioural or medical needs.
We are based at the heart of our local community, working closely with individuals and their families to support them to achieve their full potential through a range of services. All individuals are encouraged to participate in community based activities of their choice and promote social engagement with peers, family, friends and neighbours.
The organisation has a qualified and dedicated staff team with many years experience in the field of intellectual disabilities. We work closely with our funding agency, regulator and other agencies to advocate and meet the identified needs of those we support. St Catherine’s also engage on a national level to ensure the voice of those we support are heard and considered in the development of national policy.
A Brief History
The organisation was established in 1970 following years of campaigning by a small group of parents and local supporters who met to explore social and educational opportunities in their community for their children and others with additional needs. Through dedication, devotion and campaigning by this group and the many others that joined them over the years, they acquired use of a small section of the current EDC building on the grounds of Newcastle Hospital to deliver education and an early form of respite to a small number of children.
Since then, St Catherine’s has continued to grow from strength to strength providing high quality, safe and effective care from their HIQA registered centres. The provision of community based respite and Adult Day Services have been a welcome addition to our range of services.
As the Patron of St Catherine’s Special School (http://www.stcatherinesspecialschool.ie) we welcome new students to the school each year.
What hasn’t changed in all those years, is the dedication and devotion to provide a service of excellence to those we support now and long into the future.
Our Vision
“Leaders in the provision of lifelong, flexible family supports for children and adults with an intellectual disability.”
Our Mission
“The Association will deliver a service of excellence that is person centered, responding to their identified needs ensuring that each achieves their full potential and is supportive of both the person and their families.”
Our Values
Our values are the guiding principles underpinning our service approach. At St Catherine’s empathy, and respect drive our commitment to delivering the highest level of support and care. We embrace the diversity of the individuals we support and strive for inclusivity, tailoring our support offering to meet each individual's assessed needs. We aim to enhance our residents’ quality of life and promote their independence. Upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, we aim to build trust with those we care for.
At St Catherine’s, our values are more than just words; they guide us in making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve every day.
Our core values are:
- Compassion: Commitment to recognising and relieving the difficulties of and challenges faced by the individuals in our care
- Integrity: Being honest and principled in all of our activities and dealings
- Innovation: Seeing the value of new ideas and challenging ourselves to develop our services and processes to better serve the individuals and families we serve
- Dedication: Committed to our mission of a service of excellence that is person centered