HSE launch three new Community Inclusion Services across County Donegal

The HSE has officially launched a number of Community Inclusion (CI) services across County Donegal recently, marking an important step forward in strengthening person-centred supports and inclusive opportunities within local communities.

The launches celebrated the opening and continued development of CI Donegal, CI Buncrana and CI Cosan, which are all part of the HSE Donegal Community Inclusion Training Service (DCITS). Events took place in Donegal Town and Buncrana with service users, families, HSE staff and key stakeholders to recognise the positive impact these services are already having across the county.

HSE Community Inclusion services play a key role in supporting individuals to live full, self-directed lives. By focusing on inclusion, skill development, and active participation in community life, the services support people to build confidence, independence, and a strong sense of belonging.

Located in the heart of Donegal Town and Millbrea, Buncrana, the services provide central and accessible community-based settings where individuals are supported to become active members of their local communities. The services proximity to local businesses creates opportunities for community participation daily. The services were developed through collaboration between the HSE Day Service Coordination Team and DCITS.

All three services are guided by the HSE’s New Directions policy and the Person-Centred Planning (PCP) framework. These approaches place each individual at the centre of their own journey, supporting people to make choices, pursue personal goals, and engage as valued members of their community.

Currently, twenty service users attend the CI Donegal centre, six participate in the CI Cosan ecotherapy programme and five attend CI Buncrana. Across the services, individuals engage in a wide range of activities designed to promote independence, wellbeing and personal development. These include QQI-accredited modules in areas such as Food Choice and Health, Life Skills, and Independent Living Skills, alongside work experience placements, arts and crafts, music, recycling initiatives, and community engagement activities.

CI Cosan offers a unique ecotherapy-based approach centred around the restorative benefits of nature, movement, mindfulness and reflective practice. The programme supports participants to build confidence, improve emotional wellbeing and work towards meaningful personal goals in a calm and supportive environment.

Speaking at the launch Programme Coordinator for CI Donegal, Sinead Concarr said, “Inclusion begins when the service is guided by respect, empathy, and equal opportunity for all, every person deserves a life filled with respect, opportunity, and belonging, and true service helps make that possible.”

Speaking at the launch, CI Donegal service user Ciaran Morrison shared his enthusiasm for the service, saying, “The hub is a great place to be involved in, from the moment I walk through the door, I feel a warm welcome, I feel like a valued member of the Hub and I appreciate being able to express myself. If I ever have a problem, I know I can speak to any members of staff and they will listen and support me.”

CI Cosan Programme Coordinator Shauna McLaughlin highlighted the impact of the service saying, “CI Cosan is a unique programme that supports individuals to build confidence, develop independence, and improve their overall wellbeing in a calm and supportive natural environment. Through ecotherapy, outdoor activity, mindfulness, and reflective practice, service users are encouraged to work towards meaningful personal goals at their own pace.”

CI Cosan service user Lee Agius shared his feedback about his service, "Since joining the programme, I’ve come a long way. CI Cosan has had a real and positive impact on my life, helping to build my confidence, improve my wellbeing, and develop skills that support me in everyday life. The programme is a great fit for me because it includes things I genuinely enjoy, especially walking and spending time in nature, which I get to do each week in a supportive and structured environment.  With the guidance of my keyworker and the wider CI Cosan team, I work towards meaningful personal goals, including gaining the confidence and experience to pursue employment. I am now working independently in my dream paid role, doing something I truly love-and I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come."

Liam McGill, Coordinator for CI Buncrana talked about the significance of CI Buncrana within the local community saying, “The team in CI Buncrana are delighted to see this service come to life. It is based in a fantastic part of the community and allows us to support inclusion in a real and meaningful way. Having worked with DCITS for almost three years, I’ve seen first-hand how vital these opportunities are.”

CI Buncrana service user Matthew Friel described the opportunities available through the service, “I love coming here because my friends are here. I get to go swimming, go to the mart in Carndonagh, attend the gym and take part in QQI courses and work experience. Its great being part of the community.”

Dermot Monaghan, HSE Integrated Healthcare Manager for Donegal who spoke at the event said, “The launch of CI Donegal, CI Cosan and CI Buncrana marks an important step in strengthening person-centred supports across Donegal. These services reflect our commitment to ensuring people are supported to live full, independent, and meaningful lives within their own communities. Through partnership, inclusion, and innovative programmes such as ecotherapy, we are creating opportunities for individuals to build confidence, develop skills, and achieve personal goals in environments where they feel valued, respected, and connected.”

Together, CI Donegal, CI Cosan and CI Buncrana represent a community-focused services where opportunity, connection, inclusion and personal growth are at the heart of everything.