Fantastic Sister Shed launch for women with special needs

OVER 40 people attended the launch of a new Sister Shed for women with special needs and intellectual disabilities in Rua Red, Tallaght, on Tuesday morning.

It is the 25th Sister Shed and will be part of the wider network of sheds in locations including Ballyfermot, Belgard, Jobstown and Bluebell.

Founded by cousins Sherin and Rachel Hughes, Sister Sheds provide a social outlet for women, and this marks the first time they have developed a shed aimed at women with intellectual disabilities.

The idea came about after a suggestion by Samantha Griffin from the Fettercairn Health Project to create a shed to cater to women with additional needs.

Sherin and Rachel then decided to set about developing a Sister Shed of that nature, and were blown away by the support and enthusiasm they received at the launch of the shed this week.

“The atmosphere was exciting for the ladies that joined the shed, and I feel like it’s another milestone for Sister Sheds and great for the women in the shed,” Sherin told The Echo.

Orla Clarke and Aine Clarke at the launch in Rua Red

“The launch was fantastic and there were more people there than we thought there would be.

“I see more of a need for a shed like this since the launch, because we were surprised with the lovely turn-out we had.”

Some women who are members of the new Sister Shed, namely Liz Murray-Stanley, Abbie Stacy and Katie Cooling, gave short speeches at the launch.

Katie Cooling said the new shed will be “hugely beneficial for women with disabilities as it promotes independence, friendships and relationships outside of family and carers, and it gives a social life outside of day centres.”

The women in the new shed are already devising plans for activities, before the group’s weekly meetings kick off in Rua Red every Friday morning from 10am to 12pm from April 26.

“It’ll all be inclusive,” added Sherin, who lives in Jobstown.

“And the level of enthusiasm is great coming from the women themselves.

“I think it’s important to remember that we’re all equal in so many ways, and I’m really excited about the new shed being in the community – because when we include each other, we should include all.”