New Sister Shed launched for women with additional needs

A NEW Sister Shed for women with special needs and intellectual disabilities will be launched in Rua Red, Tallaght, this Tuesday, April 16, at 10.30am.

It will be 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.

“I feel very strongly that women with intellectual disabilities and special needs need to be a part of the community,” Sherin told The Echo.

“They already have great services around them, but the idea here is that the women can come together in alignment with each other and understanding, and build friendships.

“It’s not a dividing group, it’s about being inclusive.

“There will be cooking classes, and we’ll do a vision board with them for how they want their Sister Shed to be.

“It’s giving them back the reins of independence and asking them what they want to do – the exact same as we do with the other Sister Sheds.”

The Sister Shed is being developed in conjunction with Cheeverstown, St John of God, EVE and the Fettercairn Health Project, but it is open to all women with intellectual disabilities.

“It’s open to the public,” added Sherin.

“It’ll be two hours every Friday morning.

“There’ll be an understanding between the women in the shed, and it will give them an opportunity to collaborate and build friendships.

“But at the same time, we won’t treat this Sister Shed any differently to the others.

“They can all do what we do, and anyone can come to the launch next week.”

While a firm time hasn’t been set for when the new Sister Shed will meet, it will take place every Friday morning in Rua Red.

To find out more information and information on an agreed time for when the new Sister Shed will hold their weekly get-together, follow Sister Sheds on Facebook HERE and Instagram HERE.