08/08/2026
🌊 What an incredible few days for our Leader David and his PA Des! ☀️
Thanks to a recent initiative from the Board of Directors of OCIL, David had the opportunity to plan his own alternative respite break and he certainly made the most of it!
The Board has allocated funding to give our Leaders more choice in how they use respite. It doesn’t always have to mean a traditional respite stay. It could be a few days away, a trip to the theatre, going to a match, attending a family occasion or event, or simply doing something they may otherwise face barriers in doing independently.
For David, that meant heading off to Waterford and staying in Tramore with David himself making the plans and deciding how he wanted to spend his time. 💙💛
Staying at the Majestic Hotel, David and Des packed plenty into their few days the carnival, beach, miniature golf, the arcade, a paddle boat, great food and plenty of sunshine. They also enjoyed a beautiful cruise through Waterford City to King’s Island, learning about the history along the way. 🚢
But more than anything, this trip was about choice, independence and having control over how you spend your own time. For David, it was a chance to call the shots, enjoy a break away and make some brilliant memories.
And judging by the video, we think David planned a pretty great trip! 😊
A huge thank you to Des for supporting David to make it happen, and most importantly, well done to David for showing exactly what Independent Living is all about. 💙💛
📣 And to all of our OCIL Leaders – this funding is open to you too!
Any OCIL Leader can apply for Alternative Respite Funding. If there’s something you would love to do, somewhere you would like to go, or an experience you would like to enjoy with the support of your PA, we would love to hear your ideas.
Simply contact [email protected] or call 085 8894828 for an application form and we’ll be very happy to help you with the application and planning.
After all, respite should be about what works for you.💙💛
