CAPAA in desperate appeal for new home

CAPAA in desperate appeal for new home

29 July 2015

A LEADING Downpatrick charity which caters for children and young adults with autism has warned its search for a new permanent home in the town is “getting desperate.”

The Children And Parents And Autism (CAPAA) organisation has to vacate its current base at the Downshire Hospital site within the next few weeks, but is hoping it can retain its presence in the town to continue with its vital work.

The charity runs weekly sessions and a popular summer scheme and CAPAA chairwoman Moira Denvir says it is “critical” a new home is found as soon as possible.

The South Eastern Trust requires the premises the charity is currently using in Downpatrick and while health chiefs have offered the use of Grove House in Ballynahinch, the building would not be available during the day, threatening the future of CAPAA’s very successful summer scheme.

Mrs Denvir said the search is now on for alternative premises to meet the needs of a charity whose numbers are increasing.

“It is vitally important we resolve our accommodation issue,” she declared. “Our preference is to remain in Downpatrick and while health officials have no buildings which would suit our needs we believe there are premises which would be ideal for us.”

Mrs Denvir said the charity has identified Down Council’s former building control offices at the Strangford Road in Downpatrick and is keen to secure approval to be allowed to use it.

“It is important we secure alternative accommodation as soon as we can, given that we have to vacate our current base at Ward 24 at the Downshire by August 20. We require a permanent base for our children and young adults and hope our quest will be successful,” she said.

Mrs Denvir said with health officials insisting it has no other buildings suitable for the charity, the organisation now finds itself “back at square one looking for a new home.” She said The Hub in Downpatrick has offered the use of its premises for the club’s activities on Wednesday and Friday nights until the charity can find a permanent base.

“We require a place of our own because the children we cater for do not like change as a result of their condition. They like to know where they are and where they are going to. Spending a week in one location and a week in another is not suitable.

“Not having a permanent home runs the risk of these children not coming back to us. It is so important we maintain their socialisation skills which is one of the big things we do for them. To do that we require a permanent base and very much want that to be in Downpatrick.”

Mrs Denvir said charity officials are keen to expand the service they provide to young adults in particular by providing them with an opportunity to learn new skills, for example, picture framing. She said plans have also been discussed to open a shop, but warned none of this can happen if CAPAA cannot secure a new home.

She said a previous approach to local council officials about using the former building control building came to nothing after suggestions the cost of renting the facility would be over £1,100 a month. Mrs Denvir said the charity now plans to make a fresh approach to Newry, Mourne and Down Council to use the Strangford Road building which has been lying vacant for several years.

“At a time when the service we provide is increasing we need to resolve our accommodation issue. Grove House was offered but is not suitable as the building is not available during the day, but the former council building would meet our needs, given there is ample car parking and a large open area we could utilise,” said the CAPAA chairwoman.

Mrs Denvir added: “Council buildings were funded by ratepayers and if we were allowed to use the premises at the Strangford Road it would be rates free given our charitable status. We plan to meet with council officials to discuss our proposal and are hoping for a positive outcome as we believe they are in a position to help us solve our accommodation issue.”

A Newry, Mourne and Down Council spokeswoman said CAPPA approached the former Down Council about the possibility of renting accommodation at Strangford Road.

She added: “The terms of rental were discussed although unfortunately no agreement was made. 

To date, the charity has not approached the new council to further discuss its current difficulties securing premises.”