Home Sharing Ability West Service

24/07/2026

24/07/2026

We're delighted to share highlights from this year's Home Sharing Family Fun Day! A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped create such a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Have a look at the photos and videos below

Here’s a lovely story about the wonderful Homesharing Family Fun Day last week at Brooklodge.

03/07/2026

Ability West is proud to host ISBA - International Short Break Association 2027 in Galway

We are delighted to launch the Call for Papers for this international conference, bringing together voices from across research, practice, and lived experience.

At Ability West, we believe in creating opportunities for people to live full, meaningful lives in their communities. The ISBA 2027 Conference will explore how respite can be a bridge to opportunity, inclusion, and connection and supporting individuals and families at every stage of life.

We are now inviting submissions from:
- Researchers and practitioners
- Individuals and families with lived experience
- Community partners and organisations

Share your insights on innovation, inclusion, and real-life impact, and help shape the future of support systems.

📍 Galway, Ireland
📅 22–24 June 2027
🗓 Submission deadline: 23 October 2026
👉 Submit your abstract: https://www.isba.me

Together, we can amplify voices, strengthen communities, and reimagine what inclusive support looks like.

01/04/2026

𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝘄!! 🐣

Enter our Win A Kia Picanto draw by Easter Monday, April 6th and you could win 15 extra FREE tickets 🙌

It’s the perfect chance to boost your odds for just €10. If you've entered already, you’re automatically in with a chance to win a brand new Kia Picanto 🚗

Every entry helps support people with intellectual disabilities across Galway City and County, funding vital services and supports.

Don’t miss out and get your ticket today: https://winakiapicanto.ie

26/03/2026

Best Buddies Ireland will host a Friendship Walk in Memory of Paul Cannon on Sunday, 12 April at the Claddagh Hall, Galway from 12:00pm to 2:00pm. This event will bring people together to remember Paul and to recognise the positive impact he had on those around him, while also supporting the work of...

17/02/2026

Become a Home Sharing host; flexible, supported, and carefully matched to suit your household.
• Individuals, couples & families welcome
• Flexible commitment
• Full training & ongoing support; you’re never on your own
• Careful matching by interests and routines
• A rewarding experience that enriches everyone’s life

Receive fixed‑rate payments per session (varies by support needs). Comment “INFO” for details, DM us, or contact the team: 087 367 2940 / 091 540 942 • [email protected]
Learn more: abilitywest.ie/homesharing-services

16/02/2026

Just a quick reminder that the Best Buddies Talent Show is happening tomorrow evening, Tuesday 17 February!
The Home SharingTeam will be there on the night, so if you’re curious about Home Sharing or would like to learn more, come over to our Home Sharing table and say hello. We’d love to chat with you!

Ability West Corlann Ireland Best Buddies International

It's almost show time!!!

You’re invited to the Best Buddies Got Talent Show at The Bailey Allen Hall, University of Galway on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026!

It’s set to be an unforgettable evening packed with incredible talent, big energy and brilliant entertainment and everyone is welcome to come along and cheer on our performers!

Doors open: 7.00pm
Show starts: 7.30pm
Tickets: €10 | €7 for students

Get your tickets here - https://ability-west.sumupstore.com/

We can’t wait to see you there for a fun-filled night with Best Buddies NUI Galway

06/02/2026

Become a Home Sharing family, and change a life from your own home.

We’re looking for families, couples and individuals in the community to open their homes to provide respite support to someone with an intellectual disability.

What’s involved?
🔹Flexible commitment – options to provide support around your own work and family commitments
🔹Full training and ongoing support – you’ll never be on your own
🔹Careful matching – we partner you with someone whose personality and interests suit your household
🔹Rewarding experience – build a meaningful relationship that enriches everyone's life

Home Sharing families receive regular financial support for each respite break they offer. This contribution recognises your time, commitment, and the welcoming home environment you provide. Payments are set at a fixed rate per session, which varies depending on the level of support the person requires. To give a general example of what this can look like:
🔹 A host contracted to provide two weekends per month
🔹 Could typically receive between €750 and €1,000 per month
🔹 With rates adjusted for the person’s support needs

For more information, contact the Home Sharing team at 087 367 2940 / 091 540 942, email [email protected].

You can also visit our website, where you’ll find detailed information on the different types of Home Sharing arrangements and the steps involved in becoming a Home Sharing family - https://www.abilitywest.ie/homesharing-services

16/01/2026

Podcast 2 has just launched on our website! In this episode Orla Kearns shares essential advice for motorists; Stephen Joyce chats with Bridget Donnellan about her role at Ability West; Ferdia King sits down with a mystery guest to talk all things money; Daniel Goldrick dives into the topic of human rights plus, music from Liam Haynes and James Timothy!

We hope you enjoy the episode—don’t miss it! Click link below:
https://www.abilitywest.ie/voicesofabilitywest

26/12/2025

is looking for a Home Sharing family!
Support a young man with an intellectual disability for up to 16 nights per month.
Home Sharing offers a warm, family-based alternative to traditional respite, helping build relationships, inclusion, and routine.
✅ Full training & support
✅ Assessment to ensure the match is right
✅ Comprehensive Home Sharing allowance
📞 Call: 087 367 2940 / 091 540 942
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Learn more: abilitywest.ie/homesharing-services