HEART OF THE COMMUNITY:

Laurel Lodge is a large, detached centre situated just outside Mount Temple, Co. Westmeath.

The centre itself consists of an inviting entrance hallway and a large sitting room, which is divided into TV area and relaxing space for young people. There is a separate kitchen and dining area, four large bedrooms (two en-suite), staff bedrooms and office on the first floor and a guest toilet.

This property lies on a large landscaped site, close to the Dún Na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park and is a 10 minute drive from the Athlone/Mullingar Greenway cycle track.

There are a number of amenities nearby, with the cinema, swimming, sports clubs and horse riding to name but a few. The staff team will always try to accommodate each young person’s hobbies or interests. Laurel Lodge has a variety of outdoor garden activities including basketball and swing-ball, not to mention a BBQ area for those sunny afternoons.

Plans for development include setting a vegetable garden which will be a source of enjoyment for the budding horticulturist.

Laurel Lodge offers a medium to long term placement for up to two young people aged between 13 to 18 years of age. Laurel Lodge provides young people with a safe, consistent and stable environment in which they can engage positively with their individual Care Plan.

On admission to Laurel Lodge, each young person is assigned a keyworker. The role of a keyworker is to advocate for the young person whilst building a positive working relationship.

A lot of emphasis is put into creating positive memories, whilst teaching appropriate interactions. This is done through fun based activities, tailored to each young person’s abilities and interests.

The staff in Laurel Lodge strive to create a welcoming, cosy and homely environment. The young people are consulted in choosing the decor for their bedroom to ensure they feel a sense of belonging.

Each young person has their dietary needs met, with them partaking in compiling a weekly menu, in keeping with trying to create a friendly and homely environment. The young people are encouraged to participate in preparing meals and baking when age-appropriate. This gives the young person a sense of achievement in addition to developing skills for independent living.

A shared approach is adopted when working with the young person. Biological families, carers, Tusla Child and Family Agency, social workers, education and therapist colleagues are encouraged to participate in the young person’s placement to support their success. Laurel Lodge will always work together with those involved partners in the best interest of the young person.

Work carried out will be modelled in light of each individual Care Plan and Placement Plan, as per the needs of each young person. If some element of work required can be better accessed externally from other professionals, TerraGlen will source same.