Developments at Platinum Clubhouse

Following an international accreditation visit in February 2002, Platinum Clubhouse was found to be operating within the guidelines of the International Standards and so achieved accreditation. Platinum is the first (and only) Irish Clubhouse to achieve this level of recognition.
To view a larger copy of the accreditation certificate, click here.

Members are encouraged to express themselves through art. Some have benefited from educational courses and others from exhibitions.

This majestic piece of bog oak was sourced and selected by the members of Platinum Clubhouse community and was brought from its natural raw stage having being submerged in the Irish bog over the last 4000 years.

Generously sponsored by: Kildare County Council arts grant 2003.
Created by artist: Brian O'Loughlin, Cappanargid, Rathangan, Co. Kildare

Platinum Clubhouse is involved in assisting members and staff members to attain their full potential and to this end we are involved in various educational programmes, both within the Clubhouse and in the wider community. As can be seen from the above picture, there have been numerous successes in this area. Well done to all involved. Courses completed include: First Aid, Manual Handling, Advocacy, Computers, Food Hygiene, CERT, Clubhouse training, etc. Many people have taken part in conferences at home and abroad.

Platinum Clubhouse purchased a mini-bus in partnership with Estuary centre in Swords Co Dublin. Platinum was lucky they got €15,000 from The National Lottery. The total cost of the bus was €40,000. It is fully wheelchair accessible, with a ramp and a step at the side, with quick release seats. It has a 16-seat capacity plus the driver. We hope that every one using this mini-bus will have a safe and a happy time and enjoy many a trip. A grant from Offaly & Kildare Community Transport Ltd. assisted in making the mini-bus wheelchair accessible.

The mural was an opportunity for the members to become more involved in art and was prepared in Platinum Clubhouse with the excellent assistance of Joanie. The image includes the St. Brigid's Cross, a symbol of Kildare, while the Moate of Ardscull is also represented. Other images included are a dream catcher and a representation of the clubhouse as a bright happy place.

Declan, who is a member of the Clubhouse community was the inspiration and craftsman behind the shelving in the library. It was designed, crafted and assembled by Declan who encouraged a group of members to assist him in every area of this project, from beginning to end. These beautiful pieces of furniture embody the core Clubhouse ideal of membership involvement and empowerment, due to the fact that staff were not skilled in woodwork and so could not envisage the finished product.