A positive future through vision and values for St Christopher's

St Christopher’s launch of the Vision and Values document took place in the Sylvia Dawson Hall on Wednesday, July 24. Staff, service users and family were in attendance, which filled the entire hall, to acknowledge what a hopeful future the service will be striving for since creating the document. It was said that it took eighteen months since conception.

The introduction, by Catriona, told of the importance of the document and the launch being a “special occasion”. Steven followed and carried on from there. Both are service users of St Christopher’s.

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“It is to make sure everybody is heard,” he said. “We are here to make a difference.”

The advocacy council introduced themselves, who were sitting at the front. They come from several destinations. For example, one of them was John from the Resource Centre in Ballymahon.

One of the staff members, Audrey Ryan, then followed with a speech after the Advocacy Council was finished. She began with a direct thank you to them, calling it an “accumulation of work over a number of years.”

She then followed up with how the Vision and Values document came about.

“Everyone shared words for St Christopher’s, and a theme started to show. The Mission, Vision and Values was born. It is an achievement for all of us; the service workers, family and guardians, staff and board of directors.”

Calling the launch a key to rebuilding St Christopher’s, especially since the ending of the pay dispute in 2024, the launch was all about the “spirit of collaboration.” Audrey added that they were to work with all the stakeholders with a strategic plan while honouring the values.

The chairperson of the board, Emmett Corcoran, stood to make a speech as well.

“I’d like to thank the council for the presentation. I’ve been chairman of St Christopher’s for a few months. The work done here is nothing more than extraordinary. The mission shows what the future holds. Our users have the best quality of life. I’d like to thank the senior members and staff, as well as staff who have been retired but done a lifetime of work and personal investment.”

Declan Kenny, CEO, emphasised the importance of the document and how he was implementing the ideas on it through his day-to-day life, encouraging others to do the same to make an inclusive community internally and externally.

“Advocacy council, this is real and will make a real difference. You are important and will be listened to.”

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Acknowledging that they were to learn from the past, he encouraged everyone to turn their gaze to the future. The positivity throughout the launch was clear throughout, with plenty of rounds of applause and appreciation for the efforts put towards making the document possible.