Meet Joan

Embracing Joy and Community at Beechwood and Greenview Services

My name is Joan Fitzpatrick and I am the manager of Beechwood and Greenview Services.  I started working for Ability West in January 1995 when it was known as Galway County Association. 

I really love working in Ability West and supporting the people who attend our service each day.  I look forward to hearing the little bit of news they have each morning when they arrive to their work place.

There are lots of activities happening in our services in our day services. We have a great lively drumming session as well as dancing, lámh, yoga, exercise classes, drama, arts and crafts, gardening, baking and cooking.  We attend Mass in our local church and sometimes we travel to Knock. We like to go to the library in Westside and Ballybane. We have had our beautiful art displayed in a local doctor’s surgery in Westside. Each season brings new activities to Beechwood and Greenview.  We change our activities throughout the year to reflect the different themes that the seasons may bring. 

The secret to running a good service is to have good communication and respect. Listening to everyone’s worries and complaints and most importantly, learning from mistakes. Being part of a team and working alongside staff and never asking staff to do something you wouldn’t do yourself - leading by example!  It is very important to listen as well as being heard and to support each other and have some fun along the way!

I have worked for Ability West for a long time in different roles such as Relief, Community Support and Senior Instructor, I have been able to draw on my experience from all my roles.  Ability West is a lovely place to work, I love to see the people we support come into their Day Service with a smile and go home with a smile!

Joan Fitzpatrick
Person in Charge – Beechwood & Greenview Day Services