2011 has been a busy year here in Genio. We are very grateful for all the dedication and input of so many individuals and organisations in our efforts to stimulate and support social innovation in Ireland that has lasting impact.

We were delighted to be in a position this year to support 24 disability and mental health initiatives around the country through the Genio Trust in addition to the 50 projects supported in 2010.

Since 2010

• almost 200 individuals have been supported to achieve better lives in the community;
• over 200 adults and children have received community-based alternatives to institutional respite;
• almost 1000 service users have received training, information and practical support to enable them to live more independently in the community;
• over 400 family members have received training and support; and
• almost 400 staff and community members have received training and skills to enable them to support people with disabilities and mental health difficulties to live full lives in the community.

We are mindful that many people in Ireland face challenging times in the current economic climate. However, despite this, we have been encouraged to see the innovative and creative work being carried out across the country to support more people with disabilities and mental health difficulties to live full lives in the community. We look forward to building on this work in 2012 with the people who use services themselves remaining at the centre of everything we do, in collaboration with their families and friends, Government, service providers, the business community, philanthropists, agencies and other individuals.

This year we also broadened our scope to the older people’s area and have opened applications for projects that address the need for community-based supports for those along the spectrum of dementia in a flexible, individualised way. Successful applications will be selected through a comprehensive evaluation process and work will commence early 2012.

As 2011 draws to a close, the team at Genio would like to extend sincere thanks for the time, effort and interest of so many people across Ireland and further afield.

We wish you a very Happy Christmas.

Best wishes,

Madeleine Clarke
Founding Director