Our History
The Butterfly Club is a voluntary group which was set up in 2004 . The original idea of the club was brought about after Rathkeale and Newcastle West hosted Martinque in the Special Olympics in Dublin in 2003.
When the Olympics was over a group of volunteers decided to offer respite to families, and a social club to children with additional needs from West Limerick. The club with the support of West Limerick services started in Coláiste na Trociare, secondary school in Rathkeale in September 2004.
As the club has grown and evolved, it was necessary to move from Coláiste na Trocaire to the Rathkeale community hall and then to the community creche. In 2017 we acquired a unit in the Rathkeale Industrial Estate. This unit has been adapted to
the needs of the children in the club. In 2019 we added on a covered playground area to our facilities, and we continue to adapt our unit to the needs of the children within our club.
The club currently provide monthly respite for 50 children and youths with additional needs, and their families, in the West Limerick region. We have a committed group of approximately 70 adult and 20 student volunteers, from all over Limerick.
The Butterfly Club provide a social outing for children with additional needs ,and for most of our members this is there only social interaction. We bring the children, swimming in St Gabriels hydrotherapy pool, we go bowling, our local golf club
provides adapted golf facilities. When the groups stay in the unit, we bring in music and play therapists, we do arts and crafts, baking and cycling.
Our Home
We have been able to design our unit to fit the diverse needs of our members. Creating a space that provides them a safe, accessible and welcoming environment to take part in a variety of fun activities.
Occupational Therapy Room: This room features colourful padding on the floors and lowers wall. This allows our members to do a variety of activities safely. This room features an enclosed ball pit, and a ceiling mounted swing with a variety of attachments. This room is also fitted with a full hoist, which gives access to the padded floor area to wheelchair users.
Sensory Room: This is a very serene and relaxing environment, that allows our members to find a calm space. All the lighting can be controlled by the user. It features a wall mount that has a variety of music, sounds and visuals. A wall projector, a sensory fish tank and hanging lights. The room is fitted with padding on the walls and parts of the floor and a variety of bean bags. Giving them a variety of comfortable places to relax. There is also a path left clear to allow wheelchair access.
Reception/Sitting Room: This room is used for a variety of purpose from playing with toys, doing arts and crafts or chilling on the coach.
Sports Hall: This is a wide open space that can be used for a range of activities, from soccer, to music therapy or messy play.
Kitchen: The Kitchen gives us a place to have a break and take part in activities such as baking. The counter space is designed for wheelchair access.
Disabled Toilet: We have a disabled bathroom which is fitted with a full ceiling hoist and a large adjustable double changing bed.
Outdoor Play Area: We have a covered outdoor play area, with a sucken trampoline and Chalkboard walls. This gives an opportunity to get fresh air and take part in outdoor activities. We also have a variety of ride-on’s that the members like to use such as tractors, scooters, trikes, we also have a side-by-side and wheelchair accessible bicycles.
