Yvonne Shannon McCarthy

I am currently pursuing a postgraduate MA in social work with a strong focus on practical experience gained through various placements that align with CORU standards. Over the course of my training, I have developed a solid foundation in social work, having completed placements in diverse settings, including mental health, disability services, and children’s services.

During my placement at Turas, Brothers of Charity in Knocknacarra (September - December 2024), I supported home-sharing families, provided family support services, and worked closely with the Children’s Network Disability Team. My role involved conducting social work assessments and reviews and offering clinic support to enhance service delivery to children and families. In my previous placement at the Adult Acute Mental Health Unit, University Hospital Galway (January - April 2024), I collaborated within a multidisciplinary team to provide recovery-oriented services, conducting core assessments, care planning, and advocating for clients facing complex psycho-social and legal issues. I also liaised with various agencies, including local authorities, safeguarding services, and NGOs, and engaged with peer support workers.

In earlier placements, I gained valuable experience in Autism and ADHD, working with Galway Autism Partnership and TEC Secondary School Autism/ADHD Unit (2022-2023). This opportunity allowed me to facilitate social clubs, activities, and peer support while directly assisting students in specialised educational settings. My work at Coovagh House Special Care Unit and St. Joseph's Psychiatric Hospital (2021-2022) involved supporting children aged 11-17 in a secure mental health environment. I focused on person-centred care and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, I supported individuals with disabilities at Ability West (2019-2020), fostering independence and community integration while contributing to care planning and team interventions.

Through my placements and academic journey, I have gained expertise in advocacy, trauma-informed care, person-centred planning, and collaborative practice. My experience in social care further underscores my dedication to providing compassionate, high-quality support to individuals in need. I am adept at crisis intervention, problem-solving, and building strong, empathetic relationships, which allow me to support and empower individuals to live fulfilling lives. With a commitment to making a positive impact in the community, I am focused on delivering exceptional care and support in my social work practice.

• Autism Awareness eLearning Programmes
• Communicating with People who have an Intellectual Disability
• Manual Handling and People Handling Theory Module
• Administration of Medication
• Hand Hygiene for HSE Non-Clinical Staff
• Children First Act Training
• Breaking the Chain of Infection
• Putting on and Taking off PPE in Community Healthcare Settings
• Putting New Directions into Practice
• First Aid Certification
• Mental Health Awareness and Recovery-Oriented Practice
• Decider Skills Training (emotion regulation and mental health strategies)
• CBT and DBT Introductory Modules
• Trauma-Informed Care Approaches
• Decision-Making (Capacity) Act Training
• Studio III Training (management of challenging behaviors)
• Flex Training
• OLIS Training
• Computer Skills Training
• Word Processing Certification
• Medication training
• Safeguarding training
• Risk Assessment and Management Training
• Person-Centered Planning and Support
• Positive Behaviour Support Training
• Social Care Standards and Regulations
• Confidentiality and Data Protection Training (GDPR)
• Collaborative Working in Multidisciplinary Teams
• Ethical Decision-Making in Social Work

• Attending the gym for fitness and well-being
• Driving and exploring scenic routes
• Walking and enjoying nature
• Assisting with arts and crafts projects
• Traveling and experiencing new cultures
• Listening to and engaging with podcasts
• Cooking and experimenting with recipes and Baking and creating homemade treats
• Enjoying music across various genres
• Reading books and articles for personal growth and leisure
• Embracing challenges and learning opportunities
• Volunteering with Galway Autism Partnership to support community initiatives

Name: Sharon Faherty

Title: Area Manager Brother Of Charity

Bruach Na Mara, Cararroe, Galway.

Email Address: sharon.faherty@bocsi.ie

Number:091869790

Orla Carrol and Mary Corbett

Social Workers 

TURAS, Brother of Charity, KnocknaCarra, Co. Galway.  

0879101229/ 0879291417

orla.carroll@bocsi.ie

mary.corbett@bocsi.ie