Ailbhe's Story
My name is Ailbhe Barrett. I live in Cork City with my parents. I am really pleased to able to share my story with you.
I went to boarding school is Lisnagry in Limerick for 12 years when I was younger. My family then moved to Cork and I started as a pupil in St. Paul’s school in Montenotte in Cork city. St. Paul’s is one of COPE Foundations four schools.
When I finished in St. Paul’s I went to the Vocational Training Centre in COPE. I enjoyed my time there and learned many new skills. I got plenty of experience in woodwork, metalwork, printing, sewing and cooking.
I then moved on to the adult services in QDS, which used to be called HELP Industries and is part of COPE too. My job coach in QDS organised work experience for me in the main administration offices in COPE Foundation in Montenotte and I’ve been here for the last two years and I love it! The reason for it makes me feel good and I have lots of colleagues who I enjoy being with.
I love art and last year I was very lucky to get a place in the Arts and Integration programme in Newbury House in Mayfield, Cork. You can read all about this at
Since then I have exhibited many times in various places. Recently I featured in a TV documentary about this Arts programme which was screened on TG4. My exciting news at the moment is that some of my art has been exhibited in London along with pieces from all over the world.
I’m a very busy lady. When I’m not working or exhibiting I do plenty of walking, plenty of swimming and work on computers. I love to knit and I play the keyboards. I have keyboard lessons every Friday night. To relax, I read and watch TV.
My parents are very supportive of my work and are very proud of me. I have two sisters Aine and Mary and three brothers, Patrick, Gerard and Mark - . I am very lucky to have my family around me. I have six nephews, one of whom is my godson and I also have three nieces. My family mean an awful lot to me.
COPE Foundation treats me like the adult that I am. Everybody at COPE treats me with respect and I like that. I feel safe, comfortable, secure and most importantly valued as an individual at COPE Foundation.