Training Services
CI Cosan, Donegal Town
Where is the programme based?
Community Inclusion Cosan (CI Cosan) is based in the heart of Donegal Town. Donegal Town is in South Donegal and is located at the mouth of the River Eske and Donegal Bay, which is overshadowed by the Blue Stack Mountains ("the Croaghs").
Who is the programme for?
CI Cosán is an ecotherapy programme designed for adults with autism and/or intellectual disabilities. We use green exercise—walking and physical activity in natural settings—to support:
- Mental health
- Emotional wellbeing
- Physical fitness
- Social connection
How can someone get on the programme?
Referrals to the programme(s) are through an Occupational Guidance Officer/ HSE Day Services Supports Guidance Development Unit.
Cost of the programme
The programme is free. There is no charge for the programme, there may be a cost for some community based modules or activities, depending on the modules chosen.
What supports are available?
Each person will be supported to:
- Have their own Person Centred Plan.
- Have an individual timetable.
Supports can be made available for:
- Active Support
- Positive Behaviour Support
- Assistance with Personal Care
- MDT support as necessary, e.g Social Work, Psychology
What activities make up the programme?
CI Cosan facilitate:
- Guided nature walks – Walking side by side encourages connection, conversation, and active listening. We offer a variety of accessible walks from our base in Donegal Town, including beach, forest, and lakeside routes.
- Exercise in nature – Gentle physical activity in natural settings supports both physical health and emotional wellbeing.
- Mindfulness Practice – Simple, sensory-based techniques help participants feel grounded, calm, and present in the moment.
- Daily Diary - Through our daily diary, we engage in reflective practice—taking time to be mindful, notice our surroundings, and reflect on our experiences in nature.
At the heart of CI Cosán is a simple but powerful ethos: walking side by side creates space for connecting, and deep listening. Nature becomes a gentle companion in the journey toward wellbeing.
Using a holistic approach, our trained staff work closely with each participant to offer personalised support to:
- Explore personal goals, wishes and aspirations
- Build confidence through nature-based activities
- Foster positive relationships in a safe, supportive environment
Certification
QQI Certification is available as an option for service users at levels 1, 2 and 3.
How long can someone stay on the programme?
DCITS provides support for adults aged 18-65. Attendance is not time – limited. Plans and transitions will be fully supported for service users.
Is the programme full-time or part-time?
DCITS offers both full-time and part-time options, depending on each individual’s needs, wishes and preferences.
Additional Information
Community Engagement – We build strong local ties through partnerships with Tidy Towns, Men’s Shed, community gardens, and local businesses—offering meaningful ways to engage, learn, and contribute
Referral Pathways to Support – We work closely with Employability Services, our Multi-Disciplinary Team, and other support networks to connect individuals with the right opportunities, tailored to their needs.
QQI Certification – Qualified CI Cosán staff deliver QQI-accredited training with a range of modules to support personal and professional development.
Active Healthy Me Programme - This six-module programme promotes physical activity, healthy eating, hydration, and
community wellbeing.
Civic Dollars App - We promote outdoor activity and community engagement by adding risk-assessed walks to their app and sharing feedback to enhance local green spaces. Participants earn Civic Dollars—our unique community currency—while supporting well-being and active citizenship.
Leave No Trace Principles - We follow Leave No Trace principles, encouraging sustainable outdoor recreation through ecotherapy. By caring for our green spaces, we build a lasting, two-way relationship that benefits both nature and our community.
CI Cosan Green Team A voluntary group of service users committed to promoting sustainability within our service by planning, taking action, and sharing eco-friendly tips with peers.
Re-Turn Initiative – Recycle today, bloom tomorrow! - We take recycling into the community, turning rewards into seeds that grow vibrant flowers and nutritious vegetables. By engaging locally, we bring sustainability full circle—promoting greener spaces and shared responsibility.
CI Cosan, Donegal Town
Donegal Town,
F94 DR70