The Neuro-Mapping Project
Introduction
Over 860,000 people in Ireland live with a neurological condition. Recognising the urgent need for improved services, the HSE National Steering Group for Neuro Rehabilitation (NSG) has focused on developing community-based neuro-rehabilitation services.
The HSE-DFI-NAI Neuro Mapping Project (2022-2025) plays a crucial role in shaping the future of these services. By mapping existing community-based neuro-rehabilitation supports and gathering insights from people with lived experience and service providers, the project provides a roadmap for a more accessible and effective system.
The project, conducted in two phases, has been instrumental in identifying gaps, challenges, and opportunities in neuro-rehabilitation services across CHO areas 2, 3, and 6. Findings have consistently highlighted the urgent need for more streamlined, equitable, and integrated services.
Why This Matters
The Neuro Mapping Project findings are relevant to a diverse group of stakeholders (click to follow):
Explore how this project impacts each group below.
Individuals Living with Neurological Conditions
Fifty-six people with lived experience contributed to Phase 2 of the project, providing firsthand insights that shaped the final recommendations. Their key concerns included:
- Limted access to specialist services
- Difficulty finding ionformation about available services
- Lack of long-term support
- Barriers to accerssing services
To address these concerns, they identified priority improvements such as:
✅ Increased awareness of available services
✅ More specialist staff
✅ Stronger peer-support networks
✅ Person-centred follow-ups
Hear from Lived Experience Representatives
Rosie Mangan and Joe Condon, who represented people with lived experience on the project, share their perspectives in these video messages.
For more information, the Lived Experience Poster and Phase 2 Summary Report provide a deeper look into their contributions and recommendations.
Hear from the HSE Programme Manager
HSE Programme Manager Neurorehabilitation Strategy and Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Network Ciara Lynch. Ciara explains the priorities of the project including the need for integration and the power of working directly with services and those with lived experience.
Specialist Neuro-Rehabilitation Community Services
The Neuro Mapping Project has provided essential tools and data-driven insights to strengthen specialist community services. The Phase 2 Report (October 2024) captures the key challenges faced by service providers, including:
- Insufficient investment in service development
- Difficulties transitioning between services
- Unequal access to services across regions
The report’s recommendations outline necessary improvements, such as:
✅ Better liaison and communication between services
✅ More specialist staff
✅ Development of person-centred service models
✅ A focus on long-term service goals
Service Provider Insights
The Service Provider Poster summarises the challenges and proposed solutions. Additionally, a video clip from the HSE Programme Manager shares perspectives on the report’s findings and next steps.
The Service Mapping Template, which documents 98 community-based neuro services, serves as a practical tool to support better signposting and service planning.
Community Health-Based Services
The Phase 1 Report (January 2023) maps the range of community services available for people with neurological conditions across different CHO areas. It highlights existing gaps and provides a framework for community-based organisations to enhance their service capacity.
Key findings from Phase 2 can support community and voluntary organisations in advocating for better resources and service development. The Service Mapping Template serves as a valuable reference for signposting, future planning, and data collection.
Advocacy and Service Improvement Tools
- Lived Experience Poster – Summarises challenges and priorities of people living with neurological conditions
- Service Provider Poster – Highlights service provider experiences and suggested improvements
- Neuro Mapping Overview Poster – Outlines project significance and how findings will inform future services
Neuro Mapping Toolkit
The Neuro Mapping Toolkit provides essential resources to support service providers, policymakers, and advocates in implementing the project’s recommendations. Access our resources below:
Reports
Phase 1 Report (2022-2023) – A national overview of community-based neurological services and the development of the Service Mapping Template.
Phase 2 Report(2023-2024) – Detailed insights into challenges faced by people with lived experience and service providers. Appendices provide region-specific findings (CHO 2, 3, and 6).
Summary Reports (Phases 1 & 2) – Concise overviews of key findings and next steps.
Resources
Service Mapping Template – Defines 10 service categories and 98 service types, helping streamline navigation and future planning.
Video Messages – Insights from lived experience representatives and the HSE Programme Manager.
Posters – Designed for awareness-raising, advocacy, and training purposes.
Find Out More
For further details or queries, please contact:
📧 Ciara, Mags, or Cathy.